7/5/2011 - Learn clipless pedals

I installed my clipless pedals on my bike the other day.
Following instruction, I worked quite a bit on clipping/unclipping.  Once I felt real comfortable with it, I started working with leaving the shoes on the bike and doing mount/dismounts.

I have a problem with this.  When I put my feet on my shoes when mounting, it smashes down the toes of the shoes and damages them.  I don't want to damage my shoes.  They were not cheap.  Also, when I would dismount, the shoes rotate around the pedals and get scratched and scuffed on the ground. 

After practicing several times, there was visible wear and tear on the shoes.  I don't want to destroy my shoes.  I paid good money for them.

So I am going against advice and putting on my riding shoes in Transition and doing the 'tapdance' run to the mount/dismount line.  This of course causes wear and tear to the cleats...but you can replace the cleats for much cheaper than replacing the shoes.

I feel better about this decision.  I would like to put my shoes on while riding, but I don't see any reason in destroying a perfectly good pair of riding shoes to do it.

So after the swim:
-Quick Towel-down
-Sit down
-Put on socks
-Put on Shoes
-Grab Nutrition
-Put on sunglasses
-Put on Helmet
-Put pedals in correct position
-Head out to mount/dismount line.

It is important to say that I really love clipless pedals compared to the toe cages.  I think it is a little fun to ride one-footed, too.

Why do they call them "Clipless" pedals, when the entire nature of the pedal is to clip the shoe into the pedal?

Comments