Road Cycling - 2 minutes into my clipless purchase I was on the ground

The topic pretty much sums it up. My clipless pedals and shoes came today.(speedplay X2 and nashbar shoes) So I quickly installed the cleats to get a ride around the park. After 3 blocks and 1 stop sign I was on my a$$. I fell on my left side. There was a lady with her child next to me and some cars that stopped, they all saw the fall. :( I was quite embarrass to say the least. I didnt get any cuts or bruises or anything, just my brakes were a little unaligned.

Im not sure if I should unclip both sides or just 1, but from that moment on I was unclipping both waaayyyy before the red light and basicially tiptoe to the crosswalk. I also notice that I was not as aggressive as I was before. I use to maneuver pass cars and double parked ones now im too afraid to even go at their speed, but on the descent downhill at the park where I normally hit 30, I was about to go 32.7 :)

Im not sure if I should sell the clipless and go with straps. I might give it a couple more tries but im really afraid of falling, this is my first fall since I was 13 or so(7 years).

My advice is not to sweat it.

Last weekend was my first group ride and 3rd with clipless. So, I come to a stop sign with 200 feet left in the 20 mile ride, and you guessed it, feel over on my right side. I got a nice rasberry on my right arm.

I have speed play pedals too and I find that I have to turn my knee inward as well as my heel outward and pedal a revolution to quickly get my foot out fo the pedals. I don't know if that is the best form, but I can do it more quickly now.

After my accident, I road up and down my straight street clipping and unclipping to practice.

Don't unclip both feet unless you like crushed balls. Just make sure to unclip the side you are going to land with before you are no longer able to take an alternate course of action like riding over to a lamp post or grabbing on a car. In time you will be unclipping and clipping in like a pro :)

Hey it's more common than you think. I've been using clipless pedals for over 12 years now and my first day in my Looks the same thing happened. Unfortunately I did it in front of the LBS where all the racers hung out. I pulled up to show of the new pedals and promptly fell on my a#$! To add insult to injury I couldn't get un-clipped so one the racer types, who was laughing his a#$ off, had to come over and get me out! One of the most embarrasing moments of my cylcing life!

Don't unclip both feet unless you like crushed balls. Just make sure to unclip the side you are going to land with before you are no longer able to take an alternate course of action like riding over to a lamp post or grabbing on a car. In time you will be unclipping and clipping in like a pro :)


Just takes a bit of practice, stick with them.

Most people fall once or twice when they start riding clipless. the few that say they didn't fall are either lucky or dishonest..:D

--
A friend of mine (Olympic champ and a trainer) told me that there are 2 ways to learn how to ride with clipless pedals:


1) Just put them on, go out and ride. after you fall once or twice, you will remember to un-clip and it will become second nature ..


2) Or, get on the bike in the garage and fine a place to hold on to, and just click in and out hundreds of times one each foot. When you feel it is natural and you know how to do it without thinking, then go out to ride. After you fall once or twice you will rememberer to unclip and it will become second nature..:)

Just takes time to get the move down. Pretty soon it will be second nature. I'm sure if you think back to when you first tried straps, you were probably a bit hesitate with those at first too. The more practice you can get in with them right away, the better. Either use your street if it's not too busy, or find a big empty parking lot. Pick spots to stop at and just keep going over and over it until you start to feel comfortable.

As time has gone on, I've gotten to the point that I am able to unclip fast enough that I can come to a standstill, check for traffic at an intersection and either keep going, or unclip right there. Course, it's taken about 3 years... lol.

Do a search here - there have been many other threads that share your same experience, and some tips on how to avoid falls with clipless.

A couple quick ones: practice clipping in and out, starting and stopping in a "safe place" - a long level driveway, level grass area of a park, etc. - practice will give you more confidence and familiarity with clipping in and out. It does become 2nd nature after awhile - but almost ALL of us took a fall early on that was every bit as embarrassing as yours (just check those threads).

