Given that this post is being read again–it’s showing up in our reader stats–I’m guessing some of you have as a spring cycling goal making the move to clipless pedals.
Philosopher, feminist, parent, and cyclist! Co-founder of Fit Is a Feminist Issue, co-author of Fit at Mid-Life: A Feminist Fitness Journey, published by Greystone Books.
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One thought on “Is going clipless a spring goal for you? Here’s some advice…”
I wish I’d had you nearby to teach me! I hadn’t thought to notice which foot I like to put down (why didn’t I just know?) so coasted to stop, unclipped the wrong foot, and toppled over. But at least I never had the experience many do: learn the skill, practice a bit, head out on a longer ride and come to a stop/fall, having forgotten all about those clipped-in feet. And now that it’s been part of my riding system for years, I actually find it almost impossible to ride without the clipless pedals.
One thought for anyone who is considering this change: I really, really like the SPD type pedals. They have clip-ins on both sides, so it’s a lot easier to find the right position to get that second foot in. Also, I don’t use road bike shoes & SPD works fine on any shoe. Road bike shoes tend to be slippery when I put a foot down. If you’re not a serious racer (and one that races in hilly territory), I honestly don’t understand the urge to eliminate every possible ounce/gram of weight. So SPD works whether I am touring or climbing or anything where there’s no competitive need to eliminate a few seconds.
One other note: the pedal tightness can be adjusted. Be sure to get them nice & loose at first so you don’t feel momentary panic when trying to clip out. My first ones were very tight. Even on the trainer I found it almost impossible to get out. I took them to the shop & the guy assured me they were fine. He took the shoe & pedal I handed him, casually twisted them, and…I can still see the look on his face when they didn’t separate! As time passes, you can tighten them if it helps you. I don’t seem to need any tightening.
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I wish I’d had you nearby to teach me! I hadn’t thought to notice which foot I like to put down (why didn’t I just know?) so coasted to stop, unclipped the wrong foot, and toppled over. But at least I never had the experience many do: learn the skill, practice a bit, head out on a longer ride and come to a stop/fall, having forgotten all about those clipped-in feet. And now that it’s been part of my riding system for years, I actually find it almost impossible to ride without the clipless pedals.
One thought for anyone who is considering this change: I really, really like the SPD type pedals. They have clip-ins on both sides, so it’s a lot easier to find the right position to get that second foot in. Also, I don’t use road bike shoes & SPD works fine on any shoe. Road bike shoes tend to be slippery when I put a foot down. If you’re not a serious racer (and one that races in hilly territory), I honestly don’t understand the urge to eliminate every possible ounce/gram of weight. So SPD works whether I am touring or climbing or anything where there’s no competitive need to eliminate a few seconds.
One other note: the pedal tightness can be adjusted. Be sure to get them nice & loose at first so you don’t feel momentary panic when trying to clip out. My first ones were very tight. Even on the trainer I found it almost impossible to get out. I took them to the shop & the guy assured me they were fine. He took the shoe & pedal I handed him, casually twisted them, and…I can still see the look on his face when they didn’t separate! As time passes, you can tighten them if it helps you. I don’t seem to need any tightening.