jeepin784

My Daughter (13 years old) is getting into biking a bit more but I don’t feel like she’s quite ready to clip in yet. Someone suggested to me that I start with something that has a cage around the toe/foot. Any recommendations on something sturdy thats easy to slip in to? She is gearing up for her first Sprint Tri in July.

Cyclist0108

There is an "easy" clip-in version made by Shimano that might be appropriate. Otherwise, I'd suggest flats and forget the cage.

My oldest kid broke his wrist when he was trying out clip-ins around that age. (He is fine with them now that he has graduated college.) Youngest one just started using them with no issues at 16.

canklecat

Triathlon bike gear is a whole nuther thing unto itself. Check the tri-forums for recommendations on pedals and shoes.

Not everyone benefits much from having their cycling shoes attached to the pedals. When the GCN presenters have conducted field and lab tests they found little measurable advantage to clipless vs platform/flat pedals with regular shoes. And they looked uncomfortable with regular shoes and platform pedals. I suspect with practice they could narrow the differences even more.

Probably depends on the individual's pedaling style. Folks who spin around 90 rpm or faster might benefit more. Folks who tend to stomp the pedals at lower cadence, relying mainly on the downward pressure, might not benefit much or at all.

But even if the difference is only a couple of seconds for using foot retention, that's enough for racing against the clock.

For casual rides around town, I still prefer my hybrids with platform pedals. Friday night I rode the local Critical Mass casual group ride on my road bike with clipless. I took the tailgunner or caboose position at the back to sweep up the stragglers and help with encouragement or mechanical issues. And I nearly tumbled a couple of times when inexperienced and out of shape riders just ahead of me swerved or stopped suddenly without warning. I managed to fumble my foot out in time but it's the kind of thing that wouldn't cause problems with platform pedals and no foot retention. Sad to say that at my age (62) even a slow motion tumble onto pavement is good for a busted up shoulder. Been there, done that.

So discuss the pros and cons with your daughter. At 13 there's really no rush to get clipless shoes. It's only a minor factor compared with basic physical conditioning, strategy and pacing for a time trial.

If she's okay with platform pedals, the Issi Thump is a really good value. About $40, tough nylon with nylon pins molded in to grab shoe soles, and a slightly curved surface that meshes with the natural curve of the foot and most shoes. Best platform pedals I've tried so far.

burnthesheep

Spd flat combo pedals. Lots of commuters use them so you can use then with or without bike shoes.

I see kids young as 8 and 9 on spd’s at cyclocross races.

Sy Reene

If she has the skills and background that she'll be doing a Tri soon, I don't see why too early to start with clipless. Maybe up her alley would be the Speedplay Light Actions. Worst comes to worst, try them out, and if somehow not ready, put them on the shelf for a couple years and come back to them when she's older?

ie. https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...ajor=5&minor=2

LesterOfPuppets

Sounds like they're talking about toeclips. They're not that easy to get into. They take practice, as you have to tap the back of the pedal down then push your foot into the clip in one fluid motion.

​​​​​​A bonus for beginner tri folk is that you can ride in your running shoes, thus making for an easy transition.

Here's a pedal/clip/strap combo for $30

​​​​​​https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...7&category=113

LesterOfPuppets

I think the easiest foot retention is regular SPDs. Get some Shimano 520 pedals and multirelease cleats. Loosen the pedal springs by 5 clicks (all 4 screws) until she complains of accidental release on sprints, then click em back in a notch apiece.

Princess_Allez

This.

Seattle Forrest

I fell over once or twice in toe clips. You have to cinch them down tight to do much good. Then you have to loosen them to get out. Usually not a problem but...

shelbyfv

I rode toe clips and straps in the 70s. I think they are dangerous, especially if you are wearing shoes with laces to get caught in all that stuff. Flats or modern clipless would be my choice.

Leinster

I got my first bike with clips and straps for Christmas before my 13th birthday. I had to save up for my first proper cycling shoes, and then a pair of Look pedals. Fast forward 20 years, and I got my wife clipped in for the first time on a pair of spare SPDs. It’s never too late or too early to learn a new skill on the bike.

79pmooney

If she is serious about doing the triathlons, she really should try pedals with retention, For some of us, retention is a breakthrough in power. Yes, I've seen the studies that say it's all in my head, but going to first toestraps when I was 12, then pulling the straps tight a few years later were each revelations.

Don't decide for her she shouldn't have pedal retention! (She's young. Broken wrist just isn't that bid a deal. And she'll never do it later when it hurts a lot more! BTDT)

Ben

Bah Humbug

Sprint tri is the distance where sneakers + flat pedals or toe cages can actually work at the pointy end of the field - saves a shoe change and allows faster running with the bike in transition. How much she cares at this point is up to her, but it is simpler for a beginner.