View Poll Results: Have you fallen because of clipless pedals?
Voters: 701. You may not vote on this poll
Clipless falling survey
#51
Lots of people on here that can't even admit anonymously to falling
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#52
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 4
From: Sandy Eggo
Bikes: 2006 caad8, 2010 caad9 1, 2011 caad10 4
I never fell when i first started riding, cause i was always worried about being able to unclip when i would come to a stop. Eventually i became comfortable with the clipless pedals. these days the last thing on my mind when coming to a stop is thinking about coming unclipped. so once in a great while when i get to careless, I kiss the pavement
Last edited by hendrick81; 10-09-09 at 07:23 PM.
#55
Working On My Kit Tan
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Allez Double
I fell once after riding my SPD-Ls for a few weeks. Pulled over to the side of the road to adjust my shoe straps, clipped back in and noticed a truck coming that I didn't see before. I was barely rolling and stopped but couldn't unclip. Fell on my left side, which I suppose is better than getting nailed by a truck on my left side.
#56
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,886
Likes: 0
From: Near Sacramento
I've never fallen due to my pedals. I have fallen due to my own inability to clip out once, though I think I can reasonably plead fatigue was a major factor. Either way, I couldn't get my foot out. Not gonna blame the pedal.
So I voted no.
So I voted no.
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#57
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
The OP failed to ask if you fell over using clipless because you were new to clipless. He just asked if you fell using clipless.
I never fell using clipless until I tried out a set of free Wellgo SPD "compatible" pedals. I was able to clip in easy enough, but when I went to unclip, the "compatible" pedal wouldn't let go and down I went. Now I know why they were free. Other than that one time, I've never fallen with clipless pedals on a road bike.
I never fell using clipless until I tried out a set of free Wellgo SPD "compatible" pedals. I was able to clip in easy enough, but when I went to unclip, the "compatible" pedal wouldn't let go and down I went. Now I know why they were free. Other than that one time, I've never fallen with clipless pedals on a road bike.
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#58
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
#60
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
The OP failed to ask if you fell over using clipless because you were new to clipless. He just asked if you fell using clipless.
I never fell using clipless until I tried out a set of free Wellgo SPD "compatible" pedals. I was able to clip in easy enough, but when I went to unclip, the "compatible" pedal wouldn't let go and down I went. Now I know why they were free. Other than that one time, I've never fallen with clipless pedals on a road bike.
I never fell using clipless until I tried out a set of free Wellgo SPD "compatible" pedals. I was able to clip in easy enough, but when I went to unclip, the "compatible" pedal wouldn't let go and down I went. Now I know why they were free. Other than that one time, I've never fallen with clipless pedals on a road bike.
#61
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
#62
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 911
Likes: 2
I've fallen numerous times. SPD's on a MTB.
First got the bike in 2003 - feel fell a few times and switched to platforms with toestraps. I am more comfortable with toestraps than clipless.
Last year tried to give clipless a go again. A few falls on the street, mostly when I've had to make sudden, unexpected stops. Mostly on the streets I have time to plan my releases.
On the dirt I've fallen more often. Usually it's when I've had to make those sudden, unexpected stops again. And on uphills. I have the hardest time clipping out while going uphill. So much so that I typically put one foot on the platform side if I think I may not make it up the hill.
Also, on expected difficult rides for me, I'll switch to platforms/toestraps to stop the bleeding.
I think for me there may be multiple things at play.
Pedals with not so much use; bad knees and ankles that turn heel inward much easier than heel outward; and possibly cleat adjustment.
First got the bike in 2003 - feel fell a few times and switched to platforms with toestraps. I am more comfortable with toestraps than clipless.
Last year tried to give clipless a go again. A few falls on the street, mostly when I've had to make sudden, unexpected stops. Mostly on the streets I have time to plan my releases.
On the dirt I've fallen more often. Usually it's when I've had to make those sudden, unexpected stops again. And on uphills. I have the hardest time clipping out while going uphill. So much so that I typically put one foot on the platform side if I think I may not make it up the hill.
Also, on expected difficult rides for me, I'll switch to platforms/toestraps to stop the bleeding.
I think for me there may be multiple things at play.
