Help me with toe clips...
Hi,
This summer I hit the seven zero b'day. I had been using a vigorous walking program, but in early October I started developing plantar fasciitis and had to quit walking. I decided to give biking another shot, back in the early 70's I commuted with a Schwinn Touring bike. I bought a Specialized "Sequoia Elite". I have been gradually increasing my distance each day for the last week. Yesterday I decided to ride down to the Kentucky river, about 10 miles from home. I remember to pack some water forgot to pack some food. When I reached the river ( actually a ferry crossing ) I slowed down preparing to stop. I disengaged my left foot from the toe clip and was breaking to stop when suddenly I started falling to the right and I could not get my right foot out of the toe clip and and went down. My right shoulder took the brunt of the fall, I had a small nick near my elbow and another near my knee and (sob...) some scratches on my right brake/shifter mechanism. I checked myself out and dusted off myself and the bike. I drank most of the contents of the water bottle and walked around a bit. I found that there was no cell service down in the valley ;( After a bit I decided it was time to return home. I pointed the bike in the right direction, threw my right leg over the bike and put the right foot into the toe clip. My intent was to stand into the pedal and take off... What happened was that I found myself falling off to the right again. Of course my foot could not be removed in time from the toe clip. I hit the ground in exactly the same way and (sob, sob) the scratches in the right brake/shifter handles developed deeper and more numerous scratches in the same places. After hurling a few choice invectives down the river valley I cleaned myself and the bike off again. After a few minutes I tried starting again *without* using toe clips. The launch was successful and once I got going again I engaged the toe clips and made it back home safely. I am trying to understand what I was doing wrong and want to prevent a re-occurrence of the disaster... Any suggestions on safe toe-clip usage would be greatly appreciated. Here are some of my thoughts: 1) I went too far too soon. When I arrived at the river I was fatigued and my reaction time and situational awareness were impaired. 2) I suspect that I slowed to a stop I might have "steered" to the left causing the bike to cant to the right and fall over. 3) I suspect that leg fatigue might have a lot to do with the second crash. In the brief time I have been biking I have noticed that after a trip that going up stairs immediately after a ride was difficult even though I did not feel fatigued and was able to pedal without difficulty. If I could not lift my body to stand on the pedal properly I could see that there could be problems. On the other hand, perhaps I forgot to 'release' the brake ;( I have been able to make slow u-turns using toe clips and I have been able stop/start from traffic lights and stops signs without any problems. The toe-clips that came with the bike a just a wee tad too short and made of some kind of plastic...I find that pulling the pedal over and catching the toe-clip to be difficult to do...I hope practice makes perfect. I keep the clips fairly loose but my size 11 shoes are fairly thick. I feel a bit gun shy at the current time... Again any hints for survival are appreciated :) Jerry |
Try to find some shoes that have smooth toes,no cleats around the side,it will help getting in and out the straps much easier.I like skateboarding shoes,but anything will work.
Are you left handed?I'm right handed and get on/off my bike from the left side.Left foot in the clip,pedal level with the street,push pedal down,swing leg over,flip right pedal up,away we go.If I tried getting on from the right,I think my whole right side would be a scab.(never actually tried that I can remember) For me,I like the ball of my foot on the pedal,but my riding buddy has his feet deep in the pedal.I try to ride his bike and I can't,the arch of my foot is on the pedal,drives me crazy and he has smaller feet than I do. You can always straddle the top tube after a long ride if you think being tired has anything to do with it.Keep at it,you'll get back into the swing of things. Toe clips also come in different sizes if you want to change them down the road.Your pedals should have a little tit on the back side to help flip the pedal around,if it doesn't,it makes it much harder to get the thing to swing up.If it does have a tit,hit it with the ball of your foot,not your toe,then when the pedal swings up,you toe will go right in. |
I have used Nashbar strapless toe clips on all of my recumbent bikes and trikes for years. They are inexpensive (ca $6 per set when on sale) fit ordinary shoes and boots (come in at least two sizes) and are very easy to get in and out of. They don't quite lock your feet to the pedals as much as regular toe clips but do the job when it comes to increasing efficiency and preventing foot suck on a trike.
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Welcome to the 50+ forum, Jerry.
Perhaps you could temporarily remove the toe clips or try a cheap set of plain old flat pedals until you're completely comfortable with riding again. Anyhow, I'm glad you didn't get hurt. Hang in there.:thumb: |
No pics but the wifes bike has a rigid half clip that just fits the toes. No straps but keeps the foot in place for pedalling.
