Clipless for kids?

[SandyLS]

Does anyone know if there is a 'right' age for kids to safely start to use clipless peddles? My grandsons are doing a multi-day ride with me this fall. They will be 13 and 14 years old at the time of the ride. There have been days that clipless peddles have not been safe for me either, but I am getting better with them. . Thanks for your thoughts on this topic.
Sandy

[massbikebabe]

Sandy;

My 14 year old has been riding in clipless for about 2 years. We did start him with the Shimano pedals that are pedals on one side clipless on the other and he really liked that since we do most of our riding in the city. Kids are much more adapt at trying and being successful with things like this. They don't have the same type of fears that you and I carry.

Good luck and have a wonderful time with your grandsons!!



karen

[velogirl]

I've coached a bunch of kids and one challenge with the really small kids (with less developed muscles) is that some don't have the strength to clip in or clip out. I've found some pedal systems just don't work well, however good old-fashioned SPDs (or Ritchey or Wellgo) are great because you can really loosen up the tension.

Now, from a fear and skill perspective, I've found most kids do much better than adults when learning how to use clipless pedals.

[Dianyla]

I remember starting toe-clips around 11 years old when I first got into cycling. If you think about it, kids are often more agile than adults, and they bounce back faster from falling over.