Help with clipless

[merc98c]

Ok,
so my wife has the Crank Brother Egg Beaters, and is having a hell of a time getting in them, so she spends almost all of the ride out of them. (not too fun)
So, are these pedals known to be hard to get in and out of? Is she doing something wrong? Are they just not for her?

I have Shimano M-520s on mine and i get in fine, but i get out a bit harder. Is there a way to loosen the clips up so that it is easier to get out?

Should i just switch pedals with my wife and see if i am better on the cranks?

Thanks

Ryan

[Buddylee]

Ok,
so my wife has the Crank Brother Egg Beaters, and is having a hell of a time getting in them, so she spends almost all of the ride out of them. (not too fun)
So, are these pedals known to be hard to get in and out of? Is she doing something wrong? Are they just not for her?

I have Shimano M-520s on mine and i get in fine, but i get out a bit harder. Is there a way to loosen the clips up so that it is easier to get out?

Should i just switch pedals with my wife and see if i am better on the cranks?

Thanks

Ryan


Eggbeaters are usually very easy to get in and out of. What kind of shoe is she using. I'm assuming a mountain bike shoe, if so, you may need to use the shim the cleats come with. It goes between the cleat and the shoe to lift the cleat a little higher off the shoe, clearing the lugs on the shoe from the small platforms on the eggbeaters. On some shoes the lugs are a little bigger than other shoes, so the shims are sometimes needed.

Lee

[jabberwocky]

The shimano pedals (like the 520s) are adjustable. There is an allen key on the face of the pedal that can be loosened to make them easier to get into and out of. I generally recommend Shimano pedals for beginners because of this. On the loosest setting, they are really easy to get out of.

Eggbeaters are not (I believe) adjustable. See if you can pick up a set of shimanos for your wife to try and loosen the tension all the way. There is a learning curve though, even with easier pedals. I would not recommend riding on the trail with clipless to start. Find a nice soft field and practice there for a while.

[Squirrel Girl]

There must be something wrong. Egg beaters should be easy to get in and out of. Even adjustable Shimanos are harder for me than egg beaters. If you can't figure it out by looking at the cleat yourself (or by other helpful hints that people post), try taking them into to your LBS for someone to figure it out for you.

[merc98c]

I would not recommend riding on the trail with clipless to start. Find a nice soft field and practice there for a while.

Yea well..... Too late for that, i am so beat up right now it isnt funny, and i think i have whiplash from cracking my head off a huge rock, and i have a nice series of cuts down my leg where my chain ring decided to dig in as i fell, yet again.

Other than that all good. that is what i wanted to hear however, i may just run down and pick up a set tomorrow and so we can go ride and see if they are better. Are you going over clipping at the clinic?

Ryan

[markie]

Eggbeaters are usually very easy to get in and out of. What kind of shoe is she using. I'm assuming a mountain bike shoe, if so, you may need to use the shim the cleats come with. It goes between the cleat and the shoe to lift the cleat a little higher off the shoe, clearing the lugs on the shoe from the small platforms on the eggbeaters. On some shoes the lugs are a little bigger than other shoes, so the shims are sometimes needed.

Lee

Or just cut the rubber off of the shoes sole that is preventing engagement.

[merc98c]

Eggbeaters are usually very easy to get in and out of. What kind of shoe is she using. I'm assuming a mountain bike shoe, if so, you may need to use the shim the cleats come with. It goes between the cleat and the shoe to lift the cleat a little higher off the shoe, clearing the lugs on the shoe from the small platforms on the eggbeaters. On some shoes the lugs are a little bigger than other shoes, so the shims are sometimes needed.

Lee


I need to look in the shoe box to see if there are some shims, i had my LBS put them on, and she is using the Spec Motodiva Shoes.

I will have to see if that helps, it seems that on the road after i help her for a minute she can clip in, but on the trail she cannot.

PS: Patapsco SUCKS!!! Just kidding, but it does beat me up every damn time... :)

[merc98c]

Or just cut the rubber off of the shoes sole that is preventing engagement.

Not sure if it is preventing engagement, i just started riding as well so i am really not too good at decyphering the problem. and there really isnt any ruber to cut.

[merc98c]

Oh yea, also, there is this weird high pitched whine coming from her front wheel. I cannot tell whether it is from the brake or hub (we rode through mude and water, 2 days later the sound appeared).

Any ideas?

[Buddylee]

Or just cut the rubber off of the shoes sole that is preventing engagement.

Yep, that works too.

