Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clipless and hills

I am getting Speedplay clipless pedals for my new road bike. I've never ridden with clipless and have mixed feelings about doing this. I currently ride with Powergrips and they are working out fine. I had one near miss with the Powergrips. I was following too close to my spouse and he did a stop without warning. I almost fell over getting out of the pedals and ended up with my seat banging into my rear end, bruising me. Otherwise, no incidents in the month that I have been using them.

I saw this in a post today:


Naturally i got caught in the stop light, started up the hill, and about half way up, thanks to my legs not being warm, they just stopped spinning. Had a panic dismount of my bike (turned out more graceful then i expected), and had to do the walk of shame up the rest of the hill.

The one worry I have with clipless (and with the powergrips) is that I am going to be going up a hill and not make it. Then, I will have to make a sudden decision to unclip. This is nagging at me. There are still hills that are tough for me and where I might have to simply stop. Sometimes I am going mighty slow by the time I am topping a hill.

On the upside, I always get off the bike the same. I take off the left foot and put it on the ground, leaving the right foot on its pedal. So at least I shouldn't be awkwardly deciding which pedal to release.

I am not sure if I have a question or if I just want some reassurance that it won't be so bad. :) So, how many problems have you had with clipless when you were inexperienced with them? Have you ever had to suddenly stop because you couldn't make it up a hill any further? How hard was it to unclip? Did you fall?

the only time I've had that problem you described above is when trail riding on my mountain bike with clipless pedals.

and yes, I fell over.

On the road, I've never had that problem. I guess if I was going that slow, I'd already be walking?

IME, stopping on hills and emergency stops have always been completely different things. I've given up on a few hills, and when I have, there's always been time to get out of the pedal. I make the decision to stop and walk; it isn't something that's suddenly imposed on me without warning.

The one worry I have with clipless (and with the powergrips) is that I am going to be going up a hill and not make it. Then, I will have to make a sudden decision to unclip. This is nagging at me. There are still hills that are tough for me and where I might have to simply stop. Sometimes I am going mighty slow by the time I am topping a hill.

This is a real danger, but only if you give 100 % of your effort on the hill, and don't make it. Think: struggling like hell up a 20+ % grade. Obviously, if you're only half way up the hill, you don't want to put so much work and energy into attacking the climb that you won't have any left at all to clip out. Anyway, what you're worried about has never happened to me.

On the other hand, depending on the pedal you get, and your technique, another possibility is that you could accidentally clip out without expecting to, on a strenuous climb. That's happened to me before, but only on one of my bikes. I managed not to crash, but it wakes you up...! Proper technique tends to go out the window at maximum exertion.

IME, stopping on hills and emergency stops have always been completely different things. I've given up on a few hills, and when I have, there's always been time to get out of the pedal. I make the decision to stop and walk; it isn't something that's suddenly imposed on me without warning.

OK, I can see this. Maybe I am just having pre-clipless anxiety.

This is a real danger, but only if you give 100 % of your effort on the hill, and don't make it. Think: struggling like hell up a 20+ % grade. Obviously, if you're only half way up the hill, you don't want to put so much work and energy into attacking the climb that you won't have any left at all to clip out. Anyway, what you're worried about has never happened to me.

On the other hand, depending on the pedal you get, and your technique, another possibility is that you could accidentally clip out without expecting to, on a strenuous climb. That's happened to me before, but only on one of my bikes. I managed not to crash, but it wakes you up...! Proper technique tends to go out the window at maximum exertion.

When you put it this way I think that I will always have the energy to clip out.

Just embrace that you will probably fall. I have had chain jump off crank on poorly planned shift mid hill, and I fell. I have had a car panic stop in front of me, and I ended up going down. First time in the pouring rain, my cleat stuck, and I did the zero speed fall. It will happen, and it is far more embarrassing than painful.

I, like you, always unclip the left. But practice the right. All of my stops that led to a fall have been in situations where the bike is going over to the right, and I am clumsy at the panic pull on that side. Don't stick your arm out in a fall. Elbows in and curl. At least that works for me.

I was following too close to my spouse and he did a stop without warning. I almost fell over getting out of the pedals and ended up with my seat banging into my rear end, bruising me.

Grasshopper, smart cycling starts with figuring out from where the root of the problem stems. ;)

To be honest, my panic dismount wasnt really THAT bad. It was more a case of, i went to pedal, and my legs told me to find someone else to carry me. Truthfully, once you start using clipless pedals, and you get used to the disengagement action, you can pretty much do it without much thought. It becomes another natural muscle memory reflex. Ive had a couple of panic stops from cars and other cyclists darting out, and ive disengaged completely subconsciously without even thinking about it.

