Using clipless pedals on steep hill

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10-13-08 | 07:39 PM

#26

Nota

Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 241

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From: Omnipresent

Bikes: a celeste green one; 5.5 Madone

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carbon Unit

I had a problem climping in on steep hills with my Shimano pedals. Then I replaced them with Speedplay pedals and now clipping in on hills is easy. No problem. I clip in the left foot bring the foot to the 12 o'clock position and push down. Once the bike starts moving, I just step down wih the right foot. It doesn't matter if I clip in my right foot or not, I can pedal without clipping in anyway.

I just went clipless a couple months ago, opting for some really "cheap" SPD style pedals from Performance (Forte' Pros). What a big mistake that was. They're definitely NOT suitable for beginners. I have fits just getting clipped in on level ground, and on a steep uphill, forget it. I have to head back down the hill til I get the other side clipped in, then pull a quick U'ey.

I'm supposed to meet a guy this Wednesday that's going to sell me a couple used sets of Speedplay X/2's w/cleats and cleat covers, for $75 and my Forte'd Pros in trade. He can have 'em, I'll take the Speedplays

I'm hoping the change will eliminate my clipping in nightmares.

10-14-08 | 02:02 PM

#27

Garfield Cat

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 7,124

Likes: 111

From: Huntington Beach, CA

Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy

What you don't want to do is to be in the wrong gear in a steep incline...and then have to stop for some unforseen reason. It might be better to stop and shift to a lower gear and start up again.

10-14-08 | 06:50 PM

#28

I love my treks

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 24

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From: Staten Island

Bikes: Trek 7100, trek 2100, trek madone 5.2SL

I agree with everyone who said don't stop. 2 weekends ago I completed the 100 mile MS ride in NYC into New Jersey. Some the hills were very difficult but I knew that if I stopped, I would fall over. Going clipless makes it easier to not give up and to make it to the top.