Triathlon - Removing shoes on the bike....

Ok maybe I'm doing something wrong. but how in the world do you strap and unstrap your tri-shoes while ON the bike. I just got them about a month ago, I used them for 1 event so far which the transition area let you just ride off so I didn't need to. My next event is this week, and I tried yesterday to un-strap them while riding... I can't reach the straps! Are my arms too short or am I doing something wrong? I can't imagine getting them tight enough to ride fast based on my reach to the straps! And I totally can't get them off.....

It does a bit of balance and flexibility to be able to reach down and undo the straps while riding, though once you get the hang of it it's second nature. Try practicing on your trainer or a stationery bike, where the likelihood of a fall is minimal :)

Something like this...

http://imgbkp01.brightroom.com/9063/9063-164-015f.jpg

Something like this...

http://imgbkp01.brightroom.com/9063/9063-164-015f.jpg

I literally can't reach the shoe like that, I think my arms are too short!

http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/sask/images/engdinosaur.jpg

Are you placing in your age group regularly? If not, I wouldn't worry about it unless you just want to do it for the cool factor.

If so, make sure you are using tri specific shoes (i.e. one strap that goes the opposite direction from road shoes.)

Otherwise, practice, practice, practice. Before my A races, I will do a section 2-3 times a week in the few weeks leading up to the race where I hop on the bike, put my shoes on, ride around the block, then take them off while still riding. I do this at least 10 times per session. This yields smooth mounting on race day.

It is a common misconception that you have to be "fast" or "placing in your age group regularly" in order to benefit from the shoes-clipped-in T1. In slippery or treacherous transition areas, clipping in the shoes can be a safety decision, where running in bicycle cleats could lead to a slip or fall. Also, running in bike shoes, even for a short distance, has the potential to damage the cleats, especially if you're using Speedplay pedals/cleats.

So, even if you're slow, you could potentially benefit from having your shoes clipped in, if you practice it.

Note: if you haven't practiced getting into your shoes while you're biking, and you happen to encounter a treacherous transition area, consider running barefoot, carrying your cycling shoes to the mount line and putting your shoes on your feet at the mount line. That way, you don't have to worry about slipping *or* getting into your shoes while you're biking!

It is a common misconception that you have to be "fast" or "placing in your age group regularly" in order to benefit from the shoes-clipped-in T1. In slippery or treacherous transition areas, clipping in the shoes can be a safety decision, where running in bicycle cleats could lead to a slip or fall. Also, running in bike shoes, even for a short distance, has the potential to damage the cleats, especially if you're using Speedplay pedals/cleats.

So, even if you're slow, you could potentially benefit from having your shoes clipped in, if you practice it.

Note: if you haven't practiced getting into your shoes while you're biking, and you happen to encounter a treacherous transition area, consider running barefoot, carrying your cycling shoes to the mount line and putting your shoes on your feet at the mount line. That way, you don't have to worry about slipping *or* getting into your shoes while you're biking!

Thank you.

No I do not place, (though I hope to one day) I do like to have a fast time and being that I spent extra money on tri-shoes I want all the benefits of them. Aside from the thought of running in them sucking as well.

My next race is Sunday, I'll try and mess with it tomorrow and if I can't figure it out I'll just go with your suggestion of running barefoot and putting them on at the mount line. I can get them on pretty fast.

I wasn't trying to be snotty, I just wanted to put things in perspective. I'd keep practicing until you get it down. Definitely don't both until then or you'll waste more time fiddling with them then you save. (I speak from experience.)

I put my foot on top of the shoes. Once I've built up some speed, I coast, rotate to the twelve o'clock position, and slip my toes into the shoe. I then hold the pull loop on the back of the shoe while I push down on the pedal. My foot slides in with this pressure. I usually do both feet, then do the straps. Unless you are T. Rex, your arms should be long enough for this.

Ok I'm not ******** anymore. I managed to figure it out in my parking lot before, and did about 15 repetitions to make sure it wasn't a fluke. i was just not reaching the right way.