The clipless pedal rite of passage

This afternoon I experienced the low speed clipless pedal fall - TWICE! I was having trouble clipping in my right pedal, and I think I pressed in too hard, then as I started to lift my butt onto the seat, somehow it didn't quite land on my saddle, and the saddle pushed me forward as I tried to get my balance. Next thing I knew, I was laying on my side, with my bike stuck to my right leg. Oh the embarrassment. Then along the ride I dodged a few squirrels, calling out "on your left" to people with earphones on, and when I got back, I unclipped my left shoe, slowed to a stop, and I don't know, it might be the momentum, or my weak legs, I tripped and fell to my side again, same thing, bike stuck to right foot. Argh. It was harder clip out this time, I had to sit on the ground an move my bike over to my left to unclip my right leg, only then I could get up.

Now I have some bruises on my thigh, and scrapes on my knee. What a way to start the week!

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Obsidian
If you have a trainer, try getting used to clipping in and out on it.

I was once standing on one leg by the side of the road and lost my balance. I ended up on my back with my bike sticking straight up into the air like an inverted tortoise.
BikeStyler
The problem with the trainer is it doesn't simulate how the bicycle moves forward when you try to clip your left foot in. It's that forward motion that made me lose my balance today. :( I'm not good at off-seat riding, so I'm a little at a disadvantage, but I'll get better (I hope).
MalieKai
I hope it gets easier for you. I found some tips here if you're interested. Good luck!!
BikeStyler
Thanks for the link to the tips page. Very useful!
aaronb
[this is good]
I'd typed out a pretty long comment, and then something happened and the page reloaded, so this one will not be as long or descriptive.

I've enjoyed reading about your cycling. I've got the speedplay light actions, which is what it looks like you have as well. Have you had any problems with numbness in either of your feet (or toes)? I'm trying to figure out what the problem is. I'm riding in to my LBS after work tomorrow to pick up a few things and ask them, but I figured I'd ask you since I stumbled in here from google.

Cheers,
Aaron
BikeStyler
Hi Aaron, Yes I sometimes experience numbness in my toes when I ride. I try to wiggle them and it does get better. I guess I'm a little too tense?
aaronb
I spoke to the guys at the bike shop and they said that I'm tightening the shoes too much. One said to not even fasten the velcro, and just tighten the buckle. As soon as the swelling goes down in my hand I'm going to give it a shot, and if I still Have problems I'm going to just buy some Look pedals and be done with it.
Obsidian
Most pedals have an adjustable tension mechanism, you should be able to use a hex-key to adjust it accordingly. Too tight, and you'll have problems clipping in and out. Too loose and your feet will disengage unexpectedly.
aaronb
Not out pedals. They're "revolutionary." The pedal is fixed and the cleat contains the mechanism that holds it on to the pedal.

http://www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.lightaction

Besides the fact that they're so small, it's actually not a bad idea.
aaronb
that should be "our pedals." oops

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