in response to "yipee!"

It is a bit confusing, actually.

The 'old' time pedals had these cages for the feet called toe clips. Basically a strap that goes over the foot with a plastic or metal piece that attaches from the pedal to that strap over the toe.

The new pedals are called clipless pedals because they aren't the old toe clips, BUT!! they are more like clips. They clip into the sole of a specialized bike shoe.

Definitely recommend them if you don't already have them!

Dana

Clipless pedals are pedals that your shoes (bike shoes with special cleats on the bottom) click in to. They differ from toe clips that are like cages that you put the top of your shoe in to. The advantage is that you can "spin" and pull up with your leg rather than always pushing down. But, since you are connected, you need to get used to getting out of them so you don't tip over.

They can always be added to your bike later. If you can afford it now, I'd consider it with the new bike.

Good luck!

ahhh...so how do you get your foot unclipped again if you do fall over??

Well, at that point you have all the time in the world to get the foot out. I have Look pedals and you just move your heel to the side to unclick. When you are about to fall, you only have about 1 second to get it right!

Even less than a second sometimes. It's very difficult to get your foot out of the pedal while you are falling to that side. Believe me. I have the battle scar to prove it

BUT, it's still worth it, Dorian!!

D

hmmm...sounds intriguingly..scary. HAHAHAHA I can't wait!!

We all fall down...

Ahhhhhhhhhh, we could tell you stories...but wait...we HAVE...about the curse of the clipless pedal!!!!
Check these out: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

The rule is. If you get them, then you have to post your story the first time you fall over on your bike while clipped in....that's the only way to get into the "club"...hahahah

n

hahaha!! Ahh yes, I will most definately report back with my first spill. If I could upload a sound file, I'd load..."Another one bites the dust..." Yeah! Maybe I'll try to ride on something softer than the road while I'm first learning...