[jabberwocky]

There must be something wrong. Egg beaters should be easy to get in and out of. Even adjustable Shimanos are harder for me than egg beaters. If you can't figure it out by looking at the cleat yourself (or by other helpful hints that people post), try taking them into to your LBS for someone to figure it out for you.I've never actually ridden eggbeaters, so take my advice with a grain of salt. But my experience with my Shimano pedals was that with the tension set at its lowest, I could actually yank my foot straight out without twisting at all. I just think the action of shimanos pedals is sorta crappy (indistinct, hard to tell where they are going to release). But they make a pretty good beginner pedal.

You could try swapping the pedals on your bike with your wifes and see if they are any easier for her.

Are you going over clipping at the clinic?My clinic is for people who already know that. :)

I don't know if Jackson and Punga are planning on covering clipless in the beginners clinics. Honestly, there isn't much to teach. You just need to practice a whole lot until clipping in and out becomes second nature.

Oh yea, also, there is this weird high pitched whine coming from her front wheel. I cannot tell whether it is from the brake or hub (we rode through mude and water, 2 days later the sound appeared).

Any ideas?I would guess the brake pads rubbing the rotor. What brakes does the bike have?

[tsunayoshi]

The shimano pedals (like the 520s) are adjustable. There is an allen key on the face of the pedal that can be loosened to make them easier to get into and out of.

While it might seem obvious, don't forget to set both sides of the 520s to the same tension. My friend had the 520s that came with the 'cheater' platform on one side. When he took the platforms off, he forgot to adjust the tension on the freed side with interesting results.

I need to tighten my 520s, I hit a dip so hard the other day it knocked one foot out of the clips.

[merc98c]

My clinic is for people who already know that. :)

I know, was just seeing if i could get an invite... :)



I would guess the brake pads rubbing the rotor. What brakes does the bike have?
Her brakes are the Avid BB7 mechanical disc.

I looked at that but maybe i need to look more.

[saxman]

I was a novice to clipless two years ago. I found that the Shimano's made great clipless pedals for beginners, once you set them to a fairly loose tension. Someone told me it takes about a season before you get comfortable with them. I think that's accurate. Don't give up, just keep riding and practicing. It worked for me!

Now, I'm so comfortable with clipless, I feel naked when I ride platforms...kind of like not wearing a seatbelt in a car. Clipping in and out becomes so second nature that I've even been known to try to "unclip" from the gas pedal in my car.

[merc98c]

I was a novice to clipless two years ago. I found that the Shimano's made great clipless pedals for beginners, once you set them to a fairly loose tension. Someone told me it takes about a season before you get comfortable with them. I think that's accurate. Don't give up, just keep riding and practicing. It worked for me!

Now, I'm so comfortable with clipless, I feel naked when I ride platforms...kind of like not wearing a seatbelt in a car. Clipping in and out becomes so second nature that I've even been known to try to "unclip" from the gas pedal in my car.


Well i sure hope so, because i clip out after i bash a part of my body off of something hard. :eek:

[jabberwocky]

Her brakes are the Avid BB7 mechanical disc.

I looked at that but maybe i need to look more.Yeah, getting the pad adjustment perfect on those takes a little tinkering. I would try backing the inboard pad dial (red knob on the wheel side of the brake caliper) out one click and see if that solves it.

They are great brakes, btw. They just need to be fine tuned once in a while. :)

[jabberwocky]

saxman is right, it becomes second nature. I unclip now even when I suddenly crash. When you start, there is a period of time where you are falling all the time and wondering why people like these stupid pedals. And then it clicks and you realize how advantageous it is to be connected to the bike.

One thing people recommend is to find a doorway in your house, and sit on the bike in the doorway (balancing yourself with your arms) and just clip in, clip out, clip in, clip out... over and over and over. Get used to the motion.

[merc98c]

Yeah, getting the pad adjustment perfect on those takes a little tinkering. I would try backing the inboard pad dial (red knob on the wheel side of the brake caliper) out one click and see if that solves it.

They are great brakes, btw. They just need to be fine tuned once in a while. :)

I will try it tomorrow.
And i think that i may just switch her pedals with mine... Hope i have a tool for that on my multi tool... :)

[punga]

I know, was just seeing if i could get an invite... :)



Her brakes are the Avid BB7 mechanical disc.

I looked at that but maybe i need to look more.
The Avid Mechs have adjustments to for the calipers to move them closer and further from the rotors. Start by spinning the wheel and seeing if the rotor rubs on either pad; shine a flashlight through while looking from the opposite side. You should see where the rotor is touching. Don't expect it to be perfectly true, stamped steel is rarely ever completely flat.

