How can I prevent falling over when stopping while getting used to my new clipless pedals?

Answer 1

The best advice is to clip one foot out early in anticipation of stopping. That way, if you do have to stop, you can put that foot to the ground and leave the other foot attached to the pedal. If you don't have to stop (if the light changes, etc.), you can clip back in with ease.

If your pedals have a tension adjuster on them (Shimno SPD pedals have a little bolt on them, for example), you can loosen it so that it is easier for you to remove the cleat from the pedal. As long as your feet don't fly out in mid-pedal stroke, a looser tension won't affect your performance.

While getting used to clipless pedals, it isn't uncommon to fall once or twice, so if you do tumble, chalk it up as a learning experience. Of course it is always better not to fall, but if you do you will be one among many who has.

Answer 2

Here is a little trick you can use that will help you. Unclip while you're riding and pedal with one leg. This will strengthen your leg, improve your coordination and allow you to put the free foot down when you come to a stop.

Practice taking it out and putting it back in. While you're new, choose a favorite leg and always do it the same way. You will get good at it. If you're frightened, practice on grass or dirt so that your fall will be cushioned a little bit.

Still, I think every new user falls over at least once or twice (or in my case, a dozen times) before it becomes second nature, and that is the key. After you have fallen once or twice you begin to plan ahead to unclip at least one foot while you're slowing down, well before you come to a standstill.

As with any repetitive motion skill, like learning to walk when you were a baby, it takes a couple of lumps to remind you that you have something new to do! Don't cry and get right back on the bike, nothing works better than determination. Of course, knowing that millions of people use them successfully might also give you the confidence you need to know that you can do it, too. After you have succeeded with one leg, practice with the other.

Once you get comfortable in clipless pedals you'll never go back to the old ones for a long ride.

Answer 3

Try, try and try.

Before installing the pedals, find a nice flat section with only grass to practice. Take the pedal wrench with you.

First, install only one clipless pedal on the trail. Ride in circles until you feel confortable clipping in and out. It can take some rounds, but just keep clipping in and clipping out.

Then switch peddals, remove the first one and install the other one. And repeat.

After you feel better, try on both feet. It is important that you try when you're on grass and a eventual fall doesn't hurt you. Wear jeans or pants just in case.

I helped a friend this way and she learned nice.

Answer 4

When I switched to clipless pedals, I used them on my indoor trainer for a while until I was comfortable getting in and out of them. I still fell over a couple times when I put them on the road bike, though.

Just remember to get out of them in plenty of time if you're coming up to a stoplight or something. Even if you slow down well before the light and get out of them just in case the light turns red. You can always get right back in them when the light turns green.

Answer 5

easiest way possible is the way i learned. take your bike between a doorway. clip in and out untill you get used to it. when you can do it well pedal maybe one rotation into a living room and then unclip. whenever your going to stop obviously go slow as to not slip. if you have mt biking clipless shoes your less likely to slip as they have grip on the bottom.

Answer 6

When learning I came off on several occasions, because I forget to unclip before stopping and find that the springs are so tight that I can not unclip quickly. The answer is to adjust your springs so that they do not grip your cleats so harshly, allowing you to get your foot out quicker.

That said, you are still going to forget and fall over. I managed to get it wrong on a climb, stop and fall over into a load of stinging nettles (Shorts and T shirt). I also managed to get bogged down in a muddy puddle, stop and splat into muddy field.

That said, it is worth it for the extra power, smooth peddling, etc.

Luck

Answer 7

Lots of good answers. My only tip would be practice removing the leg that is closest to the curb. This way if you do fall you fall away from the traffic and hopefully on the nature strip (grass) as your weight will be shifted to the curb side.

I've had two falls, and at that stage I wasn't capable of the curb side foot removal.... Falling in front of traffic was definitely scary, but thankfully they missed my melon!!

Answer 8

Clip out both feet before a full stop. If you stand with one leg over the top tube clipped in, the bike is going to take you down.

Answer 9

Slow down to a stop near a tree or street sign, something you can grab onto when stopping so you don't have to clip out if you don't want to.

Answer 10

clip out before u stop......its a good decision....