fell twice in two days :(
#1
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
fell twice in two days :(
After returning to riding a couple of years ago, I finally put clipless pedals back on my non-commuter bikes. Having not used them for many years I did the sensible thing and practiced with them like I did when they were new to me. Surprisingly I went like a month without incident.
I don't really think clipless pedals are super complicated. Including today, I've only fallen because of them like 5 times since 2004 that I can recall. It's not something that I really thought about to be honest. The first time I did it in front of other cyclists I had successfully unclipped but actually clipped back in when I went to put my foot down. I kind of consider that to be a freak accident. The other times it was simple inattentiveness.
Fast forward to yesterday. I'm at a traffic light at a huge intersection. It's up hill and I just wasn't really paying attention to my pedals. I was looking at traffic and the light and as I slowed down unclipped my right foot as I started leaning left. I simply panicked in the moment and instead of even trying to unclip I just kind of accepted my fate and fell.
Then earlier today I was on a multi-use trail with a short but steep hill leading up to an intersection. I went in hot just to get up the hill and was going to stop at the top to check traffic. At the top, a car slammed on their brakes and honked their horn... Startled and distracted at the critical moment, I fell in very much the same way as the day before. My only regret in the situation is that there's no simple way for me to convey to the person in the car, "Hey, I know it looked like I was just going to blow across the street without looking, and it appears that you had to slam your brakes to avoid hitting me and then I got scared and fell. I assure you that I was always going to stop here and I just got startled and fell because I'm still getting the hang of these pedals apparently. Further, I definitely am the one that messed up here as there was no real way for you to know my intentions. I'll do better about approaching this crossing in the future. BTW, thanks for looking out in the first place as I'm sure this particular intersection is an issue."
Anyways, I went about my ride and kind of forgot about both incidents. That is, until I got to my house and as I'm slowing down and unclipping, I had to actually think about *not* leaning left when my right foot came out and I came to a stop. Now, apparently, I'm in my head about this whole stupid thing. Is something wrong with my bike, or am I just imagining this draw towards my left side? I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
I don't really think clipless pedals are super complicated. Including today, I've only fallen because of them like 5 times since 2004 that I can recall. It's not something that I really thought about to be honest. The first time I did it in front of other cyclists I had successfully unclipped but actually clipped back in when I went to put my foot down. I kind of consider that to be a freak accident. The other times it was simple inattentiveness.
Fast forward to yesterday. I'm at a traffic light at a huge intersection. It's up hill and I just wasn't really paying attention to my pedals. I was looking at traffic and the light and as I slowed down unclipped my right foot as I started leaning left. I simply panicked in the moment and instead of even trying to unclip I just kind of accepted my fate and fell.
Then earlier today I was on a multi-use trail with a short but steep hill leading up to an intersection. I went in hot just to get up the hill and was going to stop at the top to check traffic. At the top, a car slammed on their brakes and honked their horn... Startled and distracted at the critical moment, I fell in very much the same way as the day before. My only regret in the situation is that there's no simple way for me to convey to the person in the car, "Hey, I know it looked like I was just going to blow across the street without looking, and it appears that you had to slam your brakes to avoid hitting me and then I got scared and fell. I assure you that I was always going to stop here and I just got startled and fell because I'm still getting the hang of these pedals apparently. Further, I definitely am the one that messed up here as there was no real way for you to know my intentions. I'll do better about approaching this crossing in the future. BTW, thanks for looking out in the first place as I'm sure this particular intersection is an issue."
Anyways, I went about my ride and kind of forgot about both incidents. That is, until I got to my house and as I'm slowing down and unclipping, I had to actually think about *not* leaning left when my right foot came out and I came to a stop. Now, apparently, I'm in my head about this whole stupid thing. Is something wrong with my bike, or am I just imagining this draw towards my left side? I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
#2
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
I loved these Never worried about a fall.
Half Clips. Size 13 shoes
Half Clips. Size 13 shoes
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Likes For 10 Wheels:
#3
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,986
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,809 Times
in
3,317 Posts
It happens. Thankfully not for quite some time. Like flats, they tend to happen in groups of three. Then nothing for years.
So you got one more coming.
So you got one more coming.
Likes For Iride01:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18375 Post(s)
Liked 4,510 Times
in
3,352 Posts
I wonder if it would be easier to put clipless on all or none of the bikes.
Having half and half could be problematic.
Plan ahead... I suppose if you were planning to "track stand" at the top of the hill and not unclip, that could have complicated things a bit.
My worst problem is on my own driveway when I can lose traction. But, I've learned my lesson and will just bail if I lose forward momentum.
Having half and half could be problematic.
Plan ahead... I suppose if you were planning to "track stand" at the top of the hill and not unclip, that could have complicated things a bit.
My worst problem is on my own driveway when I can lose traction. But, I've learned my lesson and will just bail if I lose forward momentum.