I always clip out on the same side, and make sure I shift weight to that side, so I don't have to unclip on the other side (or fall over because I leaned the wrong way - to the still clipped-in side). This too becomes habit after a little while.

The intersection I was on was like alittle hill. So I couldnt get enough momentum to have both feet on the pedals yet but I tried and thats how i fell.
And BillyBob, I've notice that too when i pedal. My toes are inward and heels outward.

Also the speedplay cleats are really uncomfortable to walk on. Now I know what all the rumors are about looking like a duck. Also I found that my right foot gets real numb after 10miles or so.

Also I like the look on the lady's face when I fell. She was like how in the world did you fall whiling going that slow. I know I would have thought the same :)


How come you guys dont unclip both sides? I assume its more stable and safer? But it is a pain to get both back in

You mainly only unclip one side because that is all you need to stop and put a foot down. Also, like you said, it's a pain to clip in two feet when you are trying to hurry across an intersection or whatnot. Unclip one... just be sure that's the foot you normally put down when you come to a stop.

I've only fallen from not getting unclipped once... and it was on a dirt path, going up hill... tried to hop my front tire over a large root, missed, bike stopped, couldn't unclip, fell over. Thankfully it was in the woods and nobody was around.

But my most embarrassing fall (actually it's happened twice now) was when I actually had one foot unclipped and on the ground, and I just sorta lost my balance for a second and started leaning toward the foot that was not unclipped. I couldn't get it unclipped and basically fell over on that side ... while stopped, and with one foot unclipped on and the ground. LOL.

Pracitce makes perfect, once you get the hang of it you will love them, most people fall at least once and it was bound to happen. Just be happy you got no injuries and keep practicing.

One thing I did, (and I have never fallen due to the pedals) is sit on the bike in my room with the shoes on and just practice clipping in and out.

I never need to unclip both feet, I always keep one in so I can take off with ease at stop lights.

You will get it, just stay with it!

Im not sure if I should sell the clipless and go with straps. I might give it a couple more tries but im really afraid of falling, this is my first fall since I was 13 or so(7 years).

Straps are even worse. You have to remember to loosen them or no amount of twisting will get you out. At least with clipless you still have a chance when the bike starts to tip over.

And to echo others statements, only unclip and set down your left foot.

Well, I had never used speical pedals before three days ago, when I got some "Look-type" pedals: it took me about 5 minutes to get used to them, they're totally a breeze to use. I clip out only on the left side at stops and intersections, and their super easy to clip back in---gravity and forward motion kinda do it for me.

I didn't realize how easy it was!

The only issue I have is: the cleats already look worn out from the "walking" down the stairs I had to do. In general, does anyone know how long the cleats last, assuming normal wear and tear??

Well, I had never used speical pedals before three days ago, when I got some "Look-type" pedals: it took me about 5 minutes to get used to them, they're totally a breeze to use. I clip out only on the left side at stops and intersections, and their super easy to clip back in---gravity and forward motion kinda do it for me.

I didn't realize how easy it was!

The only issue I have is: the cleats already look worn out from the "walking" down the stairs I had to do. In general, does anyone know how long the cleats last, assuming normal wear and tear??

I have the same pedals (super easy to learn on). The plastic cleats tend to look more worn than the metal but they will last a long time.

But my most embarrassing fall (actually it's happened twice now) was when I actually had one foot unclipped and on the ground, and I just sorta lost my balance for a second and started leaning toward the foot that was not unclipped. I couldn't get it unclipped and basically fell over on that side ... while stopped, and with one foot unclipped on and the ground. LOL.

