Originally Posted by
slcbob
True. Efficiency may not be the objective.
Exactly, all these people telling him it is so easy, you must be a ******** if you can't figure it out and that he should spend hours practicing are just setting the guy up for putting the bicycle under a tarp in the garage. I cringe everytime a new rider gets clipless tossed at them. I hope OP keeps the platforms and builds up enough confidence to make up his own mind...
Originally Posted by
slcbob
BTW, I don't claim to have a great pull on the stroke and be super efficient, although I notice plenty of difference. I like clipless now for the pedaling "security" as much as the efficiency -- I know my feet are solidly in there, they aren't going anywhere, I'm not going to hit a pothole and bump off and get a pedal in the shin or a cog in the calf, I can bunny hop things better, etc. And after some getting used to, I can get out whenever I want to.
If you are pulling up with your clipless, that isn't a bunny hop, just a simple hop... a common "bad" clipless technique (ask any BMX guys)
Originally Posted by
slcbob
You need to be sure your cleats are attached correctly, particularly wrt the rotation angle to release. On those pedals that have an adjustable release angle or tension, be sure to ratchet it way down. No need to make getting out any harder on you as a newbie.
Yup, lastly the OP needs to be aware that if he doesn't have the cleats setup correctly and the float isn't generous he can really mess up his knees! This is certainly a trial and error issue reserved for more experienced cyclists.