Clipless pedals. Is there a knack?

What pedals are you using?

I'e never had a problem with looks on my road bike... but I'm on my fourth set of pedals on my MTB.... the latests ones being flat cause I just couldn't get my foot out of everything else I tried. With the first pair I couldn't get out even after falling off and had to lie on the ground waiting for Ponce to notice I'd stopped and then come and unclip me so I could get up!

On my hybrid I have spd one side and flat the other which is quite a good compromise but you need to be careful what shoes you use - carbon bike shoes on flat plastic pedals doesn't work!

They make great fishing reels though.

no fear, if you decide that you can never use them, it's not an insurmountable problem. i've seen people (more than i can count on my fingers, but only just) do ironman races in normal flat pedals and trainers. you'll go a fair bit more slowly, but you'll still get there.

That, I needed to hear.

PS - I'm having problems with them too, I've given up for the moment but will come back to them.

KK

That spatula is heading for your ar*e!

I'd prefer the chicken TT

PS - I've changed my pedals to Looks and they are easier. I know it's just about 'getting the knack' but I don't want to damage me or the bike. However, I will try as they will add to my performance.... but not just yet, I need some more general bike confidence first.

PowerSauce:  Hello from a fellow pedal numpty.  I've only had mine for about a month but it's worth sticking with them.

I really struggled with my SPD-SLs even on the lightest setting.  Even TT admitted he found them awkward and really had to force his foot out and he’s stronger than me. 

Tried and changed to 'Look' and never looked back.  Of course I’ve landed on my face a couple of times but that was on both occasions clearly my fault in ‘failing to anticipate’ stuff and not having the experience yet of doing too many things at once, rather than the pedals. 

I push my heel down and twist it slightly inwards and out it pops.  It’s when I panic that instinct takes over and instinct makes me pull rather than push and twist, and since pulling out is exactly what they prevent you from doing you end up on your face.

Stick with them, it's worth it.

For the record, I don't have a problem with bike control.

Sorry, PowerSauce, I didnt mean to imply you did!! In that case, maybe the best thing is to loosen the cleats, find a quiet road, and practice. Two things to remember:

1. You dont have to unclip both pedals - you only need to put one foot down.
2. If you select a point at which you're going to unclip, and you get there are then it isnt going to plan, start pedalling again. You dont have to fight and only make it in the nick of time. Obviously you do have to stop at some point though....

Other than that, its a twist, not a pull. Practice should be all you need!

buy = but

 I've never messed about with the tension on the release mechanism. 

Forget practicing on a quiet road, do it stationary against a wall.  If you can, then bring the bike into the house, and sit in the lounge and spend half an hour whislt watching tv, just clipping in and out.  This will also get you into the habit of doing it whilst only half concentrating on it. 

As mentioned, then everyone falls off at least once when learning, even ponces.  It's jsut like learning to ride a bike as a kid, or walking.  You fall over, look a berk, then get back up and try again. 

D74 - Your approach is my kind of thing. I better get practising then. I've put my flats on for the time being.

Eccentric - It sounds like speedplays might be worth a look. 

FB -  Your method sounds effective, but for braver men than me.