#5
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,539
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3672 Post(s)
Liked 5,427 Times
in
2,757 Posts
Since you seem to naturally lean to the left when stopping, why not unclip and put down your left foot? I don't guess it matters which foot goes down but being consistent helps until you become more accustomed to the pedals.
#6
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
I wonder if it would be easier to put clipless on all or none of the bikes.
Having half and half could be problematic.
Plan ahead... I suppose if you were planning to "track stand" at the top of the hill and not unclip, that could have complicated things a bit.
My worst problem is on my own driveway when I can lose traction. But, I've learned my lesson and will just bail if I lose forward momentum.
Having half and half could be problematic.
Plan ahead... I suppose if you were planning to "track stand" at the top of the hill and not unclip, that could have complicated things a bit.
My worst problem is on my own driveway when I can lose traction. But, I've learned my lesson and will just bail if I lose forward momentum.
#7
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
Thanks... I guess
#8
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
I simply never thought of it. I often stop more often on the right so I can put my foot down on a curb, but in the absence of that, I'm pretty ambidextrous in terms of leaning... or I thought I was. Now it's probably all I'll think about until I don't.
#9
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
I've never tried that style. I'm pretty ok with just flats. I like clipless, but I don't feel it's a necessity to my style of riding. Maybe some day I'll give it a shot, or put these kind on my commuter.
Likes For gurana:
#10
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,986
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,809 Times
in
3,317 Posts
I eventually learned to unclip one foot anytime there is the slightest possibility of having to stop.
As for when it happens, I just roll with it, literally. I stick my knee out ever so slightly so I hit on the side of my lower leg first, the let the impact progress along my leg to my hip and roll over on my back. All the while keeping my hands firmly on my handlebars, which is where I feel the best place is for them in any crash.
Reaching out with your arms is just asking for a broke collar bone IMO.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18375 Post(s)
Liked 4,510 Times
in
3,352 Posts
Did you mention the type of pedals?
Most have a tension adjustment.
If you pull up, and climb hills out of the seat pulling up, then you need a reasonably tight tension.
If not, then you can lower the tension a lot.
For SPD, Shimano has "multirelease" which is supposed to be much easier to extract the feet from than Standard, but I've personally been avoiding them.
Most have a tension adjustment.
If you pull up, and climb hills out of the seat pulling up, then you need a reasonably tight tension.
If not, then you can lower the tension a lot.
For SPD, Shimano has "multirelease" which is supposed to be much easier to extract the feet from than Standard, but I've personally been avoiding them.
Likes For CliffordK:
#12
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
You are welcome.
I eventually learned to unclip one foot anytime there is the slightest possibility of having to stop.
As for when it happens, I just roll with it, literally. I stick my knee out ever so slightly so I hit on the side of my lower leg first, the let the impact progress along my leg to my hip and roll over on my back. All the while keeping my hands firmly on my handlebars, which is where I feel the best place is for them in any crash.
Reaching out with your arms is just asking for a broke collar bone IMO.
I eventually learned to unclip one foot anytime there is the slightest possibility of having to stop.
As for when it happens, I just roll with it, literally. I stick my knee out ever so slightly so I hit on the side of my lower leg first, the let the impact progress along my leg to my hip and roll over on my back. All the while keeping my hands firmly on my handlebars, which is where I feel the best place is for them in any crash.
Reaching out with your arms is just asking for a broke collar bone IMO.
edit:HANDLEBARS! I don't think grabbing onto the pedals will help in this situation.
Last edited by gurana; 07-17-21 at 06:32 PM.
#13
Tête de Limace
Thread Starter
Did you mention the type of pedals?
Most have a tension adjustment.
If you pull up, and climb hills out of the seat pulling up, then you need a reasonably tight tension.
If not, then you can lower the tension a lot.
For SPD, Shimano has "multirelease" which is supposed to be much easier to extract the feet from than Standard, but I've personally been avoiding them.
Most have a tension adjustment.
If you pull up, and climb hills out of the seat pulling up, then you need a reasonably tight tension.
If not, then you can lower the tension a lot.
For SPD, Shimano has "multirelease" which is supposed to be much easier to extract the feet from than Standard, but I've personally been avoiding them.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,386
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,968 Times
in
1,917 Posts
it happens, & it's more of ooooof than pain imo lol.
I rarely unclip out of the DS. Just a comfort thing for me, although, I do notice those that tend to unclip out of the DS tend to have inner leg chain markings.
I rarely unclip out of the DS. Just a comfort thing for me, although, I do notice those that tend to unclip out of the DS tend to have inner leg chain markings.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northWET washington
Posts: 1,197
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 383 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
396 Posts
I'm a left foot release out and down and am somewhat jealous of those who are right-inclined and can use the curb when they stop!