As for clipping in help, bring everything along on Saturday. Here is why: Egg Beaters have special cleats that, depending on which direction they're mounted affects their release point. You get 2 choices and that's all with EB's designs. The Shimanos are adjustable, as mentioned earlier and can be dialed in to your liking. We can take a quick look on Saturday.

punga!

[merc98c]

The Avid Mechs have adjustments to for the calipers to move them closer and further from the rotors. Start by spinning the wheel and seeing if the rotor rubs on either pad; shine a flashlight through while looking from the opposite side. You should see where the rotor are touching. Don't expect them to be perfectly true, stamped steel is rarely ever completely flat.

As for clipping in help, bring everything along on Saturday. Here is why: Egg Beaters have special cleats that, depending on which direction they're mounted affects their release point. You get 2 choices and that's all with EB's designs. The Shimanos are adjustable, as mentioned earlier and can be dialed in to your liking. We can take a quick look on Saturday.

punga!


See that Jabber... that is how you should be.

:) just kidding mate....

Rock on punga, i will do that, not sure how they are mounted or anything, bikermiker took care of all that for us... he rocks....

PS: Did you know it is suppose to be 40 something sat???

Bomberman

[jabberwocky]

See that Jabber... that is how you should be.I could never be as awesome or helpful as Punga. ;)

[merc98c]

lol. we all bow to punga.... ;)

[punga]

No bowing to punga! I just try to help. ;)

And, I don't know jabber, you're pretty freakin' awesome yourself. We'll have to have a awesoma power* contest some day :p

punga!


*green dots to the first to tell me where that saying came from.

[merc98c]

what about me, im a cool too right??? :D

give a brotha some rep points :)
hehe

Ryan

[punga]

I forgot, the weather situation. Watch here (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=6944) for last minute updates about the weather for Saturday. The cold doesn't bother me that much, and we don't have to ride trails for the clinic, so unless it's really bad one way or another, expect the clinic to happen.

Oh yeah, I hooked you up with greenies in your original thread about the Stumpy's for good questions. I'm not afraid to dish em out.

punga!

[merc98c]

Oh yeah, I hooked you up with greenies in your original thread about the Stumpy's for good questions. I'm not afraid to dish em out.

punga!

Sweet thanks man.
Some how i lost some.... i wonder who did that.... :rolleyes:

[merc98c]

and just when i give someone some rep points....

[merc98c]

here is what i got.

Reputation
Your reputation on this post is Extremely Negative.

Comments on this Post
Trying too hard!

You have 286 Reputation points.

Here is what i have to say...
GAY!!!

Thanks for listening...

[punga]

here is what i got.

Reputation
Your reputation on this post is Extremely Negative.

Comments on this Post
Trying too hard!

You have 286 Reputation points.

Here is what i have to say...
GAY!!!

Thanks for listening...
Ahh, the power of the anonymous criticism.... Not sure who red dotted you, but it wasn't me.

I wouldn't stress over that stuff too much. You could say one thing tomorrow that will send the hoards your way, green dotting all over you like, well, a drunken sailor on shore leave after 6 months at sea ;) I've seen it happen.

[merc98c]

honestly it really isnt that big of a deal. just wanted to make whoever, even though i think i know who it is, that it/they are gay.


Disclaimer: and no this isnt a knock at gays. sorry for classifying this tard in with you.

[rmac]

I found that my new CB Candy cleats took a few rides to wear in. I have Candys on two bikes & after about 3 rides the new cleats / pedals became just as easy to get in & out of as the old. I also have Avid bb7 mechs, so if you haven't gotten them just right, let me know.

[Squirrel Girl]

honestly it really isnt that big of a deal. just wanted to make whoever, even though i think i know who it is, that it/they are gay.


Disclaimer: and no this isnt a knock at gays. sorry for classifying this tard in with you.Yeah, I'm struggling with "gay" as the knock d' jour (which I have no idea how to spell).

One of my new friends from Ireland uses that ALL the time. It's his FAVORITE phrase, "don't be gay." I choke on it when I banter with him. But he's the nicest guy in the world. He insults EVERYONE--he'd fit in really well around here, huh?! Makes me think of Craig! :p :D

But I still have a problem with it, while accepting that it's given without animosity.

