CYCLISTS - I'm struggling to use clipless pedals?

Question

I've bought a new road bike and I'm really struggling to use the clipless pedals. Sometimes that just clip in, sometimes I go around the whole block fussing with my one shoe trying to get it to clip in. It's driving me nuts. I'm sure it takes some practice but it seems ridiculous to try and aim such a small pedal with the tiny underside of my shoe. These are my pedals:

http://www.ibikedoyou.biz/catalog/1shimanom540.jpg

Please advise

Answer 1

As the others have said it does take a little practise!

I'm just wondering if the cleats are attached to your shoe where the ball of your foot sits ? (this should make the whole location process a little more natural!)

.

Answer 2

The pedals you are using are Shimano SPD models. The ones you show are typically used for mountain biking and have a recessed cleat on the shoe. Most road pedals have a larger platform and allow you to step in toe first. A lot of road rider prefer pedals made by Look or other larger platformed models.

That being said, don't give up with these. I would one thing though. There is a spring tension screw on the top of each pedal. Try to loosen that and see if you can clip in and out easier. Then as you get used to it, add more tension to allow a tighter hold on the shoe. Don't get discouraged. EVERYONE takes a few tumbles when getting used to clipless pedals. It's not the easiest thing in the world to master.

Answer 3

They will get easier with time.

You can speed this up by standing on one foot - and engaging the other foot - again and again. In-Out - In-Out . . . .

15 to 20 times, each side - the pushing and pulling will work the spring and such - and it should get a little easier than brand new. Engaging and disengaging 20 times when standing still - will give as much use as going out and riding 10 or 20 times.

Also, the advice about ensuring that the cleat on the shoe is in the proper place on the ball of your feet is good advice. THis will make the pedal work more efficiently too.

Also, although the Shimano pedals are considered "Mt. Biking" pedals - they are OK for road use too. I like the recessed cleats on the shoes - so it makes it easier to walk around if I get off my bike - less wear on the cleats, less noise, and less damage to the surface I am walking on. And, the surface area is larger than for some of the road pedals which gives good force transmission - and you can pedal them with regular shoes if you just want to go somewhere quick without putting on your shoes. I guess they add a couple ounces in weight so the super-serious racers may not like them, but for normal humans Shimano are fine (and I prefer them) for road cyclists.

Answer 4

You have gotten really great advice from every other respondent. It just takes a bit of practice to get it right. Also, the clips will loosen up a bit with time and the cleats will wear a bit over time. So, between practice, lubrication, loosening up and a bit of wear, soon you'll be clipping in with without even thinking about it. Just hang in there.

I haven't actually used these particular Shimano pedals, but I've found other Shimano pedals pretty easy to clip into and out of once you get the hang of it.

I am not recommending you do this, but if you ultimately give up on these pedals, Speedplay road pedals are the absolute easiest I've ever used.

Sure hope this helps.

Answer 5

As some has already said, reduce the tension of the pedals which well make it easier to clip in and out.

It is a common problem that i experience with customers who are new to any brand of clipless pedals.

Practice does help but if the tension is to tight it will be a long process.

Answer 6

I typically start with the right foot on the ground and the left foot clipped in, but at the top of the pedalling circle. Push down on the left to get going. That will put the right pedal at the top of the stroke. Leave it there until you can engage the right cleat into the pedal. It should take just a few seconds, and you should have enough momentum to keep moving forward while that happens.

HTH

Answer 7

what a common story. I remember when I had my first clipless pedals it was a pain! Here are some tips though -

- There is a screw that you can turn to make it easier to clip out, but it is very loose so it can come out sometimes. I had it on loose to learn, then just slowly tighten every once in a while
- Put the clip on your shoe near the back of where it can go. This is easier to get in because it's near the middle-ish of the shoe and you can get more leverage from your strokes.
- Just practise on a trainer or something cliping in and out until your comfortable

hopes this helps and good luck!

Answer 8

The answers so far sound good. Practice and reduce the clip tension screw. Also, try to lube the clips and cleats. Most people don't but I do and it does make a difference both clipping in and out. Your pedals are a good working model so I think you will figure it out using the advice given.

Answer 9

Stand in a door way or lean up against something at first. I have clip in pedals for my mountain bike and it took me a good 20 min to just figure out how to get them in. Personally i like to get the pedal at the bottom of my stride and just put all my weight on that leg with my toes pointed almsot straight down at the ground. And once you get your toes locked in, your going to need to know how to get them out too, just simply twist your heel outwards and they should snap out. Just takes a lot of playing around at first, but once you get it down, pedaling is a lot easier. Good luck, hope i helped.
-Adam

Answer 10

Stand astride your bike and clip one foot in. Clip out. Do it over and over. Switch to the other foot. Do it over and over.

Clip in one foot and start riding while clipping in the other foot. Unclip on foot and stop. Unclip the other foot. Start over.

Yes, it takes practice. There was a time when you have to concentrate to stay upright when riding your bicycle. Now, you don't think about it. You just do it. You just have to spend enough time on the pedals to make it easy. All it takes is time and effort.