Retired 40yr old

jefferson
jefferson Posts: 8
edited August 2009 in Road beginners
BMXer, I have just picked my 1st road bike, a TREK 1.7 09, after spending 29 yrs on a 20inch bmx this Trek feels pretty scary, I am in a dilemma about clipless pedals, or should i just strap my feet in 4 now? thanks 4 reading this. I am well chuffed 2 bits with my new bike and hope it begins a long lasting buzz like my 20 used 2.

Comments

  • Takis61
    Takis61 Posts: 239
    Not sure what the relevance is to being retired at 40 ?
    Anyway, bite the bullet & go for clipless, makes a huge difference, practice a lot first & be prepared for embarrassement - my first ride I didn't adjust for easy release, couldn't get my foot out & ended up grabbing a lampost, gradually slided down it still attached to my bike, then had to take my foot out the shoe leaving it still attached to the pedal !
    Fortunately it was at night & no-one saw me, but it must have been hilarious to watch !
    Oh, and I couldn't get the shoe off the pedal either, so walked home in my socks....
    But never looked back !
    My knees hurt !
  • jefferson
    jefferson Posts: 8
    It means retired frm bmxing thats all, thanks 4 yr advice...
  • Headhuunter
    Headhuunter Posts: 6,494
    I would say go clipless. Clips and straps are probably more difficult to get used to and you're more likely to take tumbles, if you ask me. To get out of a clipless pedal you simply have to twist your foot, to get out of straps, assuming you have tightened them up, you have to reach down and loosen the strap before you can get your foot out.
    Do not write below this line. Office use only.
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    I say go clipless from the start.

    I had a similar dilema when I got my roadie (used to just MTB)

    Why get used to a new bike with clips, then go clipless and have to get used to it again?

    I found it easier to just get the whole package and ride it from the start
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    I say go clipless from the start.

    I had a similar dilema when I got my roadie (used to just MTB)

    Why get used to a new bike with clips, then go clipless and have to get used to it again?

    I found it easier to just get the whole package and ride it from the start
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • Meds1962
    Meds1962 Posts: 391
    Go clipless after you've got used to the bike properly.
    O na bawn i fel LA
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    get used to the bike - but envisage how fast you can go with clippless as an incentive. don't forget there are some pdeals which have a cleat one side and flat the other - combine this with an MTB shoe (recessed cleat) and you can pedal without being clicked in - and click in when you want. Still use this arrangement on my commutter
  • skinson
    skinson Posts: 362
    Clipless all the way. I had some straps on my old bike they were fine, but the difference in performance with clipless is amazing. I really enjoy pulling up on the pedals regardless of how much difference it makes! it just feels good.
    dave

    p.s. I use mtb clipless pedals and shoes, I've never had the "hotspot" yet even after 50 milers. Which is about as far as I'll ever go!!
  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    Clipless. Clipless. Clipless. Clipless. Clipless.

    Get the idea? :wink:
  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    Clipless.....you'll soon be popping tricks on the roadie..........
  • jefferson
    jefferson Posts: 8
    Thanks 4 yr advice everyone, looks like i will be going clipless then...
  • Grazy81
    Grazy81 Posts: 196
    I have been thinking of going clipless too as i have got used to the bike now but hearing some peoples stories of not being able to get out of the peddles are a bit worrying but i am sure i will take the plunge some time soon (after i get paid)

    How much difference in performance does it actually make?
  • APIII
    APIII Posts: 2,010
    I retired from bmx in my mid 20's. How did you make it to 40? :lol:
    Road bikes make sense now after a brief experiment with bikes with suspension. Clipless is defo the way to go. You'll be surprised how easy it is to pick up.
  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    APIII wrote:
    I retired from bmx in my mid 20's. How did you make it to 40?

    He might have been quite good........spill the beans then....not many hot BMX'ers at 40 ish............ :lol:
  • jefferson
    jefferson Posts: 8
    Started when i was 11yrs old and was hooked straight away, sponsored at 14, had a 3 yr break at 18, but always knew i would return 2 it, always kept a low profile at comps but was always there, practically lived at Romford skatepark which was and still is a mecca 4 BMX, I am still in mourning 4 my 20inch and miss riding so much but things seem 2 get more painful the older i got, Anyway i will always look back and know that i was good at what i did, plus the birth of my 2nd daughter put things in2 perspective a bit, i would not be much use 2 her if i ended up smashing myself up. Time 4 a change and my Trek 1.7 fits the bill, tho i dont think it will stand up 2 many tailwhips.......
  • juankerr
    juankerr Posts: 1,099
    Clipless. Do it.
  • stevenmh
    stevenmh Posts: 180
    Clipless. But practice before you go out on the road. Does not take long to get used to and the first bit of practiscing can be done in the house.

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