This is the funniest thing in the world... i have come so close to doing this myself. I have fallen twice due to the pedals, as everyone said, it is just a matter of getting used to them. Have fun!

my lbs put me on a trainer first before they let me out of the store after getting my first pair of clipless shoes. on/off/on/off about 10-15 times. once i got the hang of it, they took me out back and made sure i was ok.

the first time i actually went out riding, i almost collided with a golf cart coming around a blind corner (maintenance) at my science park. thank god the lbs hadn't let me out before practicing lol. i was able to clip out quickly and stop unscathed :)

melloboy

I'm falling, and I got my clips back in June. I fell 3 times while I was overseas, and 3 times while I've been home. I dunno what's wrong with me- I just get so comfortable while clipped in that sometimes I just don't even think, and before I know it, I'm on the ground because I forgot to clip out before I stopped. Last weekend, I even forgot which foot I unclipped, and when we arrived at the bike rack, I went to put my foot down... it was the wrong foot, and I fell over. God, I don't know how much longer I'm going to give them. I feel very discouraged, but I do know my pedalling efficiency has increased a lot, so they are important to use. I just hate forgetting that I am clipped in. :(

I'll keep it up and eventually, I guess I'll remember.

Koffee

P.S. I was less than 2 minutes into my purchase too- and to top it off, I fell so hard onto my handlebars (the hybrid straight ones) that I bruised my boob and even now, in August, I still have a dent with a big, purple bruise in them from way back in May. The doctor said it was a deep tissue trauma, and it will take time to heal. Sheesh, it hurt for weeks and weeks after. So I feel your pain... just keep with it. After my disfigurement, I'm still riding with clipless, though not in the streets. I don't think I'm ready to ride in traffic with them just yet.

Koffee

But my most embarrassing fall (actually it's happened twice now) was when I actually had one foot unclipped and on the ground, and I just sorta lost my balance for a second and started leaning toward the foot that was not unclipped. I couldn't get it unclipped and basically fell over on that side ... while stopped, and with one foot unclipped on and the ground. LOL.

LOL! This happend to me on Sunday. I got back from the group ride and was pulling up into my driveway. I had unclipped my left foot as usual and was letting the momentum of the bike take me up the driveway. The bike almost came to a stop and I realised that I was leaning too far to the right. Anyone watching must have seen this unfold in slow motion. I began to fall over ever so slowly, my arms flailing about and frantically trying to unclip my right foot and pull the bike back to the left. Unsuccessfully. It's damn hard trying to unclip the "wrong" foot lying down with the bike on top of you!

Most people fall once or twice when they start riding clipless. the few that say they didn't fall are either lucky or dishonest..:D

--
A friend of mine (Olympic champ and a trainer) told me that there are 2 ways to learn how to ride with clipless pedals:


1) Just put them on, go out and ride. after you fall once or twice, you will remember to un-clip and it will become second nature ..


2) Or, get on the bike in the garage and fine a place to hold on to, and just click in and out hundreds of times one each foot. When you feel it is natural and you know how to do it without thinking, then go out to ride. After you fall once or twice you will rememberer to unclip and it will become second nature..:)


hahahaha!!! what great advice...

It happens to everybody. Friend of our just fell out of his Time Atacs. We asked him if we should put the training wheels back on. Another one hit a stationary, brightly painted concrete object. So now we point everytime we see something painted yellow. Good for a few laughs. You'll look back years from now and laugh over it. :)

Best.

Nice PriO!
My first time was going down mcdonald avenue next to the cemetary, slowed way down but realized I couldn't make it across the light and ended up leaning on the police car. They yelled at first then when asked to move, I said, "I can't, I'm stuck to the bike!", they started laughing at me.
Loosen them up all the way, I find that usually helps. I have all my clipless pedals on the loosest setting and have yet to pop out unexpectedly.

Most people fall once or twice when they start riding clipless. the few that say they didn't fall are either lucky or dishonest..:D

--
A friend of mine (Olympic champ and a trainer) told me that there are 2 ways to learn how to ride with clipless pedals:


1) Just put them on, go out and ride. after you fall once or twice, you will remember to un-clip and it will become second nature ..


