Originally Posted by
baldilocks
Have any of you started using clipless in pedals late in life? I was considering Shimano PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal. As a young man buying a mountain bike, the sales man talked me out of clipless and into a half clips, and I have used them since then. At age 51 is it too late to teach a old dog new tricks? I only commute 5 miles a day, but would like to do do some bike over-nighter's and maybe touring someday. Also do any of you use clippless on technical trails, or should I stick to sneakers? Thanks in advance for all your answers.
51 isn't old. 80 is old.
Yes you can learn a new trick, don't bother with the single sided, one sided defeats one major advantage to the SPD mt. bike style pedals which is the easy clip in on either side. Stomp your foot down and click, you're in.
Typical advice is to back the release spring tension all the way out, then ride around on the grass for an hour, clipping in and out till you get the hang of it. Also get used to using both feet to engage, as sometimes you need to get the left foot out in a hurry (most people only use the right). After you feel comfortable on a few rides in traffic and at stop lights and signs, then add some tension so you don't accidentally release when you don't want to (standing on a hill).