Will I ever be able to clip in?

[Albert Bridge]

I am a cycling newbie and recently had some SPD Pedals fitted to my bike. Despite being shown by my local bike shop how to clip in I am finding it impossible to do on my own and wondered if anyone had any tips they could pass on. Thanks in advance.

[Albert Bridge]

Thank you all so much. I will keep practising inside before I even attempt to go outdoors. I'm becoming so frustrated I'm thinking about putting the old pedals back on...

[Albert Bridge]

The guy in the shop set up both the pedals and the shoes and he made a few adjustments whilst I was there. I know this sounds pretty pathetic but I tried clipping in about 30 times and managed just the once!!! The poor guy had said he wouldn't let me leave the shop until I could do it, he soon changed his mind.

[Albert Bridge]

I have had the pedals 'adjusted' and can now do it with ease. Will go out tomorrow to use them for the first time but have practised at home and am finding it okay. I am expecting to fall over.

[Albert Bridge]

Mr E said:

Usually in front of someone attractive.

I hope so!!! Just finished a 11.5 year relationship so am enjoying the single life once again.

[Albert Bridge]

Went for a ride for the first time today and I'm hooked. Had no problems clipping in or out and haven't yet fallen over. Really looking forward to trying them out on a longer ride. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement.

[Albert Bridge]

I suppose it had to happen eventually - I came off today! Having just finished a 40k ride I was at the lights on Chelsea Bridge, minutes from home when my shoe got completely stuck in the pedal. Over I went, writhing around like an upturned beetle whilst cars honked and my brother laughed.
A couple of guys came to help but I just couldn't get up as my shoe would not come away from the pedal. Have had to buy new pedals AND shoes as the only way to detach them was by wrenching the shoe away causing damage to everything. Handle bars also got twisted and thumb nail damaged.

[Albert Bridge]

Funny you should say that as one of the bolts was missing....

[Albert Bridge]

Thanks for all the advice. I had managed fine until my foot got stuck in one of the pedals. When the pedal and my shoe were finally 'snapped' apart at home, there was a bolt from one of the cleats missing. I am no bike mechanic/expert type but I imagine this missing bolt was something to do with the shoe getting stuck and me therefore toppling over.

[Albert Bridge]

Herman Toothrot said:

Absolutely, cleats need to be really very tightly done up on the shoes if even slightly too loose you won't be able to unclip.

Thank you - I really had no idea.
A little knowledge really is a dangerous thing!