I wouldnt stress to much about it, and just continue to work on engaging and disengaging the cleat so that your leg knows what to do. Likewise, dont be like a friend of mine, and only learn how to unclip with one foot. Practice with both, so you always have some options.

I ride like I plan to never unclip. Timing lights, stops, traffic.

One reason I think many riders fall is that they don't down shift when they slow or plan to stop. I think it's all knowing how to ride. For instance, when we approach a signal, I downshift accordingly while others don't. Light turns green and I'm off in a sprint 30 yards with in a split second while others are pushing a big gear from zero trying to gain some momentum.

Same when stopping. You're in a big gear and can't disengage, you're going down. If you had been in an easier gear, it is much easier to resume the pedals. Especially if you're smart enough to disengage 10 seconds ahead of time. ;)

I've been riding with Look/Time/SPD pedals ever since they became available so I can't really remember the old days (but at my age that is a problem with many things)... but I'd like to reassure you that properly adjusted step in pedals/bindings are/should be as easy to step out of as flat pedals. If the pedal/binding/shoe is adjust correctly - all it takes is a very slight twist of the heel to be free of the pedal.

I had powerclips on my early mountain bikes and I found the SPD system far, far, WAY far easier to use than powerclips.

I've taught many folks, including my wife (always a challenge - teaching a spouse something), how to ride with step in bindings. She uses them on her road bike and mountain bike and never once fell while learning.

The release motion for a well adjusted step in pedal binding is pretty natural - so in the case of your spouse stopping in front of you - your natural panicky thrashing motion with your feet would most likely release your feet from pedals.

I do a lot of very technical mountain bike riding (almost trials riding) where I am moving very slowly and deliberately through, over, around rocks, roots, drops, trees, ...etc. I frequently find myself barely moving and having to put a foot down. I keep my SPD pedals adjusted for a pretty tight release but even then I can just flick my heel sideways and I am free.

Have someone initially adjust your pedals for a very easy release. Go ride slowly in the grass or someplace soft and practice stopping and starting. Just get used to how little foot movement it takes to release your feet from the gentle grasp of those speedplays - in a matter of days you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

PS - most people I taught had more difficulty learning to clip in rather than clipping out.

Gold: A few things that helped me:

1) When stopping, like at a light, clip out a little before you need to stop.
2) the clip out is like a side kick. Hard to explain but it is twitching your foot and ankle.
3) if you can, bring the bike to the shop when you get the pedals put on and practise clipping out. 20 times on each leg. Get the motion down. Have them adjust the pedals so it is easier to unclip.
4) make sure the cleats are put on right and yes, this does take some tweaking.
5) I rode on grass for the first ride at a school on the weekend so if I fell, at least it was in the grass.
6) down shift before stopping at the light. This will make it easier and faster to clip back it.
7) it will take you a little while to get used to clipping in without looking. But it will happen.

hope this heps.

If your legs are getting weary, downshift and unclip one foot. That way you're a "leg up" on falling. ;)

Don't overthink being clipped in. It is way more mental than physical. The speedplay's are super easy to clip in and out of. Anticipate and unclip your foot ( need to be able to do either ) before the stop sign, changing signal light, etc. You can still pedal with the one foot unclipped. If you end up needing to put a foot down you are ready ( I like putting the unclipped foot and pedal at the very top of the pedal stroke ( 12:00 ). Once you come to a stop pull the clipped pedal up to about 2:00 to be ready for the pull away stroke. As you push down from 2:00 to 6:00 then clip in the other foot into the pedal which is now at 12:00. If it turns out that, for example, the light turns green before you put your foot down then simply clip that foot back in and continue on. For the emergency stops ( which there shouldn't be too many if you are always scanning ahead and assessing your route ) you'd be surprised how quickly you can unclip and put a foot down.

My pedals should be in sometime next week. My fitter is going to have me practice on them at the shop, so that should help.

sounds great Gold! You will do great.

Your fitter is a wise person. Practicing clipping in and out while steadying yourself against a wall is critical. It doesn't take long for the ankle motion (differs depending on the pedals you choose) to become second nature.
Also, if you do manage to completely burn out going up a hill, by the time you get to that "oh-crap-I'm-about-to-fall-over-because-I-ran-out-of-steam-and-didn't-unclip" point, you'll be going about .2mph and the fall is only a few feet. Maintain your grip on the bars and try to take it in the upper arm/shoulder area; you'll barely feel it and you won't need your life/health insurance to be paid up.:thumb:

I ride like I plan to never unclip. Timing lights, stops, traffic.