It makes me the think of the interview I heard of Sasha Baron Cohen (you know--Borat). He was taking about sing the song, "Throw the Jew Down the Well" and having the audience sing along, and everyone singing along without problem. So is that what we're doing by using "gay" as a slur? Or does it mean that I'm being too uptight and PC? I don't know. So, merc, I think I take your meaning by the use of gay without animosity. But on the other hand, 'spose there are a bunch of gay guys here in MORE? Should their identity suddenly be the buzz word of what we shouldn't be? Dunno.

<sorry for the thread derail>

Back to pedals. Yeah, the worst time I had with Shimano were those horrible Performance Campus pedals that I could not loosen no matter how much I turned the screw. Maybe I didn't turn the screw enough on the road bike pedals, but now I've converted ALL bikes to Time ATACS XC so I never bring the wrong shoes EVER, no matter what.

When I learned to ride clipped in on the trail, I told myself "You're gonna stick with this for 2 weeks no matter what." And I decided, "Just demount anytime you're uncomfortable." So I dismounted more often than normal. Big deal. I knew there'd be a learning curve. There was, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. And once I got used to it, I discovered it was better than I dreamed it would be.

[kuru]

Comments on this Post
Trying too hard!


That's kind of funny. I'll throw some green dots your way just for getting that remark.

[merc98c]

That's kind of funny. I'll throw some green dots your way just for getting that remark.

Thanks man, you rock. :)


Yeah, I'm struggling with "gay" as the knock d' jour (which I have no idea how to spell).

One of my new friends from Ireland uses that ALL the time. It's his FAVORITE phrase, "don't be gay." I choke on it when I banter with him. But he's the nicest guy in the world. He insults EVERYONE--he'd fit in really well around here, huh?! Makes me think of Craig!

But I still have a problem with it, while accepting that it's given without animosity.

It makes me the think of the interview I heard of Sasha Baron Cohen (you know--Borat). He was taking about sing the song, "Throw the Jew Down the Well" and having the audience sing along, and everyone singing along without problem. So is that what we're doing by using "gay" as a slur? Or does it mean that I'm being too uptight and PC? I don't know. So, merc, I think I take your meaning by the use of gay without animosity. But on the other hand, 'spose there are a bunch of gay guys here in MORE? Should their identity suddenly be the buzz word of what we shouldn't be? Dunno.


Not sure how to take all this, but if i offended, i am sorry, was not my intent.
Also, i dont mean gay as in homosexual, i mean gay as in F'in gay......dont really know how to explain it other than that. But all in all i hope i will not have to use it again on here, but if i do, i explained what i mean by it and that it is only inteded to offend the person being insulted. :D

[merc98c]

We have new comments... drum roll please....

Reputation
Your reputation on this post is Extremely Positive.

Comments on this Post
I don't try at all
You are a tard. Grow up, stop using words like gay and tard. ( heres to you Mr or Mrs/Ms. i can come up with a cut down) (lol couldnt resist that)
So if i should stop, why did you use it. And please say you were using it to make a point blah blah blah....

You have 394 Reputation points.

And just to clarify, the comment about the rep points were a joke. i joined here to ride bikes, not worry about green dots... Didnt most of you?

Ryan

[Squirrel Girl]

BTW, where's the Mrs. and why isn't she posting here herself???? :) She could maybe get a few green dots, too!

[merc98c]

BTW, where's the Mrs. and why isn't she posting here herself???? :) She could maybe get a few green dots, too!

Is that better now? I put Ms. also.. :)

if you put that on there i will give you some greenies. Let me know.

Ryan

[merc98c]

BTW, where's the Mrs. and why isn't she posting here herself???? :) She could maybe get a few green dots, too!

I gave you some points there Girlie... :)

See i spread the love. ;)

[Brizn]

I can't help it: i'm much more interested in language than clipless pedals. It's my job :D
Yeah, I'm struggling with "gay" as the knock d' jour (which I have no idea how to spell).

One of my new friends from Ireland uses that ALL the time. It's his FAVORITE phrase, "don't be gay." I choke on it when I banter with him. But he's the nicest guy in the world. He insults EVERYONE--he'd fit in really well around here, huh?! Makes me think of Craig! :p :D

But I still have a problem with it, while accepting that it's given without animosity.

It makes me the think of the interview I heard of Sasha Baron Cohen (you know--Borat). He was taking about sing the song, "Throw the Jew Down the Well" and having the audience sing along, and everyone singing along without problem. So is that what we're doing by using "gay" as a slur? Or does it mean that I'm being too uptight and PC? I don't know. So, merc, I think I take your meaning by the use of gay without animosity. But on the other hand, 'spose there are a bunch of gay guys here in MORE? Should their identity suddenly be the buzz word of what we shouldn't be? Dunno.You're not being too uptight or PC.