2) Or, get on the bike in the garage and fine a place to hold on to, and just click in and out hundreds of times one each foot. When you feel it is natural and you know how to do it without thinking, then go out to ride. After you fall once or twice you will rememberer to unclip and it will become second nature..:)


LOL...I thought speedplays were a b$tch to get used to...LOOKs were pretty simple...

How come you guys dont unclip both sides?

It only takes one foot on the ground to keep your bike upright. Your other foot remains clipped in.....absolutely no reason to unclip. Just watch how other cyclists unclip.

The topic pretty much sums it up. My clipless pedals and shoes came today.(speedplay X2 and nashbar shoes) So I quickly installed the cleats to get a ride around the park. After 3 blocks and 1 stop sign I was on my a$$. I fell on my left side. There was a lady with her child next to me and some cars that stopped, they all saw the fall. :( I was quite embarrass to say the least. I didnt get any cuts or bruises or anything, just my brakes were a little unaligned.

Im not sure if I should unclip both sides or just 1, but from that moment on I was unclipping both waaayyyy before the red light and basicially tiptoe to the crosswalk. I also notice that I was not as aggressive as I was before. I use to maneuver pass cars and double parked ones now im too afraid to even go at their speed, but on the descent downhill at the park where I normally hit 30, I was about to go 32.7 :)

Im not sure if I should sell the clipless and go with straps. I might give it a couple more tries but im really afraid of falling, this is my first fall since I was 13 or so(7 years).

I learned at 59 yo, you can learn at 20!

I had two falls, none in past 5.5 years. Survived them both. Changed to new clips this year - no problems, either.

I love them.

Antcipate, anticipate, anticipate. Unclip the foot you use unclipped whenever you think you might need to - ahead of time. Keep the other foot clipped in. (I always unclip my right foot, keep left foot clipped - whatever works for you)

Gravel, stop lights, signs, kids, whatever.

Hey it's more common than you think. I've been using clipless pedals for over 12 years now and my first day in my Looks the same thing happened. Unfortunately I did it in front of the LBS where all the racers hung out. I pulled up to show of the new pedals and promptly fell on my a#$! To add insult to injury I couldn't get un-clipped so one the racer types, who was laughing his a#$ off, had to come over and get me out! One of the most embarrasing moments of my cylcing life!

Your story made me laugh out loud, especially as I tried to envision it! :rolleyes:

I bruised my boob and even now, in August, I still have a dent with a big, purple bruise in them from way back in May.

Koffee

Okay, you know we all have to post pictures of our injuries, Right. :D

Nice PriO!
My first time was going down mcdonald avenue next to the cemetary, slowed way down but realized I couldn't make it across the light and ended up leaning on the police car. They yelled at first then when asked to move, I said, "I can't, I'm stuck to the bike!", they started laughing at me.
Loosen them up all the way, I find that usually helps. I have all my clipless pedals on the loosest setting and have yet to pop out unexpectedly.

loosen them up? you mean the 4 black screws?

Man if you haven't fallen in that long, you need to ride more!!! :D

To be fair, my first ride with clipless, I rolled up next to a VW Jetta with 4 very good looking girls in it, and they all looked over and smiled as I was rolling up, and I can only imagine what they were thinking as I completely disappeared as I fell over right next to them. It was pretty funny...

Everyone I know who switched from toe clips to clipless fell the first time they rode with clipless. I did and that has been the only time. Keep with it.

loosen them up? you mean the 4 black screws?

PriO, don't loosen the four black screws all the way(!) The screws need to be snug so that your cleats don't slide around on the bottom of your shoes. They can be over-tightened, and that will make it next to impossible to clip in and clip out. But too loose will give you more "float" than you bargained for! Snug is what you want: You should feel some resistance and then a firm connection when stepping in as the spring is forced open then closes. Similarly, you want to learn to give a definite twist outward with your heel, feeling your ankle/foot overcoming the resistance of the spring, when clipping out. Some people tighten them up snug and then use loctite. If you don't do that, be sure and check every 100 miles or so that they are snug.

