Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site varian.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!harpo!decvax!genrad!panda!talcott!harvard!seismo!umcp-cs!gymble!lll-crg!dual!qantel!vlsvax1!zehntel!varian!fred
From: fred@varian.UUCP (Fred Klink)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Mounting/Dismounting with cleated shoes...
Message-ID: <336@varian.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 3-Jul-85 12:21:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: varian.336
Posted: Wed Jul  3 12:21:43 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Jul-85 15:20:05 EDT
References: <3010003@acf4.UUCP>
Organization: Varian, Walnut Creek, CA
Lines: 33

> 
> I would be interested to hear the different methods you cyclists have developed
> in mounting and dismounting a bicycle with cleated racing shoes. In particular,
> what fast and safe ways have you developed when confronted with an urban area
> which is highly populated with moving vehicles, traffic lights, and pedestr-
> rians?  
> 
> find that it is impossible for me to position my right foot onto the pedal
> with the cleat engaging the rear of the pedal cage without assistance of
> my right hand reaching down and holding the pedal upright for a second until
> I correctly position my foot on the pedal.  Any suggestions???
> 
My technique and that of people I ride with is to catch the back edge of
the pedal with the toe of the shoe and flip it upright while inserting the
foot.  It sounds complex but its really pretty simple after a little
practice.  I still occasionally miss on the first try but I *never* have
to reach over and turn the pedal up with my hand.

This is helped by using Campagnolo pedals and toe clips (or their
cheaper imitators), since they have a little V-shaped extension on the
back side of the pedal that aids in picking it upright with the shoe
toe.  The clips have a similar extension that comes back between the pedal
axle and the front edge of the pedal to guide the shoe into the clip
(instead of jamming it into the front plate of the pedal).  Go to the 
shop and look at them-- its easier than explaining it.  Also, are you
using cycling shoes?  Seems to me the rigid soles of a cycling shoe
would make it easier to do the flip and insert action I'm describing.

A personal note:  I've never had a "panic" situation on a bike where
using cleats caused any problems.  I've always been able to get my
foot out (I broke the toe strap once, but got my foot out!).  Practice
reaching down and popping open the quick release on the strap in one
quick motion.