One reason I think many riders fall is that they don't down shift when they slow or plan to stop. I think it's all knowing how to ride. For instance, when we approach a signal, I downshift accordingly while others don't. Light turns green and I'm off in a sprint 30 yards with in a split second while others are pushing a big gear from zero trying to gain some momentum.

Same when stopping. You're in a big gear and can't disengage, you're going down. If you had been in an easier gear, it is much easier to resume the pedals. Especially if you're smart enough to disengage 10 seconds ahead of time. ;)

This, this, and this.

Goldfinch, I'm finally going clipless on Monday when I pick my bike up after repairs from the Asploding Bearing Debacle. I'm a little nervous, too. But it can't be any harder than falling off a bike. :)

Goldfinch, I'm finally going clipless on Monday when I pick my bike up after repairs from the Asploding Bearing Debacle. I'm a little nervous, too. But it can't be any harder than falling off a bike. :)


Street, be sure to report back!

Street, be sure to report back!

Will do, Gold. As soon as I finish more first successful ride or I'm released from the hospital. Whichever comes first. lol

If you un-clip one foot, be darn sure to lean the bike that way when you stop!

btw, I'm in the camp that says at least one fall with clipless is inevitable and it won't be that bad. More embarrassing than anything.

On the upside, I always get off the bike the same. I take off the left foot and put it on the ground, leaving the right foot on its pedal. So at least I shouldn't be awkwardly deciding which pedal to release.

Why the left? Doesn't that force you to lean (or even fall) into the traffic when you stop, instead of away? And it's handy to put your free foot on the curb when you're waiting for a light. Can't do that of you're unclipping on the left.

When I went clipless I did so over the winter. I spent months riding my mag trainer in my clipless pedals/shoes before I went outdoors.

And FWIW, I still did a low speed fall one of my first times out.

:)

Why the left? Doesn't that force you to lean (or even fall) into the traffic when you stop, instead of away? And it's handy to put your free foot on the curb when you're waiting for a light. Can't do that of you're unclipping on the left.

If you unclip with the right, the gutter is lower than the road on the left. More of a chance of falling over.

Plus , you can't always count on there being a crub to support you at stops. And if there is. I'd rather be to the left so that I don't get right hooked at take off by a car making a right at the intersection and avoiding blocking cars waiting to make a right.

^ Plus there's the notion that falling to the right is more likely to damage drivetrain components, or bend a derailleur hanger.

Why the left? Doesn't that force you to lean (or even fall) into the traffic when you stop, instead of away? And it's handy to put your free foot on the curb when you're waiting for a light. Can't do that of you're unclipping on the left.

Interesting isn't it? For whatever reason, from the time I was a kid I have always mounted a bike from the left side. The right pedal is always pushed first. So, the left foot goes down first. I think most people likely favor one side or the other. It is almost impossible for me to get on the bike from the right side. And yes, I don't get to use a curb to rest my foot.

I ride like I plan to never unclip. Timing lights, stops, traffic.

One reason I think many riders fall is that they don't down shift when they slow or plan to stop. I think it's all knowing how to ride. For instance, when we approach a signal, I downshift accordingly while others don't. Light turns green and I'm off in a sprint 30 yards with in a split second while others are pushing a big gear from zero trying to gain some momentum.

Same when stopping. You're in a big gear and can't disengage, you're going down. If you had been in an easier gear, it is much easier to resume the pedals. Especially if you're smart enough to disengage 10 seconds ahead of time. ;)
Beanz is right about the routines in stopping. That planning ahead can make all the difference to a smooth take-off and struggling. I always say cycling needs a rider to concentrate all the time, not let the mind drift off into a "zen" zone -- many incidents and accidents occur because of a lack of concentration. This stopping routine is just part of it.

The most important aspect in the context of the thread is to unclip well before you intend to stop. You can stilll keep your foot on the pedal to keep moving if necessary (just avoid accidentally clipping back in). But the fallovers usually occur because unclipping is the last thing most riders do before stopping, rather than the first.

In addition, in close quarters, when your speed is low but there are potential issues with pedestrians, other cyclists or other road users, unclip just in case.