By the way, I've been on speedplays for 18 months now. Fell down the first day, then a few days later. Darn near did the same thing earlier this week, too. Of course, when I first got STI shifters it took me over an hour to figure out how to get them to downshift! Kept riding in circles around the park on the big ring and the 12 tooth gear .... cursing ... until I lucked out and discovered the technique of flapping the brake and shift levers inward ....

PriO, don't loosen the four black screws all the way(!) The screws need to be snug so that your cleats don't slide around on the bottom of your shoes. They can be over-tightened, and that will make it next to impossible to clip in and clip out. But too loose will give you more "float" than you bargained for! Snug is what you want: You should feel some resistance and then a firm connection when stepping in as the spring is forced open then closes. Similarly, you want to learn to give a definite twist outward with your heel, feeling your ankle/foot overcoming the resistance of the spring, when clipping out. Some people tighten them up snug and then use loctite. If you don't do that, be sure and check every 100 miles or so that they are snug.

By the way, I've been on speedplays for 18 months now. Fell down the first day, then a few days later. Darn near did the same thing earlier this week, too. Of course, when I first got STI shifters it took me over an hour to figure out how to get them to downshift! Kept riding in circles around the park on the big ring and the 12 tooth gear .... cursing ... until I lucked out and discovered the technique of flapping the brake and shift levers inward ....

I feel better...I probably reached for the downtube 45 times the first 10 rides with ergopower...evev rode off the road trying to shift down while climbing...

LOL...I thought speedplays were a b$tch to get used to...LOOKs were pretty simple...

Oh no. Not THE Zensuit. :eek: Are you the Zensuit that owes me $2?

Back on topic, Having started on ATACs and then movign to SPDs I think I had it easy. I can't remember falling ever but I sure can remember some VERY close calls where the bike fell and I was stumbling to stay up.

My best fall came when I stopped to help a good-looking girl with changing a tire on her car. I stopped and unclipped my right foot as I always do and asked if she needed help. When she said yes, I proceeded to attempt to unclip my left foot which I swore came out but really didn't and as I went to put that foot onto the ground, the bike came with it and so did I. Only slightly embarassing. It was 7am on a Saturday morning so I guess it's excusable.

Man if you haven't fallen in that long, you need to ride more!!! :D



I'm working on it, I'm really working on it! :)

Did 41 miles today, 2,697.9 miles so far this year. I know this is peanuts compared to all you heavy-duty riders, but it is better than watching TV on the sofa! At least I think so.

And still haven't fallen in 5.5 years! :roflmao:

I got my 1st road bike yesterday, and it has clipless on them.
In the store, I practiced for about 20 minutes, clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out.

Lucky to say, I didn't fall on my first day. Yay!
So, this morning, hoping to improve on my new learnt skill, I leaned slightly against the wall in my appartment. Clip in and out and all way well. Until I decided to take two strokes into the middle of the room, hoping to unclip in the middle there. Well, I uncliped one foot alright...but was leaning on the wrong side, fell on my arse and my bike hit the TV. Didn't hurt me, but oh, my bike...my carbon frame bike... I was soooo worried about it. But all is well.

Now, after reading the whole thread, I guess these are what people do:
Unclip one foot only, never both.
Lean on the side you unclipped.
Unclip in advance, always.

I have a few more details to ask though:
1. Do you unclip when your foot is at the bottom, top or middle of the stroke?
2. Do you sit in the saddle while unclipping? Or when standing on the pedals?
3. Can experienced riders unclip as fast as just taking feet off a platform pedal?

I have a few more details to ask though:
1. Do you unclip when your foot is at the bottom, top or middle of the stroke?
2. Do you sit in the saddle while unclipping? Or when standing on the pedals?
3. Can experienced riders unclip as fast as just taking feet off a platform pedal?

