General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes Rss Feed  
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2006-11-21 8:39 PM

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Subject: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
Well I have owned my bike for about a year and just now got clipless pedals and shoes. Before that I just used the toe cages and running shoes.

Are there any tips to getting use to using clipless pedals? I like the ability to pull up while riding but find if I don't consentrate on pulling I fall back to pushing down all the time. I have only been using the new set up for approx 150 miles. I also seem to have a real hard time pulling in the areo position, is that normal?


2006-11-22 12:42 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
When you un clip turn your heel away from the wheel. If you turn your heel into the wheel, it's easy to hit the wheel.

If you are coming up to a light, unclip one foot if there is any chance of it turning red.
2006-11-22 5:02 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
I find that doing some high RPM spinning at the beginning of a ride (after 10-15 minutes warm-up) helps me a lot with pedaling in circles, as opposed to just pushing the pedals down.
Try doing 2-3 sets of about 2 minutes in a very easy gear spinning as fast as you can and concentrating on keeping a smooth pedal stroke (don't start bumping up and dowm on your saddle).

And never forget you have clips when you stop ... oh well, after a few bruises on the side of your hip you will remember ;-)
2006-11-22 6:05 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
Personally, I try to think of it more like pedaling smoothly or pedaling in circles as opposed to breaking up the pedal stroke into various stages (e.g. pull back, pull up, etc).

Another thing I read somewhere is that when on a trainer you should be hearing a constant "whirrrrrrr" as opposed to a "whirr-whirr-whirr-whirr" (which would be the case if you're only pushing down on the pedals). Makes sense to me.
2006-11-22 7:55 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes

If you want to learn and rememeber how to pull up as well as push down, do some single leg drills.  Clip in while on your trainer, or outside and pedal with only the right leg or the left leg.  At first you will find you can only do a fairly slow cadence.  As you get better, you will be able to speed that up.

Have fun with it.  You have to push your foot foward to get through the dead spot at the top of the stroke. 

2006-11-22 8:05 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes

Another drill is to focus on "whipping pooh off of your shoe" ... meaning you want your stroke from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock to be smooth and your foot even.

This will help eliminate the dead-spot many find at the 6 o'clock position when transitioning from pushing down to pulling up.

Edit to add: you should feel this in your calves.



Edited by brian 2006-11-22 8:06 AM


2006-11-22 11:12 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
2006-11-22 11:17 AM
in reply to: #605891

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Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
I have the same problem with pulling up in the aero position if my setup is too steep.
2006-11-22 8:16 PM
in reply to: #605891

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St Petersburg, Florida
Subject: RE: Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes
My previous coach had incorporated sessions where I alternated one foot clipped in to get my strokes even. It has helped quite a bit. I still use it in my training to keep myself honest.

Enjoy your Clipless!! I learned the fun way and that was on my mountain bike..
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Getting use to clipless pedals/shoes Rss Feed