General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached Rss Feed  
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2009-06-05 8:57 AM

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Subject: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

I've been focusing this year on transition practice and the one issue I'm struggling with is getting my feet in the shoes as I'm taking off from T1 and then getting them out as I head into T2.

Any tips on things to think of, to do and not do etc are appreciated....



2009-06-05 9:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
TriMike - 2009-06-05 9:57 AM

Any tips on things to think of, to do and not do ......



Yes, don't even do it.  Put your shoes on in transition and clip clop to the mount line and get on.  You don't actually save much time overall and put yourself and others at risk trying to put your shoes on while riding.

People seem to feel that they are faster doing it, but chances are they are not.  It is just not worth trying unless you are gunning for the overall of the race and know that microseconds are going to make the difference.

You want fast transitions, dumb it down and keep it as simple as possible.  Wetsuit off, shoes, helmet, go.  That's it.

My opinion.
2009-06-05 9:10 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
If you're talking about a flying mount/dismout...there are plenty of videos out there on the internet that will help SHOW you how.  You need to have Tri shoes in order to make it work so that there's really only one big strap to mess with.  I usually jump on while running and then put my feet on top of the shoes for the first couple mnintes and then glance down to slip my feet in by using the big loop on the heel of the shoe and strap it down tightly.  As for the dismount, it's a little easier, just undo the strap and place your foot back on top of the shoes a couple minutes before the dismount line and swing your dominant leg over the saddle.  once you at a safe speed, just jump off the bike and continue running your bike into T2.

Practice this for about a day and you'll get the hang of it.
2009-06-05 9:11 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
IMO, keeping your shoes clipped in T1 is not worth doing unitl you master it....you will probably lose time.  onlyw ay to do this is practice it over and over...I need to dothis myself and I will be putting my shoes on than clipping in this year....

coming into T2, Iw ould take your feet out and pedal on top of them a few hundred yards before T2....definitely get out well before you head towards the dismount line, and swing on leg over the top tube, than jump off and run with your bike over dismount line.

Edited by cusetri 2009-06-05 9:13 AM
2009-06-05 9:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

My shoes never come off of my bike.  So I practice this every time I ride.  (even on the trainer).  But then again, I am dork, so........

edit - disclaimer:  All my rides are solo, never with a group.



Edited by ray6foot7 2009-06-05 9:26 AM
2009-06-05 10:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

TriMike - 2009-06-05 8:57 AM Any tips on things to think of, to do and not do etc are appreciated....

IMO it's not worth the risk for a few seconds gain. My wife usually comes to my triathlons to watch, and her favorite spot to watch is the carnage of mounting and dismounting with shoes attached to pedals. I have only crashed once in a race and it was when some guy wobbling around staring down at his shoes and trying to get his feet in crashed me into the ditch.



2009-06-05 10:56 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
I race Cyclocross during the Fall/Winter season and have got really good at flying mounts and dismounts with shoes on. Kills me to go running out of T1 and see someone with their shoes on the pedals and straddling their bike about to top over and then trying to get going and then trying to deal with the rubber bands or whatnot and then trying to get their feet in the shoes. That whole process seems really slow. I just put my shoes on at the bike rack, run out, jump on, clip in and go. Same for the dismount, just unclip the right foot, swing it around, slip the left foot out and hit the ground running right before the dismount line.

I've watched races for bike mount and dismount too. Seen a lot of crashes at the dismount line from people making things way more complicated than needed. Plus you should make sure at least one foot is free of the pedal before you get to the dismount line....
2009-06-05 11:01 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
I did forget to mention that you do need an above-average amount of coordination to pull it off smoothly.  Practice it penty and if you are even the least bit iffy about confidence...don't do it!  Not only to save yourself emberrassment, but also to protect the other cyclists around you.
2009-06-05 11:16 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
The last two races my bike-out was way on the other side of my transitions, I felt too clumbsy running on my cleats, I could have saved from damaging my cleats and carbon shoes that are chewed up and permanently gouged now.

Where do you attach the rubber bands going from shoe strap or pedal shaft?
2009-06-05 11:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
nevergivin - 2009-06-05 11:16 AM The last two races my bike-out was way on the other side of my transitions, I felt too clumbsy running on my cleats, I could have saved from damaging my cleats and carbon shoes that are chewed up and permanently gouged now.

Where do you attach the rubber bands going from shoe strap or pedal shaft?


I've heard of people using bands and strings and all that...I don't use anything.
2009-06-05 11:20 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
I think that the shoe thing is just a matter of practice.  I end up practicing it at least once a week when I leave and return on my solo rides, and many times more the day before a race.  Learn to do it without looking at your shoes and you'll ride straight!

During races, if there is anyone near me at the mount line, I run well beyond the mount line before mounting (lots of people mount and clip in slowly right out the mount line causing traffic jams and accidents).   I pedal with my feet on top of my shoes until I'm at least 15 mph and in an open area before I put my shoes on. 