1. Makes no difference, what ever position is comfortable for you...
2. It's a lot easier and safer sitting...
3. Usually faster than toe-clipped pedals...

I'm falling, and I got my clips back in June. I fell 3 times while I was overseas, and 3 times while I've been home. I dunno what's wrong with me- I just get so comfortable while clipped in that sometimes I just don't even think, and before I know it, I'm on the ground because I forgot to clip out before I stopped. Last weekend, I even forgot which foot I unclipped, and when we arrived at the bike rack, I went to put my foot down... it was the wrong foot, and I fell over. God, I don't know how much longer I'm going to give them. I feel very discouraged, but I do know my pedalling efficiency has increased a lot, so they are important to use. I just hate forgetting that I am clipped in. :(

I'll keep it up and eventually, I guess I'll remember.

Koffee

I feel your pain Koffee. I remember doing this once or twice, always with witnesses, of course. Always and I mean always unclip the same foot first and at the same pedal position. For me I always unclip my right foot at the 6 o'clock position. When starting out I always clip the left foot in first, then the right. Force yourself to do it the same every time.... after a while it will become automatic.

It has become so automatic for me to unclip when slowing that I don't think about it. I fell once this year, after a lot of years with Looks, when one of my 7yo twin daughters decided to test her skill going into bushes (on the sidewalk on Marlborough Road, coming from Pros Park). I hit her and we both fell when I couldn't get out. We both got up and got back on our bikes.

Whaddya do when you fall off your bike? Get back on and ride away. Waddya do when you fall off a horse? KICK IT!!! I've trained my kids well.;)

After a couple stops, unclipping becomes automatic.

Remember, always unclip and put your LEFT foot down. That way you avoid the chainring tattoo on your inner calf. Unless you don't care 'bout those type of things. :)

always unclip the same foot first and at the same pedal position.

Over the years I've made a habit of unclipping with either foot (feet?). Not only do your cleats and pedals last longer, but in case of a panic situation you instictively unclip the proper foot, whether right or left. Therefore, during a normal approach to a stop, my right or left would unclip without thinking.

I fell a couple of times. The last time when I got home, I took off my shoe and grab an allen wrench and loosen the adjustment screws. I would put the shoe into the cleat and see how much power was need to release from cheat. Loosen the screw and got a good fit, I have not fell since then.

1))) I would get used to unclipping anywhere in your stroke because you never know when you are going to unclip in a hurry like in the bike path a kid jumps in front of you.
2))) It easier unclipping sitting down.
3))) I would have to say after getting uses to pedals it the same time to get foot off pedal. A few weeks ago, a buddy and me went from a ride. On our way back home it started to rain. I try to turn to fast and the bike went out from under me. My foot hit the ground first but being slippery I still end up on my a**. It just has to become natural.

The chainring tatoo on the calf is cool. It let the world know I am a CYCLIST when wearing short. Don't do anything when wearing pants.

David

I feel your pain Koffee. I remember doing this once or twice, always with witnesses, of course. Always and I mean always unclip the same foot first and at the same pedal position. For me I always unclip my right foot at the 6 o'clock position. When starting out I always clip the left foot in first, then the right. Force yourself to do it the same every time.... after a while it will become automatic.


Thanks Gramps. I swear, sometimes I have been so upset that I've wondered if clipless is for me. I really like clipless, but the falling is pretty bad. I am sitting here right now with a slight soreness in my knee from the last fall. Plus, I scraped some of the paint off my new bike, so I'm pretty upset about that. I will bring my bike back to Italy to the factory I got it from and ask them to repaint where the paint got scraped off. I will probably see them at Interbike, so I will bring my bike along and talk to them about the scrapes and scratches.

