I'm currently riding mtb platforms (with "pins" on the platform to help your foot stay put). But I went clipless for a few days. Still have the M-520's and Shimano shoes. Reading the posts here have me thinking about trying it again, but this time, I'll have the tension set lots looser! I had it a bit more than halfway tight when I first tried them. Fell at a stop when I unclipped my left foot, but bike went over to the right (yeah-it was embarassing!). But most of the time, even at the higher tension, with the standard cleats, I didn't really have any problems. Just a fluke that at that stop, the road got a dip in it that throws you to the right-that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Best of luck with the clipless, DG, you've almost inspired me to put mine on again.

And guess which way I fell for the first time after going clipless? There I was coming up to a stoplight on a trail waiting to cross the road. Next thing I know I'm laying on the ground next to my bike, still clipped in with my left foot. The only thing I could think of was, "Here I am 50 years old, laying on the ground next to my bicycle, I sure hope nobody sees me.":o

That was two years ago. I wouldn't leave without them now.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHH !!! I've been sitting within three feet of three pairs of SPD pedals and didn't think of this !!! I have a pair of Performance Forte SPD pedals, some Shimano PD-M515, and some nicer Ritchie SPD pedals (Comp V4?). I've gone to Eggbeaters and will not go back. I have two pairs of Sidi shoes, so I'll most likely never use the two pairs of Wellgo MTB shoes, size 44 (10.5) One of these pairs has never been worn, the other still has the cleats on them. Does anyone want them?

You will not rope me into riding clipless so easily.

Tempting me with free pedals and shoes.

I ... will ... not ... yield ... to ... the ... dark side.

Um, guys? He's not posting here anymore....

So it seems on bikeforums anything being discussed on one forum shows up somewhere else as well. Big discussion on which foot you clip out with here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=321819

Seems pretty even.

Well, my bike was ready for p/u today after the free tune-up. Only problem was they were out of stock on the M520's I decided to get to go clipless. So I have a few more days of platforms ahead of me.

They did a few adjustments with a fitting, be intesting to see how they feel after some mileage. Raised the saddle a centimeter, and brought it forward as well. Also learned I wasn't putting the ball of my feet on the pedal at just the right angle.

Bike all broken in and now tuned up.

DG's finely honed body has now been precision fit to the Roubaix.

Pedaling technique adjusted and improved.

Clipless coming in a few days.

Look out San Diego! A white blur is about to appear on your streets.

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

It means very little coming from me with so little experience, but I think you made a good pedal choice. Those M520 pedals are what I have on my Coda and they work just fine and are easy to get in and out of. Plus Stapfam says SPD is the best. I've got a comfortable pair of Nike MTB shoes and I am happy. I notice now there are two kinds of cleats. I think mine are standard rather than multi release. They have given me no problems. Do let us know as soon as you join Club Tombay ok?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=323008

give us a full report when you first try them!

Here's my full report of first rides.
I tried a borrowed set of Cannondale shoes and pedals, for a while, didn't like them, now got Shimano 520 and Shimano shoes that fit(Yippy) ,,,,,
No falls ,,,,,YET,, IF I DO THEY WILL COME OFF,, FOR GOOD.
I find they may help with efficiency.
They do help keep the feet on the pedals on them bumpy spots.
I now clip in pretty quick and out easy too.

They make me feel pigeon toed.
Several tries with and with out, they cost me 1 MPH.
As far as comfort goes, not impressed, but think the MTB with a wider stance would help.
But don't want em on the MTB, got no issues with feet leaving pedals unless I want them to.

The ONLY reason I got them was every body said so, and,, and,, cuz my feet won't stay on the pedals on the skinny tire road thing, so thats why I put em on it. I am thinking about them Pedal extenders......
**********?Pigeon toe problem**********

You need to experiment with the position of the cleat on the bottom of the shoe. It can be rotated left or right to put yuor foot pointing in a natural direction for you.

Still waiting for my LBS to get some M520's in stock, so naturally, I find things to worry about.

Here's what worries me. . .

Falling -- not when practicing, not on the grass in the park, none of that. I don't care about that too much. It's part of the learning curve and I can accept that.

But I ride city streets almost exclusively. I worry about falling in a month or two or three when pulling up to a light, long after I've gottn used to clipless, but for some reason, when I'm distracted and fail to clip out. Falling in traffic, I guess to be more specific. I can live with a bruised ego, an embarrassing moment, no problemo.

But I'm worried I'll fall to the left, INTO traffic approaching a light, and the car won't have time to stop, and my head will be crushed like a ripe melon, leaving my DNA all over the street.

That's what I worry about.

I'll bet that you won't have to worry about that for a while. You'll be so worried about it that you'll be unclipping your left foot way* before you come to a stop. If you fall right, who cares?

These are all valid worries and should keep you up at night. It is not too late to cancel that order for those dumb "clipless" things and go back to a cheap pair of plastic platform pedals. They will last for weeks and you can always get new ones. Maybe you can buy them by the case and get a better price. Also, you can ride much more Fred with platforms. If you go "clipless" someone is going to notice that you are wearing proper bike shoes and revoke your Fred credentials. Finally, if you stay on platforms, you will never fall...I think that comes in the guarantee they include with the pedals.

DG,

DnvrFox is right. There is more of chance of falling on a MUP than on an actual road. Both of my falls have been on MUPs when someone stopped in front of me quickly and for no apparent reason. On the road I am careful to unclip BOTH feet at the least sign of trouble or when approaching an intersection. One of the things I like about the Crank Bros Candy pedals is that I can just get my feet back up on the small platform and start pedaling. The shoes almost clip themselves in with the normal pedaling motion, usually before I'm across the intersection.

That would be bad!.......Just think of the hideously disfigured monsters that would erupt from the sewers months later to destroy the city.......Just because some careless emergency responder hosed your DNA down the sewer drain.
All because you are wreckless enough to try riding your bike with clipless pedals.
Is there no end to the madness?
:D

That's what helmets are for. Recall the recent news item about the guy being saved by his helmet when his head was run over?

And if the helmet doesn't work, hey, at least it's a quick (albeit messy) way to go!

The sewer mutants are a concern, though. But they'd likely be harmless, as they'd be paralyzed by indecision and irrational fear. :D

So the consensus is I'm over-worrying? :D:D:D

I was surprised that falling off of your bike, breaking your neck, and ending up paralyzed wasn't on your list.

Not that you should worry about it. ;)

What do you want to do, live forever?

I think the free thing is a hoax,, I will keep the clipless for one more ride, if I can't sell myself, they go back once and for all.,, with each ride them BMX with spikes look better, clipless hurt my knees.

All these posts about "Tipping over" at a traffic light, whens the last time yur foot stuck to that platform Tom

I may have some almost new ones for sale cheep here soon, I got to find a reason to keep them it ain't hapnin. Yet.