Transition from flat pedals to cleats
2
A lot of cyclists are still using flat pedals, and for good reason! The transition from flat pedals to cleats can cause beginners a lot of painful problems, and be dangerous for people who don't know what they are doing. Take some time practising clipping in and out whilst you lean against a wall sat on your bike.

My top tip 1 is to (back the tension adjustment screw off to starting point so you can clip in and out with less effort).

Give it a week or so before venturing out on your bike, and watch clipping in and out become second nature.

My top tip 2 is to (heel kick OUTWARDS).

One of the benefits of having cleats is that you are getting power through 360o as opposed to 180o on flats. When hill climbing, this can make a huge improvement in how efficiently and quickly you are able to climb. Because now your not only pushing down on the pedals, you are also pulling up on them too. Cleats are great for road use but require you to have a lot more self confidence off road. Which is why I think you should take more time out practising clipping in and out.

Whilst on trails, man made mainly! You need be able to ride like you are using flat pedals but still have the efficiency I mentioned earlier. A lot of man made trails have berms that require a free leg for balance to get around them.

My top tip 3 is to (back the tension adjustment screw off to starting point so you can clip in and out with less effort).
17:04 | Posted in Category:

Comments

2 responses to "Transition from flat pedals to cleats"

  1. Mike A On 3 January 2009 16:04

    When I started to use clipless backing off the tension was helpful but the thing that helped the most was finding a soft grassy park and practicing track stands (lock up the breaks and balance the bike while it is not moving) If you can not do a track stand for more than a few seconds you can do this same exercise at at a slow roll. This type of practice helped my overall riding balance and it was better related to what would happen while riding since I would be focusing on balancing the bike but then at the point I lost balance I would have to switch gears and clip out. If I did not manage to clip out in time I would fall on the grass. (Word about falling: If you can not clip out keep you arms and legs in the tendancy is to reach for the ground which lead to sprains and breaks even at slow speeds)

     
  2. skipratt On 3 January 2009 20:52

    Thanks Mike, always appreciate your comments.

     

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