Cleats

I started with toe straps (clips) when I was a teenager a couple decades ago, then just last fall after 6 months back on the bike, I got some cleats. I didn't really see any difference in getting out of the cleats vs. the clips. If I was off-balance and needed to get out of the clips (straps), I would rotate my foot--much as one would with cleats--just to get my foot to the ground more quickly, rather than pulling the foot straight back to get it out of the clips. I've never fallen with either, though I have had close calls with both where I had the wrong foot out and started to go over the other way. Quick reflexes allowed me to get the other foot down and save my pride.

I also always unclip my left foot first, and I always start pedaling with my right foot--consistency helps a lot.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by sarah windle [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I would love to hear comments on what sort of cleats a novice should use first. I bought mountain bike shoes and cleats on several people's advice but have since been told by a friend that I should have started with toe straps. She thinks that toes straps would have been easier since I had a rather major fall on the first day I used cleats. Personally I was expecting to have a couple of tumbles with whatever method was chosen! Any views would be very welcome!

Hi Sarah welcome aboard the forum.
Seeing as you already have some shoes and pedals you mine as well begin with those.
Be prepared to take a tumble or two we all have. You may want to practice on a soft surface like a ball field or lawn.
Decide which foot you like to lean on when stopping and practice disengaging with that foot first. Remove your foot from the pedal the same way all the time for normal stopping. This way it becomes natural. I normally remove my right foot and do so during the down stroke of my right pedal. This way here if I do fail to disengage my foot is at the bottom and I can easily twist and remove. Once you have mastered normal removal it is time to start emergency exits. Practice this while out riding on a straightaway with no traffic. Start easy by braking and removing your foot as quickly as possible while going around 10 MPH. As you improve increase your speed and shorten your stopping distance.
Good Luck.
Dave