Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Went Clipless Tonight!!

Yahoo!!!! I was finally able to get my stuck clip pedal off tonight and put on my new Candy C pedals and my new Shimano MT-21 shoes. It was getting late and decided to go for a quick 5 mile spin. Boy what a difference! I can't wait till I really get used to the clipless system. My AVG speed went up 3 mph's but that was probably due to the fact I knew I was staying short tonight and could go faster than usual to give myself a good workout. However, I was able to hit and maintain 20mph on the flat straight-aways.
I also felt more secure on the bike and didnt' have to worry about my feet readjusting. Even with toe clips my feet would move on the pedal. Also with clips my regular sneakers would rub against the crank arm and make a squeaking noise. No more with clipless. I can't believe it took me so long to go clipless.

I've been riding off and on for 5 years but never more than 250 miles a year. This year I set a go of 500 by August and already have 156 miles longed in the last two months while I was getting back in riding condition. I decided that since I cant' get a road bike right now that I would trick out my hybrid. Started with a Specialized Avatar saddle, then got a jersey to go with my cycling shorts that a got years ago, now I decide d to go clipless!!!

If you are on the fence about going clipless, then I recommend it highly. I was able to NOT CRASH on my first ride!!!! Yahooooo~!~!!!!

about time :)

I refuse to let go of my spiked platform pedals.

when you do.... and you will.... you will wonder why you waited :)

Can you post a link to some clipless shoes?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=409298 :p

depends on what kind of shoes you are looking for, what do you have in mind, road or off-road.

Went clipless also not to long ago, MAN what a difference. Now that I am used to them it is Great. I have to admit though my 2nd time out I didn't click out in time on my left foot and was blown over by the wind. :eek:

I threw some clipless SPDs on my new cross bike. While I managed not to fall over due to not clipping out fast enough on my first ride, I did fall on my side today haha. I'll be throwing new pedals on my mountain bike too I think.

I think that loosing weight at the crank has to be one of the most benificial. Lighter shoes and pedals. Don't confuse that with losing weight with the crank though.

Trust me, as a reformed retrogrouch....if you ever give them an honest try, you will be absolutely stunned by the increase in efficiency of the spin and power transfer. You'll also be amazed at the increase in foot comfort after a spell in the pedals and lack of hot spots in the sole of your foot. :D
I refuse to let go of my spiked platform pedals.

I refuse to let go of my spiked platform pedals.

+1.

Have to agree with clipless pedals. I was skeptical at first too, but they are so much better than cages or straight pedals. The clipping in isn't bad, don't forget to clip out though, 3rd ride (today) talked to my father in law... forgot... fell over :)

Congrats on getting the clipless. Once you get used to them, it becomes second nature to clip out when coming to a stop.


I threw some clipless SPDs on my new cross bike. While I managed not to fall over due to not clipping out fast enough on my first ride, I did fall on my side today haha. I'll be throwing new pedals on my mountain bike too I think.

That sounds pretty much like my first clipless fall. I decided to stop, and check out what was new at the LBS while out on a ride. Unclipped my left foot, and placed it on a step leading into the shop. Grabbed my water bottle, and took a little drink. In that little moment, I forgot my other foot was still clipped in. Guess which way I went to get off my bike!? Whoops! There I went, in a heap.

I decided to stop, and check out what was new at the LBS while out on a ride. Unclipped my left foot, and placed it on a step leading into the shop. Grabbed my water bottle, and took a little drink. In that little moment, I forgot my other foot was still clipped in. Guess which way I went to get off my bike!? Whoops! There I went, in a heap.


Even after 2 full seasons -and starting a 3rd one- with clipless, I still have to make a conscious effort to remember that my feet are locked in and to remember which foot I released. :-(

Always learning, I suppose...

Clipless pedals were one of the great advances in cycling technology. In the old days, when I raced, we used toe clips and a cleat that had a groove that fit over the edge if the cage-type pedal. When you were clipped in, the only way to get out was to bend down and release the strap. There was no emergency release, and when you went down, your feet stayed firmly attached to the bike! To this day, however, I don't feel right unless my feet are part of the pedals.

Even after 2 full seasons -and starting a 3rd one- with clipless, I still have to make a conscious effort to remember that my feet are locked in and to remember which foot I released. :-(

Always learning, I suppose...

Very nearly toppled the wrong way this morning at a stop sign. Had my left foot out plenty early, but wind, gravity, whatever wanted me to go right. I salvaged it, but it would have been ugly.

They're Great! Now, after a crash when I couldn't un clip fast enough, if you have a trainer.

Practice getting out of them at different stages of the pedaling cycle. At the top of the stroke, bottom and midway around.

I couldn't get out fast enough and have the raspberries to prove it :)

Way to go Paco! Hope you continue to enjoy 'em...

I went out for a 25.8 mile ride today. During the first 4 miles my wife and I stopped for breakfast. I was pulling up to the restaurant with lots of windows. I unclipped my right foot first, but for some reason I thought my left was the foot unclipped and I leaned to the right and fell over. FOrtunately The fall caused my foot to unclip was able to pretty much stop the fall with my foot, so it was about a 3/4 fall. Still was pretty embarrassing.

But I love my Clipless.