Road Cycling - Engaging SPD Style Pedals - The Maiden Voyage

Ok this morning, after two days of practice, I hop on my bike for a test ride. As I am standing behind my vehicle I say a small prayer to the cycling Gods, asking that if I must wipe out to please let it be as far away from people as humanly possible. I got my right foot clipped in just fine, so I pushed on the pedal and started down the street. To my amazement I got my left foot clipped in before the stop sign. I dutifully unclipped, came to a full stop and checked for oncoming traffic and then proceeded on my way. To my utter amazement I had no problems getting my left foot clipped back in. Yipppeeeeeee.

I did it, I made the transition to clipless pedals and I love it. It feels easier on my knees than the toe clips and hills are a dream. I can't believe I waited so long to do it. I decided that if I do get a Christmas bonus I am going to splurge on some really nice SPD pedals.

Thank you to everyone that came to my aid with words of encouragement and advice. I tried everything but the shaving of my shoes, and in some wonderful way it all came together. I am really estatic and I am beginning to think that the goal of doing my first time trial next year isn't so far fetched.

Thanks again.

CC

Soon, it will be all second nature. You'll never go back now! :)

Congrats! CC .........

I understand what you went through. It took me several rides until it was second nature. Sometimes I still have to think about it.

Now for that time trial .......

The thought of going back to toe clips hurts my head. My ride was so much fun this morning. I am just really glad my knees didn't hurt, since that was what was stopping me in the first place.

Originally posted by cyclochica
The thought of going back to toe clips hurts my head. My ride was so much fun this morning. I am just really glad my knees didn't hurt, since that was what was stopping me in the first place.

I found the same thing re: knee pain - much better with clipless pedals than I was before! You'll love them more and more as you keep riding with them...

I too am a recent convert to clipless pedals/shoes and I couldn't be happier either. The maiden voyage is pretty scary, but well worth the chance.

Great job!

its not the maiden voyage taht you have to worry about though. its the second or third where you THINK you know what you are doing, and you forget that you have clipless on, and then the stoplight comes, and you fall over. thats how it works.

Originally posted by cyclochica
The thought of going back to toe clips hurts my head. My ride was so much fun this morning. I am just really glad my knees didn't hurt, since that was what was stopping me in the first place.

I switched from toeclips to clipless as soon as Shimano introduced the MTB SPD pedal. It was the first viable offroad clipless system. I made the transition very easily and like you found that clipless was much easier to work than toeclips and straps. I did find some failings over time with the SPD pedals though (clogging in mud, no float) and have since moved on to better pedal systems (Time ATACs for MTB and Speedplay Zeros for RB). I however will not go back to toeclips and straps for serious riding but I do have a pair of Winwood Instep adapters refitted with Time ATAC cleats instead of Shimano cleats for use on my MTB when I just want to cruise around town in regular shoes.