Falling sucks. I sometimes obsess about unclipping and don't focus so much on the riding, so sometimes, I can't enjoy the ride very much. :( I am feeling frustrated right now and wondering how many times I need to fall before I get used to it. :( If I didn't see the increase in speed myself as a result of being clipless, I would have moved back to the platforms about 2 months ago.

I will try to remember to always go with the right foot, since it seems to be the foot I favor putting on the ground when I stop at lights. I guess sooner or later, my body will catch on.

Koffee

Good advice DMD70. I was watching other cyclists at the group ride unclip and they did not seem to move their foot as far as I had to. I just assumed that the speedplays were different than their pedals (not quite sure what brand they were).

I will have to play with the adjustment on mine to see if I can make unclipping easier.

I can't count how many times I bit the dust before I finally got the hang of my clips. And I've always thought they were clips, now I hear clipless?? Who knew. Ya'll did I guess! Anyway...yeah, it can be embarassing at first, especially when you just plain flat tip over in front of 17 school girls crossing the street. I always just unclip one foot, although like an idiot I unclipped one foot and then leaned to the wrong side...my blonde showing through! That was a nightmare. So you see...if I can get the hang of it, surely you can too. I wouldn't have it any other way...especially trying to hammer up a hill...clips are the only way to go!!!

My advice just learn to track stand then there is no uncliping to remember and fall from but you'll still fall learning to do this. LOL don't remember the number of times I have checked the earth gravity for one reason or another. If you unclip just do one side, after your foot is on the ground and you are stablized rise the other pedle to the 10-11 o'clock position this makes for a good start. b

Don't unclip both feet unless you like crushed balls. Just make sure to unclip the side you are going to land with before you are no longer able to take an alternate course of action like riding over to a lamp post or grabbing on a car. In time you will be unclipping and clipping in like a pro :)

:eek:



Most people fall once or twice when they start riding clipless. the few that say they didn't fall are either lucky or dishonest..:D

--
A friend of mine (Olympic champ and a trainer) told me that there are 2 ways to learn how to ride with clipless pedals:


1) Just put them on, go out and ride. after you fall once or twice, you will remember to un-clip and it will become second nature ..


2) Or, get on the bike in the garage and fine a place to hold on to, and just click in and out hundreds of times one each foot. When you feel it is natural and you know how to do it without thinking, then go out to ride. After you fall once or twice you will rememberer to unclip and it will become second nature..:)

Well put.

Regarding all the suggestions about loosening the screw/tension/etc, bear in mind that the original poster has Speedplay X-series pedals. These do not have a tension adjustment nor do they really need it. However, as PsuedoCrow correctly identified, having the mounting bolts too tight can bind the "coathanger spring" in the cleat which can make it abnormally hard to unclip. Also, it's a good idea to periodically lube the cleats. Speedplay suggests White Lightning but any dry lube will do. Another thing to note is that the Speedplay cleats do take a little bit to wear in. The spring and the cleat plates will eventually wear in and becoming easier and smoother to release and engage. My Speedplays wore in after about 50 actions. You can of course accelerate this. Find a nice stable pillar or something and lean up against it while working the pedals (both sides).

Another thing nobody has mentioned is that it doesn't necessarily pay to unclip slowly. I always suggest you flick your foot out quickly and with a lot of force. Don't be timid about it. A vagueness in motion may not get your foot unclippled properly.

P.S. I was less than 2 minutes into my purchase too- and to top it off, I fell so hard onto my handlebars (the hybrid straight ones) that I bruised my boob and even now, in August, I still have a dent with a big, purple bruise in them from way back in May.

That's a title if I ever saw one: Dented Boob :D

P.S. I was less than 2 minutes into my purchase too- and to top it off, I fell so hard onto my handlebars (the hybrid straight ones) that I bruised my boob and even now, in August, I still have a dent with a big, purple bruise in them from way back in May.

You need to get someone to give the boob some rubbing then if the bruise is still there. No, honestly, rubbing helps getting ride of the blood that are trapped in the bruised area.