Fell
#1
Big Boned Biker
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Fell
So I fell twice today thanks to my new spd shoes, both times in front of people(I am sure they enjoyed the sight of a near 300 pound man flailing to the ground). Overall the bike seems ok, it fell once on each side. Anything I should double check specifically?
Thanks
Micah
Thanks
Micah
#2
Just Keep Pedaling
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Fell
Rear derailleur often gets out of position on drive side falls. Check front one too.
#3
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yah always cheaper to fall on the non drive side
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Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
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#5
SuperGimp
make sure and i mean SURE that you can't shift into the spokes in low-low gear (push on the shifter when you're already in low gear to test that). The rear derailleur hangar is also delicate (also easily replaceable, which is nice).
Check your handlebars to make sure they're still lined up and that your shifters are straignt and still work. Other than that, bikes are reasonably sturdy beasts.
Check your handlebars to make sure they're still lined up and that your shifters are straignt and still work. Other than that, bikes are reasonably sturdy beasts.
#6
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I tried to get my feet out but it wouldn't let go...lol
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One of those hazards that most of us face. Some more often than others.
It hurts worse when people see it happen.
Good Luck.
It hurts worse when people see it happen.
Good Luck.
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As PhotoJoanne was getting used to her SPD's again after 20+ years, every time we'd approach a stop I'd call out "Heal out". She never fell, but acknowledged that there were times she had forgotten.
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When I first started riding with SPD pedals and shoes, someone here told me something to do when you fall, LAUGH. This was something I did as it kept people from asking the question "Are You All right". I mean come on this has happened to us all, and it is kind of an OMG I can not believe that just happened moment, so might as well own it.
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Also, are you using genuine SPD pedals by Shimano? I got two pair of generic pedals from a big online bike store and they hung up terribly on me, they just wouldn't let go. I ordered a third pair, this time genuine Shimano SPDs, the difference is amazing. They just unclip a lot easier.
There are also Shimano SH-56 cleats which unclip a lot easier. They may not work on non Shimano pedals.
Oh, and more than likely you WILL fall again, it's just part of biking with attachable pedals
#12
Senior Member
O.k what am I missing by not having my shoes stuck to the pedals? I understand racers wanting every advantage but we are for the most part fat folks trying to get in shape. Is it somehow safer, easier, or what? I don't get it. I also don't fall off my bike when I stop cause I can't put my foot down. Please understand I am not bashing anyone who uses them I just don't understand needing the complication. Of course I also have a kickstand but at least my bike didn't come from Walmart. Let me have it if I deserve it but at least tell me why!
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O.k what am I missing by not having my shoes stuck to the pedals? I understand racers wanting every advantage but we are for the most part fat folks trying to get in shape. Is it somehow safer, easier, or what? I don't get it. I also don't fall off my bike when I stop cause I can't put my foot down. Please understand I am not bashing anyone who uses them I just don't understand needing the complication. Of course I also have a kickstand but at least my bike didn't come from Walmart. Let me have it if I deserve it but at least tell me why!
Bob W
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O.k what am I missing by not having my shoes stuck to the pedals? I understand racers wanting every advantage but we are for the most part fat folks trying to get in shape. Is it somehow safer, easier, or what? I don't get it. I also don't fall off my bike when I stop cause I can't put my foot down. Please understand I am not bashing anyone who uses them I just don't understand needing the complication. Of course I also have a kickstand but at least my bike didn't come from Walmart. Let me have it if I deserve it but at least tell me why!
I feel once your feet are attached to the pedals you biking moves to a new level.
That being said if you ride slow and pedal slow you might not see a benefit. I find the most benefit when I'm pushing myself. It doesn't have to be an all out going fast but certainly more than that gentle pedaling I often see people do. There is a learning curve and people have their favorite style of pedals.
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Last edited by dbikingman; 09-02-13 at 06:49 PM. Reason: spelling error
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O.k what am I missing by not having my shoes stuck to the pedals? I understand racers wanting every advantage but we are for the most part fat folks trying to get in shape. Is it somehow safer, easier, or what? I don't get it. I also don't fall off my bike when I stop cause I can't put my foot down. Please understand I am not bashing anyone who uses them I just don't understand needing the complication. Of course I also have a kickstand but at least my bike didn't come from Walmart. Let me have it if I deserve it but at least tell me why!
#17
Senior Member
See I knew there was a reason! I guess if I was at the level they would help me much I would have figured it out. Right now I am wearing a pretty stiff pair of shoes and the tread seems to really stick to the pedals so I haven't had a problem with them slipping even on rough roads. I also haven't rode in the rain. Thanks for helping us new folks!
I think I am going to wait until awhile, Right now I can see me looking like the dirty old man falling off his tricycle on Laugh In! That wouldn't be a pretty sight!!
I think I am going to wait until awhile, Right now I can see me looking like the dirty old man falling off his tricycle on Laugh In! That wouldn't be a pretty sight!!
Last edited by TXsailor; 09-02-13 at 07:26 PM. Reason: Wasn't done
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You can get a slightly higher efficiency as well, not 100% or even 50% more maybe 10-20% as you can pull UP on the pedal as well as push down. Enough that you can share the load with another muscle group and keep your quads from being used quite as much. Going uphill is a lot easier too.
Your feet are also placed at the optimal positions and not sliding back and forth. I have a bit of neuropathy in my feet and it is difficult for me to tell where they are at on the pedal, I was finding myself pushing with my toes or even my heels. Before SPDs I more than once had my foot slip off the pedal over a rough patches, once I was standing and my foot slipped off the FRONT of the pedal, jammed into the ground and my pedal crushed into my calf - not a fun ride
Your feet are also placed at the optimal positions and not sliding back and forth. I have a bit of neuropathy in my feet and it is difficult for me to tell where they are at on the pedal, I was finding myself pushing with my toes or even my heels. Before SPDs I more than once had my foot slip off the pedal over a rough patches, once I was standing and my foot slipped off the FRONT of the pedal, jammed into the ground and my pedal crushed into my calf - not a fun ride
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#20
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Going to try adjusting the tension and see if that helps. Thanks!
#21
Senior Member
So I fell twice today thanks to my new spd shoes, both times in front of people(I am sure they enjoyed the sight of a near 300 pound man flailing to the ground). Overall the bike seems ok, it fell once on each side. Anything I should double check specifically?
Thanks
Micah
Thanks
Micah
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When I first started riding with SPD pedals and shoes, someone here told me something to do when you fall, LAUGH. This was something I did as it kept people from asking the question "Are You All right". I mean come on this has happened to us all, and it is kind of an OMG I can not believe that just happened moment, so might as well own it.
The laughter may also be a sign of brain damage.
#25
Senior Member
When I first started riding with SPD pedals and shoes, someone here told me something to do when you fall, LAUGH. This was something I did as it kept people from asking the question "Are You All right". I mean come on this has happened to us all, and it is kind of an OMG I can not believe that just happened moment, so might as well own it.