Best clip in Pedals for a 12 yr old....?

Mark1962a

Advice please - I am planning on getting my son into clip ins on the road bike in the spring and just wondered on views of clip in pedals that are
1. Easy to get into
2. Cheap
3. Have low tension
This is just for recreational road use and they are going on his Spesh Tarmac - He is the size of a 14 yr old and has size 9/10 feet by the way!! I have Shimano SPD SL on my bikes but feel that they are quite stiff even on minimum settings (Ultegra/Dura ace). I was thinking of Keo Easy as they look like a good starter pedal without high tension although there are entry level R540 SPD SL at £25. I would welcome suggestions and anyone with youngsters starting off like this. I will make sure he gets plenty of practice in our Cul de Sac before venturing forth.......

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DanEvs

I'd start him off on a mtb spd, nice easy release action and you can get a set for £20! Bargain. 8)

Mark1962a

Thats a damn good idea - I have a spare set of MTB spd pedals and they are double sided as well - Thanks

softlad

I could be wrong, but the only issue you might have is finding compatible shoes in 12yo sizes....

DanEvs

softlad wrote:

I could be wrong, but the only issue you might have is finding compatible shoes in 12yo sizes....

Read the post dude, his lad has size 9/10 feet! Bit scary for a 12yr old actually.

softlad

DanEvs wrote:

softlad wrote:

I could be wrong, but the only issue you might have is finding compatible shoes in 12yo sizes....

Read the post dude, his lad has size 9/10 feet! Bit scary for a 12yr old actually.

oops - missed that bit.... :shock:

pianoman

I'd start him off on a mtb spd, nice easy release action and you can get a set for £20! Bargain.

Yes, preferably a double sided one like an SPD, for ease of finding the "click" position, and preferably with adjustable spring tension. Turn it up too high and he might not be able to get his feet out. Turn it down too low and he might start pulling his foot out the pedals when he starts bombing it down your street at 25mph

Check these out:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=172

Something like that would be ideal. (And yes, as a Campag user, you know I'm going to pick against Shimano at any possible moment) :twisted:

Mark1962a

Very scary and i am his dad! - He is on a 54cm Frame and at this rate he will be borrowing my 58cm XL at 14/15 yrs old - Handy though for cycling gear as my shoes fit him and he borrows my tops and soft shells

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richk

Mark1962a wrote:

... and at this rate he will be borrowing my 58cm XL at 14/15 yrs old - ...
..

Sounds like you'll soon have a good case for n+1 then

amyabcd

Mountain bike spd's do seem to be the way to go. However can I strongly advise you do not get the Ritchey version as in the link. I have these along with several other sets of Shimano SPD's and SPD SL. The Ritchey ones are pretty light which is why I bought them. However they are really very very loose even on the tightest setting even with brand new cleats in both genuine Ritchey and Shimano versions. It is so easy just to pull straight out of them that they are a waste of time. The best are really just a cheap set of Shimano ones available for about £20 -£25 for now.

Mike67

I use Shimano M540 SPDs on both my MTB and cross bike.

They are much lighter and better build quality than the old (1997 old :? ) XT ones they replaced.

Lots of adjustment on them and spares readily available for them should you need them.

Bit pricier than the Ritcheys though at around £30 but there are some bargains knocking about if you look.
MTB classifieds on here sees the odd pair pop up.