Here's a good one..
Disclaimer: and no this isnt a knock at gays. sorry for classifying this tard in with you.Oh.. and this one's even better..
Also, i dont mean gay as in homosexual, i mean gay as in F'in gay..... :rolleyes: You're married- which implies you're not 15 anymore.. and you may have (or may soon have) highly impressionable micro-units running around repeating your words and adopting sentiments. I'll give you a greenie just for taking a good beating :D

[Brizn]

Oh.. and if the brakes are still kinda new.. it's normal to have some screaching as they break in. It should go away with a few rides..

[merc98c]

I do take a good beatin, it take it all in stride... Plus, i am too damn tired and hurt to put too much thought and effort in. :D

And when i do have some chil-ren, i hope they call whoever originally put trying too hard, F'in gay... Could my kids will come at you like a spider monkey... :)

[kuru]

I can't help it: i'm much more interested in language than clipless pedals. It's my job :D


I thought you were a psychologist or social worker or something like that. Is that about language or touchy feely stuff? OMG! dude, that is sooooo gay :D :D OK, OK, just kidding. I couldn't resist that one. I don't want people to think I'm a tard or something :D

[pirate]

I think the more PC way to say what merc is trying to say, is, "F'in ghey!" See how much less offensive that is? :D

[punga]

I thought you were a psychologist or social worker or something like that. Is that about language or touchy feely stuff? OMG! dude, that is sooooo gay :D :D OK, OK, just kidding. I couldn't resist that one. I don't want people to think I'm a tard or something :D
green dot!

[merc98c]

I am green dottin everyone woo hoo.....
F'in Gh3y is even better... lets get some leet speak going...
Hehe
kuru
I am a social worker, i hey the Ghey's by telling them to shut it... hehe

ok i think this thread has gone far enough...

Fin

[jabberwocky]

Hey guys-

While I don't think that people in this thread are necessarily using the term "gay" as a derogatory term for homosexuals/lesbians, that is a very common usage of the term, and I for one would rather not see it used here.

The mods have had some complaints by people who were offended. And I can certainly see where they are coming from. So lets knock it off before we need to lock the whole thread. Ok?

-jabberwocky (moderator).

[Doink]

I made the switch from cages to clipless as soon as they came out. What i did was, ride pavement for a while clipping in & out each foot about every minute or so until it became 2nd nature of shoe,cleat & pedal location & feel. THEN got busy with the smooth rotation of pedals, i.e scrapes & pulls. Make sure you get your cleats orientated on your shoes correctly, if angled wrong your knees & legs will still adapt to the position but it will screw up your knees after a while . If you start to feel any pain at all in your knees do not wait get to your LBS & have them check your cleat positioning.With all the unnecessary float pedals are offering these days for mis-adjusted cleats i still love my Frogs :) .

[CRAIG2]

Hey guys-

While I don't think that people in this thread are necessarily using the term "gay" as a derogatory term for homosexuals/lesbians, that is a very common usage of the term, and I for one would rather not see it used here.

The mods have had some complaints by people who were offended. And I can certainly see where they are coming from. So lets knock it off before we need to lock the whole thread. Ok?

-jabberwocky (moderator).

I agree, totally. It's really not necessary. Keep that kind of stuff on the mtbr.com, or in your own personal circles. I'm sure we can all think of more accurate or descript adjectives than 'gay'. Unless you mean someone is really happy; then maybe it's ok.

Well, I've had a really gay ol' time reading all this!

[Squirrel Girl]

Make sure you get your cleats orientated on your shoes correctly, if angled wrong your knees & legs will still adapt to the position but it will screw up your knees after a while . If you start to feel any pain at all in your knees do not wait get to your LBS & have them check your cleat positioning.Isn't it drevil who has the link for the extenders to change the position of the pedals just a smidgen?

[kuru]

Hey guys-

While I don't think that people in this thread are necessarily using the term "gay" as a derogatory term for homosexuals/lesbians, that is a very common usage of the term, and I for one would rather not see it used here.

The mods have had some complaints by people who were offended. And I can certainly see where they are coming from. So lets knock it off before we need to lock the whole thread. Ok?

-jabberwocky (moderator).

I hope I didn't offend too many people. I was just poking fun at the use of the terms "gay" and "tard". In reality there was exactly one target of my derision.

