FIRST ride in CLIPLESS pedals!

So I've decided to take the plunge into the world of clipless pedals and this is my first ride ever on them. I think I will learn to like them and maybe one day I'll even put them on my mountain bike. Strava results showed I was faster than normal, which was surprising and encouraging. #trekmadone #sanantonioroadbiking #roadbike #cliplesspedals #clipless #deltaclips #leoncreekgreenway #eisenhowerpark

[@liquidSpin]

MTB clipless pedals/cleats are way easier to clip in and out of. Once you get used to being clipped in on the road bike and then switch over to mtb you'll see just how easier it is on MTB specific cleats/pedals.

[@two-wheeledfun]

Glad to hear this. With lots of practice and getting used to it, that is the ultimate goal.

[@ericbritton8146]

I have been using Shimano SM-SH10 SPD-SL cleats for years. The benefit of using clipless pedals is it allows you to have complete control of the pedals without slipage and apply more down force resulting in traveling faster. The only negative is you must unclip prior to coming to a complete stop. I fell over a couple of times when I first switched, because I forgot I had upgraded from flat to clipless. Enjoy!

[@two-wheeledfun]

Lol.... Rule #1 : don't forget to unclip!

[@Shadowboost]

Clip out? Heels out. PS, I much prefer Shimano to Look pedals. I've used both of those and SPD mountain bike pedals too. If you can't tell the difference, try sprinting out of the saddle. You'll notice immediately

[@two-wheeledfun]

Good advice, thanks. My shoes came with clips that were supposed to be compatible (or so I thought) with Shimano pedals, but they weren't. I had to get Shimano clips and they fit. Both were 3 hole version, but shaped slightly differently.

[@RUSSDsPhotography]

A couple of things to remember about clipping into pedals. 1. You can not unclip if you are pulling in an upward motion. There will be too much force on the mechanisms and it be locked in place. 2. Practice, practice, PRACTICE!!!! The motion is down and out with your heal. Just picture trying to heal kick something that is just behind and under your for and you will unclip with ease.

[@two-wheeledfun]

Does this apply to both delta and SPD clips?

[@RUSSDsPhotography]

I am not sure what Delta is. I would assume as long as you need to twist to unlock this would be the case. Pulling upward on a twisting mechanism will create a lot of friction force and prevent the twisting motion from happening. And then you are stuck looking like a funky chicken with your legs/knees twitching like crazy as you topple over. LOL I have been clipping in for so long now it is 2nd nature to kick my heal down and out. I have Favero Assiamo pedals(basic LOOKs) and they are just like Shimano, LOOK, and Speedplay as far as the motion to get out of them. I still have moments of panic and feelings of terror in emergency situations. But I get out of the pedals just fine. I have hit the deck a couple of times while I was learning. It doesn't hurt... much. :D @@two-wheeledfun

[@two-wheeledfun]

When I said Delta, I was referring to the LOOK Deltas (although mine are Shimano, not LOOK) which are the 3 hole version vs. the 2 hole SPD. Sounds like what you have. Thanks for the response.

[@Shadowboost]

​@@two-wheeledfun this applies to both types of pedals. You should not be able to pull out of the pedal by lifting up. That's the whole point of them

[@RUSSDsPhotography]

@@two-wheeledfun :D Gotchya. :D I am fairly certain most cleats exit in the same manner. Down and out. Practicing this while leaning against a wall, on your bike, helps with muscle memory. That way when you have your first "panic" stop and have to unclip it is more of a reaction than a thought and then react. p.s. everyone falls a couple of times at first. I have been riding clipped in for about 12 years now. Haven't met one person that has not done it. :D Aim for the grass!!

[@justken3]

Im getting my shoes and pedals tomorrow as well! How does it feel going from flat pedals to clipless pedals?

[@two-wheeledfun]

It's pretty different at first, but I think you'll get used to it during a ride. I've only done the one ride so far because it's been raining. I would suggest practicing first by getting on your bike with one foot on the ground and clipping in and out with the other a bunch of times before you get going. And then just don't forget to unclip before you stop! Good luck tomorrow!

[@Hermod_Hermit]

Took the plunge 6 years ago. Do not miss flats a bit, clipped in is the way to go. You get used to it in no time, then it is just really comfortable. Good luck!