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18375 Post(s)
Liked 4,510 Times
in
3,352 Posts
I suppose I never think about unclipping with a curb to my right. More often than not there is a ditch to my right (or, of course, flat pavement).
So, the right foot remains clipped in for the power take off. Left foot comes out.
While flopping into a ditch might be bad, flopping into a traffic lane is worse.
BE VERY CAREFUL.
If this was to continue to be a problem, then I'd encourage going back to flats, or something else. Pinned pedals are relatively new... at least for me.
Toe clips, and heel down, and the foot usually goes straight out and down.
So, the right foot remains clipped in for the power take off. Left foot comes out.
While flopping into a ditch might be bad, flopping into a traffic lane is worse.
BE VERY CAREFUL.
If this was to continue to be a problem, then I'd encourage going back to flats, or something else. Pinned pedals are relatively new... at least for me.
Toe clips, and heel down, and the foot usually goes straight out and down.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 15,489
Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Mentioned: 144 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7652 Post(s)
Liked 3,473 Times
in
1,834 Posts
I almost always unclip my right foot and lean right--away from traffic. However, thanks to Mr. Newton, unclipping on the right creates a force to the left---into traffic. Normally I unconsciously lean to compensate. There have been a few occasions where I came Very close to falling left---but it has been many years since I did a clip-fall. However, it could have happened at any of those close calls .... or at any time hereafter. Mostly it happens in situations like you described---other things going on, a sudden or unusually forceful unclip, a startling incident ..... Stuff happens.
You are fine. Just ride on.
You are fine. Just ride on.
Likes For Maelochs:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,679
Bikes: too many sparkly Italians, some sweet Americans and a couple interesting Japanese
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 581 Times
in
409 Posts
Always left out and down, well in advance. Forget the curb or anything else, if it is a puddle so be it, it's automatic.
#19
Junior Member
Similar thing happened to me. Clipped out on right but went over on left side. I now unclip both sides to be safe.
#20
Senior Member
Don’t fall off your bike. Don’t use parts that make you fall off your bike. If clipless pedals make you fall don’t use clipless pedals.
It does not just happen. It does not happen to everyone. Some of us never fall from using clipless. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps with slotted cleats.
Are you made of rubber? Are you sure you can fall now and then, occasionally, once in a while, and never be injured? You want to bet on how badly you will be injured? Is using what the pros use so important you want to be injured?
It does not just happen. It does not happen to everyone. Some of us never fall from using clipless. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps with slotted cleats.
Are you made of rubber? Are you sure you can fall now and then, occasionally, once in a while, and never be injured? You want to bet on how badly you will be injured? Is using what the pros use so important you want to be injured?
Likes For 63rickert:
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 763
Bikes: S-Works Stumpjumper HT Disc, Fuji Absolute, Kona Jake the Snake, '85 Cannondale SR900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 219 Post(s)
Liked 217 Times
in
142 Posts
Don’t fall off your bike. Don’t use parts that make you fall off your bike. If clipless pedals make you fall don’t use clipless pedals.
It does not just happen. It does not happen to everyone. Some of us never fall from using clipless. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps with slotted cleats.
Are you made of rubber? Are you sure you can fall now and then, occasionally, once in a while, and never be injured? You want to bet on how badly you will be injured? Is using what the pros use so important you want to be injured?
It does not just happen. It does not happen to everyone. Some of us never fall from using clipless. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps. Some of us never fall from using clips and straps with slotted cleats.
Are you made of rubber? Are you sure you can fall now and then, occasionally, once in a while, and never be injured? You want to bet on how badly you will be injured? Is using what the pros use so important you want to be injured?
You may get people saying this is harsh, but I agree- there’s enough for me to think about and watch out for without having to manage a major contact point that carefully. I also am not willing to fall, even so rarely, because of a part on my bike.
Clipless, for me, don’t provide enough of an advantage to make their downsides worth it. They don’t help me put down more power, partly because I just worry about coming unclipped, and where I ride requires too much unclipping.
The half clips that 10 Wheels posted above are similar to ones I used for years, and I also think they’re the way to go: they provide some surety of location on the pedal without requiring planning and management of your movements during the ride.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
I'm still trying to understand why one would unclip with their right foot and lean left. What am I missing?
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,973
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
Normally my advice for over-thinking os to "pedal harder"...but that wouldn't work in this situation.
Perhaps this would be the time to take advantage of the extended membership discount to "Club Tombay"...
Perhaps this would be the time to take advantage of the extended membership discount to "Club Tombay"...
#24
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 201
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times
in
57 Posts
First, falling because you didnt unclip in time happens to all of us. Suggestions, Adjust the clip tension if possible or buy a set of pedals/clips that are easier to disconnect like frogs and lastly more practice. Best wishes
#25
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2762 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Last edited by Kapusta; 07-18-21 at 08:19 AM.
Likes For Kapusta: