Adjusting to clips

Question
Hi there,

I have been doing indoor cycling sessions (spinning) for the past three months, really getting into cycling, which is in my genes as my dad used to cycle pretty intensely. I just bought my first road bike, a Giant OCR2, and am having trouble adjusting to the clips. I don't like the feeling of being attached to the bike at all - I even fell off in the car park practising! I have had the bike a few days and try the clips stationary but I can't even imagine riding with them, as it takes such force to yank my foot out of them. Is there something that can be loosened to help removal and is this difficulty I am having with them normal? Thanks.

Answer
Yes and yes. I assume you are referring to "clipless" pedals where there is a metal piece on the sole of your shoe that clips into the pedal as oppossed to toe clips that form a cage that you slip the toe of your shoe into.

It is normal to have a period of adjustment in getting used to clipless pedal and normal to have a fear of them. I resisted going clipless until last year. The inspiration for me to go that route was a friend who had sandals that had cleats. I was so enamored of the idea of riding in sandals (something I couldn't do with toe clips), that I converted. Now I'm sorry I waited so long. There is clearly a much greater degreee of efficiency in being able to pull up as well as push down. Clipless, because they position the foot more exactly and firmly on the pedal, provide an even greater efficiency.

Take the bike back to the shop and explain your fears to them. They will adjust the tension of the clips to make it easier for you to pull out. By the way you break the connection with a lateral twist of your foot, not a "yank" up and out. That may be part of your problem.

Hope this helps,
Scott<>

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