From a guy for the gals...

I<3Carbs

Hi, I'm 23 and I've been riding clipless ever since I first got a bike 2.5 years ago, because they're just awesome. I'm not the most coordinated, so I had to just try and fall down a lot before I got used to them, much like my many male cyclist friends. But, hey, isn't that just a part of the fun?
I think your friend's main problem is going to be finding many female cyclists at all...I haven't seen many around here. As a female physicist and as a female cyclist just getting onto the touring/racing scene, I've gotten quite used to being surrounded by men

cannongirl

well, I guess I just about fall into the "35" Category, although I've been clipless on my Road Bikes for ages...

I never use them on my Mountain Bike though, I'm not sure why, I've never crashed because of them (on my RB), maybe I should grow up and act my age, have some clipless installed on my MB

HellonWheels

Yeahh, ain't it great?

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aggiegirl91

I'm 34 and ride clipless. If I didn't I wouldn't be able to power up the hills like I can. I'm pretty competitive and wouldn't enjoy the ride so much if I didn't feel I was giving everything I had and riding clipless lets me do that.

But, it's just a personal preference... I certainly wouldn't think any less of someone who didn't. It's all about what works for you.

Azulene

As a 60 year old grandmother of 4 I have been riding SpeedPlays Cilpless on my Orbea Road bike but on my fixed gear bike I just ride with peddles. I commute to work on my Fixed gear bike and wear the street shoes so I don,t have to change when I get to work.

SadieKate

I've been on clipless since Look got their pedal out to the masses -- 18 years ago. I fall a lot less since leaving cages behind because of the instantaneous release.

I wonder if the question as to why is more easily solved by who got the person into riding in the first place. My riding friends who got into biking on their own rode with cages far longer than those who started riding with friends who already used clipless. Also, if you're on a budget and just getting into serious biking, the cost of the pedal and shoe can be really significant -- and many newbies just don't understand the advantages of the system.

cyclistfreak89

that is the most stupidest exuse i've ever heard to do a survey...Someone doesn't need a lady partner just to ride with. OMG get a life boys..just ride on your own and who cares about who is using clipless pedals or not? aye yae yae....

Conniebiker

Actually I have noted the same thing those guys did.
Im 21 and I used to be big on big flats. That changed when I got a set of clips and about that time I had a missed bunny hop on my bf's bike gash my shin about 3 inches. I find more security in having the platform clips like the 545s or the like.
On the positive... the scar makes for some tomboy points

TrekCyclerChic

this is pretty interesting; definitely not something I'd ever given some thought to. I bought my bike last june and felt like a COMPLETE DORK riding with the stock clip pedals until I had the money to buy both the clipless pedals and shoes. (i'm a poor college student) I never thought twice about it... I also never really thought twice about there being so many more men then women cycling. In my area, Rochester, NY, I'd estimate that it's about 3 men for every woman, but I started out with my friend Beth and I usually ride with her and other riders that she knows so I haven't had the "being surrounded by men" situation come up yet. (can't wait! )

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clairegibb

i use clipless pedals, and after a slightly embaressing moment at a set of traffic lights where i tried to stop and unclip without success! i love them, more girls should use them... i think that maybe we girls get a little scared of the whole falling off and looking stupid to start off with.. to be honest once you have fallen off once it doesnt really matter cos it makes cycling so much more effective. there are loads of girls who ride in London with clipless pedals so come to old blighty and take a look!
C

mikem

What a clever way to find all the ladies on the site!

ejglows

I am not sure about the rest of the ladies on this forum, but I believe that there is a shoe for every occasion (cycling NOT excluded). I am 23 and have had clipless since beginning to ride. I would not wear heels out hiking, neither hiking boots out dancing, nor cycling shoes to go running. You need a pair for each occasion. If anything, this should be the PERFECT excuse to drop a few $$$`s on a new pair of shoes WITHOUT the significant other giving a hassle.

Example discussion:
Me `I am going to buy $200 shoes for cycling`
SO `OH MY GOD, WE CAN EAT FOR A WEEK ON THAT!`
Me `Yes, but dont you want a killer bod lying next to you at night?`
SO `okay, what color are you getting?`

Case closed.
It would be very much the same if they were Monolos and a mini skirt...Very much different if they were yet another pair of birkenstocks.

e

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Conniebiker

Maybe I'm just booring, but I like my Cannondale ride/hike shoes for everything.

Miss Meow

Love it!

34, clipless for more than 10 years, can probably run a sub 12-second 100 metres in them to chase evil car door-opening freaks if I had to .