Sorry to hear about the scratches but luckily nothing broken. |
Keep the straps really loose - you can even take the things off altogether. I don't bother to pull mine tight any more, it's only needed for riding so aggressive that you're better off with a clipless system.
To get a foot out of toe clips, you need to pull the foot backwards which, when you're falling, is not the natural thing to do. Practice will teach your legs this habit and after awhile you'll find it's automatic. Read any thread about learning to ride with clipless systems and you'll realise that what's happened to you is pretty normal. With a clipless set up, you have to twist your foot to get it free and again, that's not natural so people have falls when learning. Mate, sad as it is that you got banged up and scratched your bike, what you've experienced is common enough to be regarded as 'required'. Few of us have gone to clipless systems without falling over and although you're using toe clips, it's the same principal. You're not clumsy, you're NORMAL! In the meantime though: - make sure your shoes don't snag on the pedals/clips when trying to get out - make sure your clips offer enough freedom to get out easily (shape, straps, etc) - practice a lot and think about the action until it becomes automatic, which it will by the end of next week. In the meantime, keep enjoying your riding. You've chosen a good bike and I reckon you'll do well :D Richard |
I'll be 64 next month. Here are the pedals I'd recommend. Very easy to clip in and out. Toe clips and straps are scary as hell. :eek:
http://www.crankbrothers.com/templat...ty_blkgrey.jpghttp://www.crankbrothers.com/templat...ndyc_lblue.jpg http://www.crankbrothers.com/candy.php http://www.crankbrothers.com/smarty.php |
Clipless only. When ever someone uses the old-fashioned clips, a kitten dies somewhere.
I'm guessing you live in either Frankfort or Carrolton. If you go clipless and if you ever mountain bike, you must promise to Youtube a video of your first journey around Cap View. I crashed there about 12 times the first day I tried clipless. It was kind of fun. |
I find that my foot/pedal engaging and disengaging skills can be very much dulled when I am tired. This happens whether I am riding with toe clips and straps or with clipless pedals. Try some of the good suggestions above or just take a little time to regain your focus, skills and confidence and get back on that horse.
BTW, if you choose to stick with toe clips, get some metal clips and leather straps. Not necessarily easier to use, but so much classier. http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7529/mksbksetec3.jpg |
I'm glad you survived to tell the tale. I prefer toeclips, but many people say they are dangerous. I like the idea of being able to wear various shoes rather than special biking shoes. A friend of mine had just begun riding again and was getting used to toe clips. As he slowed for a stop sign on a rural road, a car edged past him and stopped leaving my friend on the edge of the pavement and about even with the car's rear tire. There wasn't room between the car and bike to get a foot down so he reached out his arm to prop himself up against the car. He hit the car trunk lid harder than he meant to and made a loud noise which got the driver's attention. The impact also caused him to overbalance and he proceeded to fall over to the right and into the ditch. The car just drove away at this point. Friend didn't suffer any significant injuries except to his pride and confidence. It didn't stop him from continuing to ride, but he started paying more attention to lane position after that.
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I moved my Toe Clips Off Center toward the outside of the pedal.
Gives me room to center my size 13 shoe on the pedal. http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=12296 |
The leather strap suggestion is also very good.The sides stay open better than the nylon straps.
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Originally Posted by Booger1
(Post 7812051)
The leather strap suggestion is also very good.The sides stay open better than the nylon straps.
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Are you lucky!
First of all, and most important, I'm proud to be the one to welcome you into Club Tombay. You are now entitled to all of the benefits and privileges of membership. Many long time 50+ posters, like bombadil and the deege, for example, have yet to earn that distinction. I kind of feel sorry for them but we have standards to maintain.
I suspect that both falls were at least parrtly attributable to fatigue. I know that back when I was having trouble unclipping my clipless pedals, I always did fine when fresh - not so fine when not. Once you start to go, panic sets in and that's usually the ball game. I think that the other posters have provided a range of possible ideas. The trick is to find the right balance (no pun intended) between keeping your feet in contact with the pedals when that's what you want and releasing them when necessary. |
When you are tired your balance gets wonky before you realize it. Try straddling the bike with both feet on the ground before you get on the pedals. Sheldon Brown on starting and stopping.
I use Power Grips on my pedals. They can be as tricky as toe clips to get into but are much easier to get out of without thinking about it. Congratulations on surviving 2 falls in one day unscathed! |
Jerry, sorry to hear about your accidents. I second the idea of just riding on flat pedals until you're over the (very natural) fear of riding. I also think that loose leather straps might work well.
