SWITCHING TO CLIPLESS PEDALS
In a previous blog we mentioned that over 2 million patents exist on bike pedals giving you the magnitude of variation and styles in existence. Generally there are three categories of bike pedals: platform or flat, toe cage or straps, and clipless. Platform pedals are the style we most likely all began riding and most common. From an ease of use and safety this is as simple as you can get.
Toe cages and strap fundamentally serve a similar purpose. This pedals style secures your shoe a bit more firmly onto the pedal providing certain ability to push and pull through a pedal cycle. The benefits of this type pedal include the ability to wear virtually any shoe eliminating need for special bike shoes, easy entry and exit from the cage or strap so the learning curve is minimal. These style pedals have very little additional maintenance if any.
Clipless pedals are a great indication you are a bit more of a serious rider. Most cited reasons for using this style pedal are aligned with improved performance whether speed, distance, or some quantifiable benefit. If you are debating the pluses and minuses of using this style pedal then be mindful of the learning curve and correct use of a clipless pedal system.
Speaking with my riding friends, I found easily a majority of cyclists experienced a small spill at the beginning of their clipless pedal phase, me included. My incident occurred as I was approaching a red light while rolling less than five mile per hour. As I approached the light I un-clipped my right shoe which is my typical foot I put down first at a stop. What I failed to notice was a slope in the road leaning my center of gravity to the left. Not realizing this until too late I panicked and tried to pull my shoe out vertically which doesn’t work therefore unable to unclip my shoe. Down I went meeting Mr. Asphalt. No sustained injuries occurred other than shredded pride as I looked like a total goof. For those cars near by inexperienced in clipless pedals wondering why would a rider keep his foot on the pedal?! Thankfully the cars were a safe distance from me. I had a heck of a time getting vertical again as my shoe was still engaged in the pedal and I was tangled with the bike.
This is a typical scenario you need to be prepared for when starting out with a clipless pedal. The need to disengage immediately should be practiced in a driveway or a safe area. Become comfortable with removing both feet out of your pedals quickly and minimize the chance of an accident. Don’t be surprised when a riding situation requires a quick response and a panic sets in trying to pull your foot up instead of the required heel pivot.