Brian


2009-06-05 11:26 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
As a beginner (first year of Tri's and have done two) I started practicing the flying dismount.  This to me will save time and is fairly easy to learn.   But the shoes stay on my feet (I do loosen the straps for quick removal in T2).  As for leaving the shoes on the bike for T1, I will wait until the podium spots are mine  for the taking before doing that.  Which probably means I won't be doing this for a long, long, long time if ever.
2009-06-05 11:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
nevergivin - 2009-06-05 11:16 AM The last two races my bike-out was way on the other side of my transitions, I felt too clumbsy running on my cleats, I could have saved from damaging my cleats and carbon shoes that are chewed up and permanently gouged now.

Where do you attach the rubber bands going from shoe strap or pedal shaft?


I attach (with a rubber band) the heel loop of the front shoe (my right shoe) to the seat tube bottle cage holder.  I attach the loop of the back shoe (my left) to the wheel's quick release.  You have to experiment with rubber bands to find the one that break off easily on your first pedal stroke.

Brian 
2009-06-05 12:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

bmcgee - 2009-06-05 11:17 AM
nevergivin - 2009-06-05 11:16 AM The last two races my bike-out was way on the other side of my transitions, I felt too clumbsy running on my cleats, I could have saved from damaging my cleats and carbon shoes that are chewed up and permanently gouged now.

Where do you attach the rubber bands going from shoe strap or pedal shaft?


I've heard of people using bands and strings and all that...I don't use anything.

I also don't mess with rubber bands.  Just make sure pedals are at 3 and 9 o'clock so the low shoe does not drag on the ground.  I do find much easier to buckle in w/o socks.  Last year I had an early season du and it was cold so I wore socks.  Much harder for me to get the feel of sliding my feet into my shoes with the socks on.   Get some speed before slipping feet into shoes, it helps a lot. 

2009-06-05 12:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
magic - 2009-06-05 10:56 AM I race Cyclocross during the Fall/Winter season and have got really good at flying mounts and dismounts with shoes on. Kills me to go running out of T1 and see someone with their shoes on the pedals and straddling their bike about to top over and then trying to get going and then trying to deal with the rubber bands or whatnot and then trying to get their feet in the shoes. That whole process seems really slow. I just put my shoes on at the bike rack, run out, jump on, clip in and go. Same for the dismount, just unclip the right foot, swing it around, slip the left foot out and hit the ground running right before the dismount line. I've watched races for bike mount and dismount too. Seen a lot of crashes at the dismount line from people making things way more complicated than needed. Plus you should make sure at least one foot is free of the pedal before you get to the dismount line....


Ever run into issues of having cleats break?  Or carbon soles worn to the padding?  I have look pedals, and from what i hear, the look cleats don't stand up too well against a lot of running or walking.  Also, my shoes are only 5 months old and in another 5 months, the stubb on the back of the shoe will be worn even...
2009-06-05 12:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
DaveH - 2009-06-05 11:47 AM

TriMike - 2009-06-05 8:57 AM Any tips on things to think of, to do and not do etc are appreciated....

IMO it's not worth the risk for a few seconds gain. My wife usually comes to my triathlons to watch, and her favorite spot to watch is the carnage of mounting and dismounting with shoes attached to pedals. I have only crashed once in a race and it was when some guy wobbling around staring down at his shoes and trying to get his feet in crashed me into the ditch.



I think I would enjoy hanging out w your wife !


2009-06-05 1:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

nevergivin - 2009-06-05 12:16 PM The last two races my bike-out was way on the other side of my transitions, I felt too clumbsy running on my cleats, I could have saved from damaging my cleats and carbon shoes that are chewed up and permanently gouged now.

Where do you attach the rubber bands going from shoe strap or pedal shaft?

That's essentially why I'm looking into this, the run through transition on my cleats.  I'm sure I could go a lot faster barefoot and since the last event I did had pre-assigned transition areas, luck was against me as I was almost the furthest rack away from exiting T1...

2009-06-05 1:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached

Wouldn't it also be useful to have your shoes pre-attached in cases where transition area is muddy/sandy to avoid getting crap in your cleats?  This is the main reason I've worked on learning to quickly and safely mount with shoes in place (not there yet).

2009-06-05 1:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Tips for mounting/dismounting bike with shoes attached
Daremo - 2009-06-05 10:09 AM
TriMike - 2009-06-05 9:57 AM

Any tips on things to think of, to do and not do ......




People seem to feel that they are faster doing it, but chances are they are not.  It is just not worth trying unless you are gunning for the overall of the race and know that microseconds are going to make the difference.



That's how I feel about $5000 tri bikes.

For the record, I leave my shoes clipped in. I can mount my bike and ride off out of anyone's way and get my feet in once I am up to speed. I do it because I like to, and because I can. Probably the same reasons people buy expensive bikes.

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