SPD related accidents

chris453

Hi there

I recently went on a ride to ladybower dam in the peaks on my nice shiny new stumpjumper, which has spd's fitted. I'm new to the whole 'attached to the bike' thing, i always thought it would be a bad idea!

There were quite a few technical ascents, and a few occasions i had to put my foot out, and of course didn't unclip in time and fell over. This happened about ten times. the worst of which resulted in me smacking my balls on the top tube and rolling down a hill into some spikey bushes. :oops:

am i just crap or will i get better cause at the minute i'm considering fitting flat pedals, does anyone else have the same problems? and are SPD's really relevant in mountain biking?

Any comments/help/replacement balls would be appreciated!

mc

Did nobody get any videos?
Can't beat watching somebody new to SPDs carrying out the classic sideways dismount!

You do get used to them, and the number of sideway tumbles will greatly reduce.


The main benefit of SPDs is pedalling efficiency, but unless you're really worried about getting up the hill as quick as you can, then use whatever pedals you want.
I now run flats, but have run SPDs previously. I'm not aiming to be quickest up the hill, but I like to have fun on the way back down, and being attached to your bike on raised skinny wooden stuff can have serious implications ;-)

shiftypow19

You know that spd's have tensioners on them so maybe you need to loosen them off till you get use to them. I found out the hard way

shadybean

I've had two SPD accidents - my first ride with them, I wasn't totally used to them and had a special sideways dismount, saving myself falling down a hundred foot ravine by holding onto grass and brambles. The second was after around 3 years of SPDs whilst in Spain, my bike totally washed out on the dust, and I only managed to get my top leg free. The other stayed attached to the peddle and resulted in a twisted knee. But, that does mean I haven't had an SPD related accident in 2 years, and having had one major off whilst riding on flats!

I do feel there is an added sense of control whilst using SPDs, but I also know people that don't like them as if you do do something wrong with your leg you can end up in a pretty mangled state

Scubar

Oh the joy of spd pedal crashes, they really are amusing to watch.

I enjoy using spds when out on trails that dont really involve many technical descents as they do make your pedalling much more efficient, I too have now switched back to flats because i like to explore everywhere so i just kinda ride anywhere the trail takes me until i realise i should start finding a way back before my legs get too tired.

Sam12

my dad always falls off with his spd's
i think i will stick to my flatbeds