[wrench177]

Isn't it drevil who has the link for the extenders to change the position of the pedals just a smidgen?
SG,
Are these the things you're referring to?

http://www.kneesaver.net/

[Squirrel Girl]

SG,
Are these the things you're referring to?

http://www.kneesaver.net/Yeah, yeah! Those are them! Thanks!

[merc98c]

wow.. jabber is back.. lol

umm as far as the posts on the term gay, well i will change it up, that is tardalicious.. :)

bought the wife some Time ATACs and she loves them, thanks for the insight squirrel girl...

yes and as far as my greenies, take em all away, i dont care, i mountain bike, that is what i am here for.....

Bomberman....

[ride-n-fall]

umm as far as the posts on the term gay, well i will change it up, that is tardalicious..

Bomberman....

How old are you. There are teenagers on this board that post in a more mature manner that you. Based upon your comments, I would guess you are not very old, but then again, you have posted of a wife, so I guess words are deceiving. Many of us post on this board and ride in MORE rides because we enjoy biking and enjoy biking with others who also enjoy biking (and actually enjoy some of the juvenile banter that goes on here). Based on Jabberwocky's earlier post, I am not the only one that thinks that you crossed even that line. I will give red dots in the open -- you will get one from me.

Have a nice night.

[Squirrel Girl]

Now, now everyone. Let's play nice in our sand box! :)

We're all here cuz we like to ride our bicycles -- yes that's the Tshirt I bought today:

"I want to ride my bicycle"

So maybe we can stop being quite so provocative of each other and the pick pick pickin. Huh? Please?

I was talkin' with Jabberwocky about this thread earlier today and mentioned I something about not being able to control others, but then.... Hey wait a minute, I *can* control y'all! I'm a moderator.

But I don't want to. I'm sure you guys can take a deep breath and just cool it! Or, I'll get my whip out! Spring is sproinging and I'm gonna be startin' practice any day now!!!!!!
:eek:

[pirate]

Sweet Baby James, there are some uptight motorscooters on this board. Lighten up people. :rolleyes:

[blacknell]

I didn't complain to the moderators earlier. Hell, I didn't even notice this thread until a short bit ago. But I'll say this, and without apology: calling someone "gay" as an insult - even in jest - isn't cool. In addition to marking you as juvenile and immature, it perpetuates a hateful little strand in our society that makes it okay to slam some people for simply existing.

Now, I'll grant that *you* may not take it as that. But that's what it does. It adds up, and it results in real harm. You want to dig at someone, either seriously or in jest? Have at it. But please drop the "gay" from the arsenal, okay?

Thanks for listening.

[Brizn]

Sasha Baron Coheneh-who is this maan? is he nyce? in my cuntree', if a man is not nyyce, he gets krushed. i lyke you. do you lyke me? is nyce.

[merc98c]

Just to clarify some things.

I have both people who are gay and mentally handicapped in my immediate family, so I do understand I just don't let things bother me too much.
If i can laugh, most of you should be able to also.
It is better to laugh than get pissed off.

But, i do apologize if i offended anyone, that was not the intent. Could we please lock or delete this entire thread please. Thanks.

Ryan

[Doink]

eh-who is this maan? in my cuntree'
lol :cool:

[Doink]

SG,
Are these the things you're referring to?

http://www.kneesaver.net/
Q factor dealies :P

[Doink]

Now, now everyone. Let's play nice in our sand box! :)

We're all here cuz we like to ride our bicycles -- yes that's the Tshirt I bought today:

"I want to ride my bicycle"

So maybe we can stop being quite so provocative of each other and the pick pick pickin. Huh? Please?

I was talkin' with Jabberwocky about this thread earlier today and mentioned I something about not being able to control others, but then.... Hey wait a minute, I *can* control y'all! I'm a moderator.

But I don't want to. I'm sure you guys can take a deep breath and just cool it! Or, I'll get my whip out! Spring is sproinging and I'm gonna be startin' practice any day now!!!!!!
:eek:
in the sandbox? :D

[Squirrel Girl]

in the sandbox? :DRide my bicycle or crack my whip?????
:)

[Doink]

While it might seem obvious, don't forget to set both sides of the 520s to the same tension. My friend had the 520s that came with the 'cheater' platform on one side. When he took the platforms off, he forgot to adjust the tension on the freed side with interesting results.

I need to tighten my 520s, I hit a dip so hard the other day it knocked one foot out of the clips.
Yeah i agree, the spring tension on those need to be sort of set high or unexpected releases will happen at the worst time.