When you get your bike home, take it inside, put it between the frame of a door, get on, balance yourself between the doorframe with your shoulders or elbows, and practice 50 to 100 times with your favoured foot clipping in and out. Then do the same on the other side. You want to instil in your muscle and tendons the action. As pointed out already, have the pedals adjusted, if possible, to a fairly loose disengagement; you can increase the release tension as you become more experienced.

This exercise also will allow you to determine if the cleats are in fact in the right spot. The bike shop hopefully will help you out here, but it's only after the home practice that you can determine if there is interference with the cleat from surrounding rubber in the sole of your shoe, and that the cleat is at the right angle. You also will determine at the shop if your foot naturally points in or out, and the LBS should take this into account when adjusting the cleat. You should never feel any limitations in your knee or ankle because the cleat has locked you into an uncomfortable position; if it does in the shop, make sure the fitter knows, and don't any disregard as an answer.

Then, ensure the bike shop puts the cleat on the shoe in the most rearward position possible. You haven't mentioned the type of shoe you have, but I have found Shimano's last/footbed gives me problems with hotfoot or Mortons neuroma because of the indentation for the plate that the cleat screws into, and I have to take remedial action there. Putting the cleat as rearward as possible is a first step in that remedial process.

And finally, are you an off-the-seat scooter or someone who starts their bike seated and with the pedal in the up position? The reason I ask is that setting off with clipless can either be clumsy and inefficient, or smooth and easy, especially up any sort of significant incline.

I am pretty experienced with clipless (spd's) but have decided to just use them on my racey-bike (which I seldom ride now) . I do see some advantage with them on super long rides, (with no traffic) but I think they are overrated. I can hear the gasps as I write this.

Ever since Greg Lemond won with them, they were pushed onto the market. All of a sudden, even mountain bikers used them. Try riding with those on "highly technical terrain". I did a demanding tour across CT this summer with a heavily loaded bike, and decided that on windy, narrow hills they can be a real problem. unclip by accident and swerve into the lane and you're toast. Or, you wobble into the 4 foot deep drainage ditch.

After I rode 155 miles with 9, 356 feet of climbing, I fell over while stopping to talk to a pedestrian. I was tired. It's when I'm tired is when the mistakes happen. I think a good pair of toe straps is a wonderful thing. They're not hard at all to get out of, despite the fact that a strap looks scary to some people. I have never ever gotten stuck in them. Just don't crank the strap so tight you cut off your circulation.

I think also pulling your foot backwards is a more natural reaction than trying to twist it laterally. You use weird muscles for that, the peroneals, on the outside of the shin. When you pull out of a strap, you use your hamstrings.

I think good pedal technique is the key, not equipment. If you go on You Tube you can find a video of Lance unclipping on a climb and smashing his crotch on the top tube. Ouch.

I've also seen city commuters do stupid moves becasue they don't want to unclip.

And finally, are you an off-the-seat scooter or someone who starts their bike seated and with the pedal in the up position? The reason I ask is that setting off with clipless can either be clumsy and inefficient, or smooth and easy, especially up any sort of significant incline.

Thanks for the great tips.

I start off the seat (too short to do otherwise), with my right foot at about two o'clock ( do I have my clock facing the right direction? :)), and I push the pedal and start going, getting on the seat at the same time. Starting is smooth for me, even with the powergrips.

I am pretty experienced with clipless (spd's) but have decided to just use them on my racey-bike (which I seldom ride now) . I do see some advantage with them on super long rides, (with no traffic) but I think they are overrated. I can hear the gasps as I write this.

Ever since Greg Lemond won with them, they were pushed onto the market. All of a sudden, even mountain bikers used them. Try riding with those on "highly technical terrain". I did a demanding tour across CT this summer with a heavily loaded bike, and decided that on windy, narrow hills they can be a real problem. unclip by accident and swerve into the lane and you're toast. Or, you wobble into the 4 foot deep drainage ditch.

After I rode 155 miles with 9, 356 feet of climbing, I fell over while stopping to talk to a pedestrian. I was tired. It's when I'm tired is when the mistakes happen. I think a good pair of toe straps is a wonderful thing. They're not hard at all to get out of, despite the fact that a strap looks scary to some people. I have never ever gotten stuck in them. Just don't crank the strap so tight you cut off your circulation.

I think also pulling your foot backwards is a more natural reaction than trying to twist it laterally. You use weird muscles for that, the peroneals, on the outside of the shin. When you pull out of a strap, you use your hamstrings.