About the plantar fasciitis--PM me if you want some suggestions on getting over this. I've had it five times since I was 23, and I'm only 46. The last time I had it, I figured out some foot strengthening exercises that got me over the PF in record time. Good luck! |
Keep the straps loose. There's really no reason to cinch your foot into place. Toe clips (and clipless) take some getting used to, but really are great once you get the hang of it.
Go ahead and start out on the flat side of the pedal. Practice flipping the pedal around when you've got your balance and then slip into the clips. Get out of the clips early when you're coming up on a stop. Practice getting out with either foot first and get both feet out earlier than you think you have to. Be safe and don't worry about speed. Knock on wood, I've never had a fall. Came close this summer when I switched to clipless and it was a dreadful, helpless feeling. BTW, great to hear you're just getting back into biking! Good luck with the plantar fasciitis. I had a bout with it a few years back which I eventually traced to my shoes. They were those slip-on funky-looking backless jobs. As soon as I got rid of them my problems went away. Very painful while healing, though. |
Good suggestions: Half-clips (no strap); PowerGrips (no toeclip); do not tighten straps unless racing.
Am a bit older than 70 and tried clipless (expensive pedals, expensive shoes/cleats); back to toeclips, they work just fine. |
Thanks for the hints folks...
I climbed back on the bike yesterday for a short ride, it was cold and windy in Richmond Ky. I felt pretty good and my previous days fears seem to fade away... My shoulder is feeling much better today :) I don't think I am ready for clip type pedals yet... the lbs owner said if I wanted to try them, that I could use one of his trainers for practice... perhaps when spring rolls around. I have been crusin' local shoe stores looking for some type of shoe that might be a bit more suitable for pedaling than my current set of shoes...Merrells have an extra large toe box that make getting into the toe clips a bit more tricky, my walking/running sneakers are humongous and my Rockport walking shoes are a bit too thick. I even went by the bowling alley and checked out some bowling shoes but the soles were too thin and there was no internal support to speak of... Any shoe recommendations? The current pedal/toe-clips seem a bit too small and the quality does not seem to be in line with the rest of the bike. Any suggestions as to pedal and (metal) toe clips ? Thanks Jerry |
I know two people who swear their plantar fasciitis was cured by Merrel boots.
Now, if someone would tell me how to cure a neuroma.:) |
Originally Posted by yrrej
(Post 7819646)
Any suggestions as to pedal and (metal) toe clips ?
Thanks Jerry http://www.universalcycles.com/image...dium/17085.jpg http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=1671 http://www.universalcycles.com/image...dium/16396.jpg http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...&category=1670 http://www.universalcycles.com/image...dium/23762.jpg |
For me the whole thing with toe clips is to always follow the same routine:
Getting on the bike: I approach from the curb (right) side, and swing my left foot over to the pedal, which is in the bottom position. I first wiggle that left foot into the clip before even starting. Then I pedal slowly, using the "underside" of the right pedal until it's convenient to flip my foot into the clip. Since 99% of my moving clip-ins are with the right foot, it gets lots of practice and has become very easy. When anticipating a stop: I know I will stop by putting my right foot down (curb side), leaving my left foot clipped in. Therefore I prearrange things: my left foot is in the bottom position (because it's too much stress on the knee otherwise). My bike leans a little toward the right. I pull the right foot out before the stop, then it's easy to just put the foot down. So: the left foot stays clipped in most of the time; I lean towards the right when stopping and put the right foot down. Only time I've had trouble was if some jerkwad forced me into an emergency stop. |
mks sylvan
I posted this elsewhere last night.....I use MKS Sylvan track pedals(campy copies) and usually Adidas Samba sneakers on my steel Bianchi which is now my rain set up....
I have M540 shimano mtb pedals and Shimano mtn bike shoes for my carbon bike.... Both are effortless to get in and out of..... I bought this exact MKS rig from this ebay seller, I have a sz 9 shoe and bought the size large toe clip setup. Pricey but fantastic!!! From the other thread hrstrat57 I wanna seven Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: RI Here is the exact set up I have on my old celeste beast, I am a sz 9 shoe....solid set up IMHO. Neil O. Murphy Bicycle(ebay nomco) is the seller. http://cgi.ebay.com/MKS-Sylvan-Track...742.m153.l1262 |
Sorry, let's try that link again....Seller is eBay Store The Neil O Murphy Bicycle Company (NOMCO) You will have no trouble exiting these.....make sure you use a smooth sole shoe like my Sambas....
http://cgi.ebay.com/MKS-Sylvan-Track...2em118Q2el1247 |
Originally Posted by The Weak Link
(Post 7811666)
...either Frankfort or Carrolton.
Riding down to the river is a risky venture in either place, no? Last time I was close to the Ky River it was in Lockport. |
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