[Doink]

Ride my bicycle or crack my whip?????
:)
Ummm...
Well, i spose ride your bicycle. :o
Edit: speaking of whips in the sand box ,, you can tie me up & whip me in the sandbox, if you like that is. :)

[Doink]

I agree, totally. It's really not necessary. Keep that kind of stuff on the mtbr.com, or in your own personal circles. I'm sure we can all think of more accurate or descript adjectives than 'gay'. Unless you mean someone is really happy; then maybe it's ok.

Well, I've had a really gay ol' time reading all this!
:rolleyes:

[cyzum]

This thread has been really helpful :)

I just got back from doing Patapsco on platforms w/ no straps. Totally reversed my crank on a down hill and bashed my shin with the pedal. Nice gash. You aren't having fun unless you bleed i guess :)

I'm thinking of getting pedals and shoes in the next week, so I think I'll give the shimanos a whirl.

[Squirrel Girl]

I just got back from doing Patapsco on platforms w/ no straps. Totally reversed my crank on a down hill and bashed my shin with the pedal. Nice gash. You aren't having fun unless you bleed i guess :)I think it was all today that I had one guy show me the bloody gashes in his shin, and another guy show my his scarry shins. :rolleyes:

Not the body parts I was hoping for, but maybe it will give you the idea that gashes happen. If you get good ones, take pictures and post them in the MORE Gallery: Battle Scars (http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/browseimages.php?c=11).

Or, you could buy shin guards. I've got some on order. :rolleyes:

[jabberwocky]

...I had one guy show me the bloody gashes in his shin...Sigh... the really sad part is that: a) I know better, and b) I had my shin armor in my freaking car, not 30 feet away.

Yeah, BMX pedals hurt bad when you smack your shins on them. I won't inline the image, but anyone who wants to see can click here (http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9062/bashedshinfw1.jpg).

[Sparkygirl]

I just switched my platform pedals to shimano's, I've been riding with them for about two weeks (4 rides) all on street some off road in a semi flat open field. Any advice on when to venture back onto trails? I'm a little nervous from hearing the horror stories of first times with clipless pedals. I've only had one near miss with them and that was my fault, I uncliped the wrong foot for the side the bike and I were leaning toward. Thanks! :)

[soreback]

i have two pair of shimano 540s and one 520 on my three bikes, and when its set to the least tension, i cant see how there is anything easier to get out of. on the least tension setting, some tiems you even click out when you dont even want to, its that easy.

[nocro]

a) I know better, and b) I had my shin armor in my freaking car, not 30 feet away.


That's why I always ride with the knee pads, even on trails that probably don't warrant them -- I never know when I am going to do something stupid.

I wear pads in the first place because my knees always take a beating when I crash. Yes, they are a little cumbersome and can be hot. But when I careen off the trail or flip over the handlebars trying to clear an obstacle, I am very happy I had them on.

[Squirrel Girl]

I just switched my platform pedals to shimano's, I've been riding with them for about two weeks (4 rides) all on street some off road in a semi flat open field. Any advice on when to venture back onto trails? I'm a little nervous from hearing the horror stories of first times with clipless pedals. I've only had one near miss with them and that was my fault, I uncliped the wrong foot for the side the bike and I were leaning toward. Thanks! :)It took forever before I was willing to go clipless on my mountain bike. No biggie for the road bike because you could see the intersections coming up and all. But on the trail, it's a whole different ball of wax. For the longest time I figured that I fell often enough that I worried that I couldn't unclip in time. And, what's this business about climbing better because you can pull on the upstroke? I sucked badly enough that I didn't care.

Well, I knew the time would come when I was going to make the switch. I had tried Shimanos and hated them. So then I went to a modified eggbeater. The Candy Cs. I gave myself a period of time to try them and know I'd have a learning curve. I figured, I'd just dismount every time I got nervous. And I did. Slowly as I got used to them I could feel more comfortable getting over bigger and bigger logs in the trail. First I wouldn't risk anything bigger than sticks. Then, maybe 2-3" branches. Eventually I could do everything I could before. Then more.

It turns out that once you get used to being clipped in, there's a lot more you can do because you're not exerting energy to keeping your feet on your pedals. All your motion goes to moving the bike. If it weren't true, people who get into it, wouldn't keep doing it.

I think the key is that you need to make the switch when you want to, not when someone else wants you to. And to just keep yourself in your own comfort zone. If that means wearing armor, do it. If it means dismounting, do that. There's no one holding a whip forcing you to do any of this. :)

[Squirrel Girl]

I had tried Shimanos and hated them.Performance Campus pedals. The Shimanos on my road bike weren't so bad.

