[Shad6Bones]

Is there a correct technique for clipping out? A standard technique across the board? Multiple techniques?

I've been told, once I am clipped in... To kick my ankle/heel away from the bike, so the right ankle goes out to the right and visa versa.

Is this accurate information? Any more depth or details to it, or is that it?

Thanks,
S6

 

[perttime]

I just push or twist the heel away from the bike. Depending on where the pedal is (top, bottom, front, back) it can feel very different and require some adjustment to how, exactly, you do it.

 

[Shad6Bones]

I know all of these questions are just "played by ear..." / call it as you go...

But, do you kick both pedals out at the same time and then fall in the gap infront of the saddle? One after the other?

 

[perttime]

For me, it is usually one at a time.

The only times I recall not being aware of releasing one at a time were when I was flying over the bars or something similar ...

I do not think of it as "kicking". It is more like I push the foot away from the bike and the heel has more freedom to move -> the movement becomes a twist -> the foot is free.

 

[古強者死神]

I just twist my foot, the ball of my foot is the pivot point my heel goes out and walla im out!

very easy on my crank brothers mallets @ 15 degrees.

I usually do them one at a time, or just one (like when I am stoping at a red light I only unclip 1 foot) but its not hard to bring the pedals to level and unclip both feet at the same time.

Its not really somthing you need to ask, I know its somthing your curious about and want to know for self reasurance but once you get clipless it will come natural and depending on what system you get the release difficulty and technique could be totally diffrent.

 

[massmang]

Is there a way to adjust the pedals to make them release easier when you are learning?

 

[dawgs1850]

Sure. Most pedals have a tension adjustment that can be set to low when learning. This allows you to more easily clip in until you become more comfortable. Check with your LBS and they should make some good recommendations. When I went to my LBS, I told them I wanted to go clipless buy number one I didn't want to go broke and I didn't want to kill myself. They set me up with an excellent set of xpedo pedals and Specialized shoes. The combination is great and clipping in does become second nature quickly. Good luck!

 

[massmang]

I was thinking about picking these up.. they are inexpensive so if I don't like them.. no big deal.. If I do then I can pick up a better set later... http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14...te-Excel-Mtn-Shoes-w_-Wellgo-Wam-M3-Pedal.htm

EDIT: after looking at the reviews.. I don't think I am going to go with those.

 

[tlg]

Is there a way to adjust the pedals to make them release easier when you are learning?

With Shimano pedals, you could try multi release cleats. They release side to side, and by pulling up hard.

Keep the tension set real low and work it up as you get better. With the tention at the lowest setting, it's almost like not being clipped in at all.

Here's a big one. Make sure the cleats are aligned properly on your shoes. So that you have equal float side to side. I actually adjust mine with more float inside (towards the bike) and less float outside. It'll make you unclip a few degrees quicker. To check the alignment, clip your shoe to the pedal (without you in it) and you can see it pretty easily.

A funny story: My unlce got clipless pedals, and I set them up for him. He was falling all the time. Almost every time we stopped. He could never unclip. I thought he was retarded. Then I looked at his alignment. All the float was to the outside. He had to twist his leg like a pretzel to get out.

 

[massmang]

A funny story: My unlce got clipless pedals, and I set them up for him. He was falling all the time. Almost every time we stopped. He could never unclip. I thought he was retarded. Then I looked at his alignment. All the float was to the outside. He had to twist his leg like a pretzel to get out.

LMAO...

 

[psinsyd]

Is there a correct technique for clipping out? A standard technique across the board? Multiple techniques?

I've been told, once I am clipped in... To kick my ankle/heel away from the bike, so the right ankle goes out to the right and visa versa.

Is this accurate information? Any more depth or details to it, or is that it?

Thanks,
S6

I think they also recommend unclipping one foot a bit before you're coming to a stop. As you get better, obviously this time will decrease, but just to get you in the habit before it becomes second-nature.

Then, when you get more comfortable with unclipping, you can find some grass or dirt, and practice trackstands while clipped in. This will help your response time for those times you have to unclip very quickly while on the trail.

Also, check to see if you're pedals have tension adjustment on them, and loosen them up a bit to make it easy to unclip. When I was first starting out, I noticed that having them all the way loosened was way too loose, even while I was learning.

Hope this helps at least some!! Don't worry, all that falling will pay off and be worth it!!:thumbsup: