operator

Don't only practice clipping out with heel out. Practice clipping out on the top stroke halfway, and inwards as well. If you also practice a bit more riding with only one leg clipped in that'll help.

For some reason on yesterdays ride, I almost fell 3 times. One time I clipped out fast enough due to practice. Other I panicked jolted the bike back to a riding speed without falling.

Nothing will make you remember how to clip out as good as a memory of yourself falling and helpless. You'd really have to experience it to know what I mean (those of you who have never fallen excluded).

baj32161

I just SPD clipless pedals and thanks to the crew on the forums I have not fallen yet. Don't worry, you will get the hang of them. The first ride I had with them was just a simple spin around my neighborhood at night with no traffic. I just practiced clipping in and out of them and found that I actually had to get used to getting into them. I couldn't find my cleat while getting in (lol!) but geting out has been no problem at all. You will be able to do it and once you do, you will look back and wonder what all the worry was for.

Best of luck to you!

Brian

Cycledoc

When I was learning clipless, I would clip out approaching a stop, and then nearly fall to the side that I kept clipped in. I fell a couple of times, but figured out that if I actually stood off the saddle over the top tube with my clipped-in foot at the 6 o'clock position when approaching a certain stop, I never fell.

Later, a bike shop mechanic told me try NOT to clip out when approaching stops. Of course, he can track stand, but since then I find that I clip in and out a good deal less.

lisitsa

I just got clipless, and yeah, even though the shoes I have now are 2 sizes too small, I still decide to ride with the shoes, because it just feels so goddamn amazing being clipped in. Why do you think almost no one ever goes back?

baj32161

Well I sure won't ever go back to clips and straps!

catatonic

Hmm, I always clip out when approaching stops, but I do it while on the saddle, and use the center (arch area) of my shoe to keep pedaling for the 30-odd feet till I get there, and just stop like I would on a platform pedaled bike.

One of the advantages of sneaker-type shoes

KyTrekrider

This is my first season with a road bike and clipless pedals. Lots to learn, but really fun!!

I fell a couple times the first day. The first time was on the corner of a busy street. I was too busy thinking about the traffic and not pedals, I flopped over and I got called out by some redneck. Its much funnier now than at the time. The second time was in my driveway. I unclipped but clipped back in on accident and didn't know I was clipped back in. I flopped but my neighbor had his back turned and missed the fall.

Needless to say, the only injuries I had were to my pride.

Serpico

you can do this with road shoes as well, and I use speedplays --if you can pedal a speedplay like a platform you can pedal anything like a platform (except maybe eggbeaters or the new Time pedals)

JungleCat

The only time you'll fall because of the clipless is when you're going slow, almost a complete stop. Either you forgot or your derailer jammed or your chain came off going up a hill. At that speed, the impact to falling is nothing; just hurt pride, like somebody mentioned.

Interestingly, I noticed the same concept when snowboarding. At very slow speeds, I fall often. Once I get going, it's so much easier.