[gsmolin]

i agree: if you set your shimano's (i have 520's) as loose as they'll go, you'll "automatically" come unclipped during a wreck, as i've done on multiple occasions.

and, along those lines, armor's a great idea. its hot, and you look like road warrior, but my shins and forearms are pristine.

[t.roy]

That's why I always ride with the knee pads, even on trails that probably don't warrant them

To protect his purty legs...

[jabberwocky]

I just switched my platform pedals to shimano's, I've been riding with them for about two weeks (4 rides) all on street some off road in a semi flat open field. Any advice on when to venture back onto trails? I'm a little nervous from hearing the horror stories of first times with clipless pedals. I've only had one near miss with them and that was my fault, I uncliped the wrong foot for the side the bike and I were leaning toward. Thanks! :)Just as soon as possible. Really, the best way to learn to ride clipless is to get out on the trails and do it. I generally recommend that total newbies practice by sitting on the bike in a doorway and clipping and unclipping a whole lot to get used to the motion, but it sounds like you are past that.

Just know that you are gonna fall a few times. :) No way around it. But it will eventually become second nature to clip and unclip, and you'll do it without even thinking about it.

That's why I always ride with the knee pads, even on trails that probably don't warrant them -- I never know when I am going to do something stupid.

I wear pads in the first place because my knees always take a beating when I crash. Yes, they are a little cumbersome and can be hot. But when I careen off the trail or flip over the handlebars trying to clear an obstacle, I am very happy I had them on.Well, in this case I'm less worried about crashing than I am about slipping off the pedals. I was riding my DJ bike, which has BMX platforms on it with some very pointy pins sticking out. Shin armor isn't a luxury, its almost a requirement.

Regarding armor, I tend to wear it on more technical trails (Gambrill/Shed type stuff) but not usually at trails like Schaeffer. I'm pretty experienced at crashing and usually can go down without killing myself as long as the trail isn't too rough. (You can ask Dirt, as he watched me go down pretty hard today trying to go up the wall in the parking lot at Schaeffer :D )

[Brizn]

i agree: if you set your shimano's ...as loose as they'll go, you'll "automatically" come unclipped during a wreck, and every time you pedal-smack a rock, or when you try to float your foot, or even if you hit a 'sweet jump' or log stack the wrong way...they'll automatically unclip- i hate that! These would be disadvantages to a very loose setting, obviously. Find your sweet spot.

armor's a great idea....and you look like road warrioror a storm trooper. I busted my elbows real' hard a few consecutive times a yr or so ago, ran out and got some hard shell elbow pads, wore 'em for about 3 or 4 rides and said the hell with 'em. Too bulky, too itchy, too cumbersome, too hot, too move-aroundy, etc. Riding Frederick trails, one is almost always better off with some sort of elbow/knee/shin protection... but I just don't feel like it anymore. I own my knees and elbows every so often.. and it hurts like all hell.. for a good while.. but I just don't wear the pads anymore. It's not rational at all, really; i know that- just my preference.

In the freestyle world, I often wore a pair of 'Hammer' neoprene shin guards.. as they saved my shins from many a slipped pedal- as Jabber said. But before that, I'd ride my Redline with BearTraps and no shin guards and man, did those things ever own my shins a time or two!!

[Squirrel Girl]

So, by the end of today's ride, I think I was losing concentration, getting tired, and just ENJOYING how wonderful my Titus is. First I clipped a tree with my handlebar and recovered with no loss. Then I went over backwards while climbing a rooty uphill. I didn't unclip (at least not right away), but I'm not sure how much difference that made. I scraped my right forearm, and bruised my right thigh (I landed on my rear wheel). http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/firstaid.gifLotta good my shin guards woulda done me.
http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/toungecheek.gif

[cyzum]

So, by the end of today's ride, I think I was losing concentration, getting tired, and just ENJOYING how wonderful my Titus is. First I clipped a tree with my handlebar and recovered with no loss. Then I went over backwards while climbing a rooty uphill. I didn't unclip (at least not right away), but I'm not sure how much difference that made. I scraped my right forearm, and bruised my right thigh (I landed on my rear wheel). http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/firstaid.gifLotta good my shin guards woulda done me.
http://forums.caves.org/images/smiles/toungecheek.gif

You have a Titus??

Jealous :) I was just looking at that bike yesterday at Race Pace with my GF. Sweet ride