I think good pedal technique is the key, not equipment. If you go on You Tube you can find a video of Lance unclipping on a climb and smashing his crotch on the top tube. Ouch.

I've also seen city commuters do stupid moves becasue they don't want to unclip.

I originally did not plan to go clipless and instead I figured I would use powergrips on the new bike as I have on my old bike. The fitter talked me into it. We will see if I regret it. Kind of an expensive lesson if I decide I don't like them.

If you un-clip one foot, be darn sure to lean the bike that way when you stop!

btw, I'm in the camp that says at least one fall with clipless is inevitable and it won't be that bad. More embarrassing than anything.

I unclipped my right foot, leaned the bike to the right while putting my foot down, but the the bike still wanted to go left. Didn't fall, but a few hops in front of traffic definitely made me look/fee like an idiot. :lol:

I unclipped my right foot, leaned the bike to the right while putting my foot down, but the the bike still wanted to go left. Didn't fall, but a few hops in front of traffic definitely made me look/fee like an idiot. :lol:

I've fallen twice...both times in my driveway with nobody around. Lucky!

Everyone falls off their bike even with platform pedals. Near stationary falls are the most common...it's a very rare story of someone falling off because they couldn't escape the pedals while moving at speed.

Among the first times I used clips and straps, I fell over. Among the first times I used clipless, I fell over. But I haven't fallen off often since with any system... I learned pretty quick smart.

Once you do go over, it's a matter of sorting out the procedures for getting untangled with a bike on top.

In every discussion, there is someone who comes in and poo-poos an idea. Measure their comments against the millions of other satisfied users and... I think you get my point.

Beanz is right about the routines in stopping. That planning ahead can make all the difference to a smooth take-off and struggling. I always say cycling needs a rider to concentrate all the time, not let the mind drift off into a "zen" zone -- many incidents and accidents occur because of a lack of concentration. This stopping routine is just part of it..

We don't always agree but at least this guy is a smart rider. That's number one today when it comes to staying alive on the bike! :D

OK, I can see this. Maybe I am just having pre-clipless anxiety.

Yup, pretty much.


I ride like I plan to never unclip. Timing lights, stops, traffic.

One reason I think many riders fall is that they don't down shift when they slow or plan to stop. I think it's all knowing how to ride. For instance, when we approach a signal, I downshift accordingly while others don't. Light turns green and I'm off in a sprint 30 yards with in a split second while others are pushing a big gear from zero trying to gain some momentum.

Same when stopping. You're in a big gear and can't disengage, you're going down. If you had been in an easier gear, it is much easier to resume the pedals. Especially if you're smart enough to disengage 10 seconds ahead of time. ;)

+1

^ Plus there's the notion that falling to the right is more likely to damage drivetrain components, or bend a derailleur hanger.

I've fallen right, as I missed the curb with that foot. I did more damage to me and items on me than to the bike.

The trick to clipless is to unclip before stopping. So when you start to slow for the light/stop sign, that is when you unclip and coast to the light. I stop on hills that I don't have a history of making it up without stopping. I downshift so when I get going again, I can get my rhythm and momentum going easily and shift back to where I was before the break.

You'll figure out quickly what works for you. I would recommend doing hills you can easily climb until you are more comfortable, but this is coming from someone who figured out clipless pedals while getting his bike fitted as there wasn't much adjusting to be done (it literally fit me like an old pair of shoes...). :D

Just re-found this site. I remember back when I used clips and straps, that was much worse than going clipless. Since I switched, I have had no problems over the 20+ years.

If you haven't already bought them, I'm going to highly recommend NOT getting the Speedplay pedals. I just threw mine in the garbage after riding them for 6 months. When they worked, they worked fine. But most of the time they didn't work. I had heard a lot of people talking about how you have to keep them adjusted, and that's the absolute truth. Plus, the cheap plastic that the pedals are made of wore out incredibly quickly. The cleats wore out much faster than I would have imagined, and I never walked in them further than from the driver's door of my car to the back of my car to get on my bike.

I put a pair of Shimano Ultegra pedals back on, and I couldn't be happier.

I originally did not plan to go clipless and instead I figured I would use powergrips on the new bike as I have on my old bike. The fitter talked me into it. We will see if I regret it. Kind of an expensive lesson if I decide I don't like them.

You can always go back; I did, I found clipless more of an annoyance than benefit after several months. I still use them in spin class but that's about it. Traps, straps and grips will still be there for you if decide you don't like the mechanical connection.