Clipless!

I finally made the plunge on Sunday and made my way over to @BicycleHabitat! I now officially have a clipless setup for my bike, with Specialized shoes and Shimano clips and cleats. I had no idea there were so many pieces involved, but I did my research before heading to the shop and I think I looked like I knew what I was talking about. So, goodbye toe cages/clips, and hello clipless! The irony of this is that I'm actually now clipped into my bike, but the history of the terminology goes back to when cyclists only had 2 opens: flat pedals, or the newer alternative of toe 'clips' which are really just cages for your feet to your pedals, but don't involve any direct clipped feature between foot and pedal. The benefit of clipless (so I read) is the direct transference of power between foot and leg to pedal to bike, allowing you to put more power to the pedal!  [The picture is actually the shoes I purchased, though the cleat attachment is slightly different (more plastic) and is a Shimano product to go with the pedals.]

The salesperson, Jackson, was very nice and took the time to sit with me and talk me through my options. He also let me just hang out in the store for a good amount of time with my bike on a trainer (pedaling in place on my bike) clipping in and out of my bike's clips. He said I got the hang out it pretty quick, but that I should continue practicing in front of the TV or have someone hold my handlebars while I clip in and out.
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I considered the TV option, but decided to just try out the streets of NYC during pre-rush hour. 20 minutes down the street and back on the bike paths was really good practice. There were a decent number of lights, cars, pedestrians (and kids on their way to school). I got some good clipping and unclipping action in and feel like it was a quick and easy workout! Can't wait to hit the park with this setup and see the difference!

Until next time... Less than 7 weeks left till the NYC Triathlon!