coachrains

I am get pedal clips and cycling shoes tomorrow, any pointers on how to keep my 6'4" 235 from falling like a big tree at 1st stop I have read that you just as well except that your foot won't come out or you will forget several times and "timber!". How can I minimize that? Not looking foward to losing hide.

roadiejorge 

Practice on the grass first so you avoid having to eat pavement. The key is training yourself how to balance when you unclip so you don't end up leaning the wrong way and falling over.

coachrains

The mechanic at the shop told me that was his issue, he would release right foot but lean left, YIKES

Cycho

Loosen the tension spring on your pedals to make release easier. You may accidentally disengage while riding but I'd rather have that than falling over at a stop light. I also make sure to disengage one foot when I'm approaching an intersection, whether I'm coming to a complete stop or not. Once it's second nature, you can tighten the spring for a snug fit.

runner pat

Asroadiejorgesaid, practice.

If the release tension is adjustable, set to a light setting and repeatedly unclip and clip in, both feet. You want it to be automatic, build up the muscle memory.

Then move on to unclipping as you come to a stop. Same process.

Zan

my advice is unclip BEFORE the stop. Try doing it slowly and controlled. Take your time as you coast to that red light and have the foot free before you halt.

gazelle5333

i too made that same mistake as mentioned above...I was unclipping fine in the trainer when I was being fitted for the first time last week, but I decided to have my dad drop me off 4 miles from home so i could ride my new bike. All the stop signs were great unclipping, but when igot to my driveway, i couldn't unclip...finally got my left foot out, turned right into my driveway and fell b/c my right foot was still in and that was the way i was leaning...the following advice I found out the hard way...

DON'T TRY TO UNCLIP AT THE TOP OF THE PEDAL STROKE...UNCLIP AT THE BOTTOM

Don't know how many articles i read but none mentioned that it is almost impossible to unclip at the top unless you're REALLY flexible and strong...Hope this helps

crazyskillz07

I never had a problem getting out of my pedals. I did the same as above when I rode my bike back 10 miles from the bike store. My first road bike and I had look keo classic pedals put on it right away. I only test road the bike with strap pedals.

My problem on the ride back was getting into the pedals rather than getting out. I had one foot in and did not get enough speed while concentrating on getting my other foot clipped in. I fell over onto a sidewalk. Pedal with one foot for some speed first before you get your other foot in.

tadawdy

you'll fall. we all did at least once. it's kind of comical, unclipping on the wrong side or not at all, and just kind of toppling over in slow motion. a passing motorist will laugh at you, as will anyone riding with you. just don't let them pretend they never did it.

AngryScientist 

my advice is to unclip BOTH feet untill you are comfortable with the pedals, that way you dont have to worry about leaning one way or the other, and yes, unclip before you come to a stop.

falling once or twice really isnt a big deal at the 0 mph you will be moving, i did it exactly once, then never again...

ronburgundy

We've all been there: unclip BEFORE you apply the brake - so you don't find yourself going 1 mph and in a panic to unclip....and don't worry if you can't unclip - just scope a ride-out path in advance (i.e. at a stop sign, prepare to quickly turn if you can't unclip...).

MissKristen 

I fell over going up a hill in the wrong gear. What an idiot.

Anywho, like others have said, unclip both feet well before you have to stop. Work on leaning to one side every time you stop, so it'll feel natural to you to lean that way without thinking about it. After some time, just unclip the foot you need to lean on and you'll be fine.

jdon

Which is your stronger leg? Keep it clipped in so you have a strong leg to start again. Always clip out with a down and out motion with the heel. Make unclipping you weaker leg the norm.

Now, as you approach your bike, say to yourself "down and out" three times, close your eyes, click your heels three times and you will never fall due to forgetting to unclip again.

hidaniel

Try not to think about it too much. Panic makes it hard to remember how simple it is to unclip.

umd

You don't have to accept it. You can minimize it by not being a dunce. I've never understood how people "forget" that they need to unclip.

AngryScientist 

i havent heard the word "dunce" in years, i will make it a point to use it in conversation today.

merlinextraligh

Don't fall into the habit of always unclipping on one side. Force yourself to alternate feet, and to put a foot down at every stop.

After a bit it will be second nature to get in and out with either foot, which makes it much less likely that you'll fall because you were leaning to the wrong side.

Matt Gaunt

Don't fall to the right. Your drivetrain will thank you

khatfull

Which is why I always unclip the right...I'd rather have my right leg out. If I do fall, it would more likely be to the left...away from the unclipped leg.