Pedals with not so much use; bad knees and ankles that turn heel inward much easier than heel outward; and possibly cleat adjustment.
#63
just going for a ride...
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, Oregon
Bikes: LeMond Sarthe, OCR A1, OCR 2, Cypress DX
No, if almost doesn't count. The closest I've come is leaning right (clipped side)when I meant to lean left(unclipped side).It's amazing how quickly I can move when I have to. But it has only been 2 years(6000 miles).
SPDs and Eggbeaters
SPDs and Eggbeaters
#64
An unequivocal Yes, that would indeed be.
I fell twice in the first few months of going clipless on Look about 4yrs back. One was especially embaressing, as i was all set to perfectly unclip and stop at the light, ahead of a bunch of cars and 1 female biker. Of course i leaned right and unclipped on the right. Fail. Completely. So screams noob.
I fell twice in the first few months of going clipless on Look about 4yrs back. One was especially embaressing, as i was all set to perfectly unclip and stop at the light, ahead of a bunch of cars and 1 female biker. Of course i leaned right and unclipped on the right. Fail. Completely. So screams noob.
#65
Oh yes, on about day 3 of clipless pedals, when I was feeling confident enough to try balancing... small country road... one lane bridge controlled by traffic lights.... deep ditch full of stinging nettles to the left...
cyclist wrong way up in ditch after brief fight with handlebars...
cyclist wrong way up in ditch after brief fight with handlebars...
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#66
Voted yes.
Riding down the street when a friend of mine on a skateboard turns from the sidewalk to the street, I brake hard to a stop to say hi but forget to un-clip, so i lean on him. I don't touch the ground, But if he would've been a few feet away I would've ended up on the floor.
***If you tipped over/fell while on clipless, you fell cause of the deng clipless. No excuses. You fell, admit it.
Riding down the street when a friend of mine on a skateboard turns from the sidewalk to the street, I brake hard to a stop to say hi but forget to un-clip, so i lean on him. I don't touch the ground, But if he would've been a few feet away I would've ended up on the floor.
***If you tipped over/fell while on clipless, you fell cause of the deng clipless. No excuses. You fell, admit it.
#67
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
#68
Over the hill

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 24,595
Likes: 1,362
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: Pinarello Nytro, Momentum Transend
#69
I have look pedals.
I was great for the first 3-4 months of riding, but fell 2x in a weekend at intersections. One was my falt as I was doing a track stand waiting on traffic. The other was kinda my fault too as I turn too sharp starting to go and my clipped in toe hit my tire so I fell to the clipped in side.
I was great for the first 3-4 months of riding, but fell 2x in a weekend at intersections. One was my falt as I was doing a track stand waiting on traffic. The other was kinda my fault too as I turn too sharp starting to go and my clipped in toe hit my tire so I fell to the clipped in side.
#70
I've fallen over a handful of times due to my clipless pedals during the first month or so as a beginner using them. Especially when coming to a stop trying to do trackstands. Haven't had problems since. I've always used SPD pedals.
#71
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Gatineau, Quebec
Bikes: Rocky Mountain
With the poll running about 25% no it would be interesting to see how many of those people have only been using clipless pedals for few weeks or months. For a good many of them "No" really means "not yet".
#73
Seat Sniffer


Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 3,036
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
Not only did I fall, I fell hard.
I had put the cleats on my shoes, and in fear of overtightening them, undertightened them.
It was my bad luck to want to unclip at the top of a short little 15% hill in my neighborhood. So instead of just falling, I went backwards first, steered the front wheel over to the right, and fell down to my left, getting body slammed to the asphalt.
Ugh. That hurt. And had to take the shoes off to get up.
You can bet I've never made the same mistake again.
I had put the cleats on my shoes, and in fear of overtightening them, undertightened them.
It was my bad luck to want to unclip at the top of a short little 15% hill in my neighborhood. So instead of just falling, I went backwards first, steered the front wheel over to the right, and fell down to my left, getting body slammed to the asphalt.
Ugh. That hurt. And had to take the shoes off to get up.
You can bet I've never made the same mistake again.
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#74
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
#75
Thread Starter
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
It's a public poll, you can see for yourself. Most seem to be fairly experienced.










