|   first clipless ride.... | phil
Apr 21, 2002 9:09 PM | | A few weeks ago, I posted a thread here on clipless pedals and shoes. I've been riding for about 8 months now and consider myself a newbie. I'm a college student w/ out much cash, and not too much time to ride but here's my story anyway:
Ended up getting a set of Time Alium's HP's (w/ bearings not bushings) for $57 shipped off of ebay. And a pair of specialized sports from the specialized webiste for $22. Which totals to $79 for a decent set of pedals and decent shoes (both new in box).
Installation day:
Put the pedals on my bike and the cleats on the shoes and practice in a doorway for about 15 min, then I have to go back to school for a few hours that evening. When I get back I take my bike in some soft grassy area behind my apartment building and practice clipping in and out. Boy, it was tough to get out of, I was falling over every other time, I was starting to think if it was a good investment, but I kept thinking "give it time, it'll get easier and be a reflex". Well, by the time I go back in that night my new shoes already have grass stains on them, and so do my hands from catching myself as I fell to the ground. Inside I take off my shoes and notice the cleats are WAY loose and that I must've not tightened them correct initially, by the time I took my bike outside I was turning my heal 45 degrees to get unclipped.
During the next two weeks I'm not able to find time to go ride b/c of weather and school, but I'm able to do my same routine of riding in the grass behind my apartment about 2 times.
So today was my first day to ride clipless on a trail. I was quite nervous at first, especially since it was a trail I had only ridden once before and required two stream crossings which required pedaling to make it across. This trail is also more technical than my normal "local" trail, and about 2.5 times longer at 14 miles.
I survived the day with only one tip over which was at the end, I was trying to turn around to take another pass at a little jump in an area of the trail that is all shell. So the tip over was a very soft landing. I made it through the first stream crossing w/ no problems, the second is quite a bit wider at 20+ yards w/ water levels at 1-2.5 ft, large baby head rocks, etc... I decided not to even try that one b/c I didn't want to risk it, instead I just walked my bike through it. I was able to clip in and out easily and it became easier as the 2 hour ride went on. I know the unclipping motion will get easier and I won't even notice it the more I ride. I did try and spin circles where I didn't mash on the down stroke and used my other foot to pull up, the result was better climbing ability.
I'm very happy w/ my decision to go clipless, I think it's great just from my first ride. I'm riding a heavy stock schwinn mesa, and am was wanting a new bike but didn't have the funds, but did have enough for the pedals and shoes. My next purchase might be a dig cam so I can take pictures and give back since I love to look at the riding pictures here.
Thanks to all who gave me advice, and for providing an open community here on passion for others to feel comfortable about sharing their passion with others.
Now I just need to find an engineering intern/co-op job so I can afford a new bike, a jersey, shorts, and cycling socks :-) can anyone here hook me up w/ a job in a town w/ great mtn. biking?
Thanks all,
Phil |
| Thats awsome!....... | MrrrG
Apr 21, 2002 10:06 PM | | I have been riding clipless for about 3 months now and I love them. Not only do they help u climb and cheat on bunny hops but, they show others that u are a pretty good rider and if u are doing 14 miles on your average rides u are better then me. For me what I have noticed about going clipless is that after awhile u dont worry so much about cliping out as u do about controling the bike so u dont have to clip out. In other words clipless makes u a better rider. As for a job I'm sure u will find a great job. Remember a good bike and gear can be the best investment in your life. What a great way to have fun, meet people, explore nature, and stay in shape. Thats what it's all about. |
| totally sweet. | Cabin Fever
Apr 22, 2002 7:53 AM | | dude, that is really cool about the clipless thing. i am glad that it is going so well for you! once you've been riding clipless for a while, you'll find it hard to understand how you ever rode one platforms or toeclips. i'm glad that this forum was a big help to you. i think you'll find, as i have, that mountian bikers are a different breed of people, much more laid back and eager to help overall. |
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