Bicycle Mechanics - Looking for easiest to clip out pedal system for my daugter

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She tryed my Spd-SL and it is too hard for her to clip in/out, I don't feel it safe.
What would be the best system? I want to make sure she can clip out fast enough even during emergency stops.
I used only shimano pd-5700, don't have any experience with other systems.
Shimagnolo
07-02-11, 10:32 AM
Have you adjusted the spring tension?
Have you adjusted the spring tension?
Yes, it was set to minimal tension.
HillRider
07-02-11, 10:41 AM
Speedplay Frogs have no spring tension and no self-centering force so you can clip-out with no torque. The heel rotation required to release is sufficient to assure no false releases. Also, they are double sided so there is no need to flip them upright and the cleats are recessed so walking is fairly easy.
Shimagnolo
07-02-11, 10:44 AM
Shimano SPD mtn pedals can use the regular black cleat, or the gold "multi-release" cleat which can release in multiple directions. The downside of mtn pedals is they use a 2-bolt cleat attachment, so it might require a different shoe.
+1 on the frogs. Easy in easy out, and I have never cliped out of hem whe I did not want to.
Thanks.
What about Crank Brothers pedals?
mechBgon
07-02-11, 12:03 PM
I'd try the Shimano M520 at minimum retention. They're powder-puff easy.
reptilezs
07-02-11, 12:04 PM
Thanks.
What about Crank Brothers pedals?
no tension adjust and they suck
Flying Merkel
07-02-11, 01:53 PM
Thanks.
What about Crank Brothers pedals?
Been using them for 3 years and have had no issues. Working well for me. You can set them up to release with 10 or 15 degrees of twist. I'm using 10 degrees. There is no tension adjust, but I've never felt the need. As far as the "suck" part goes, I'd like to hear what problems others have been having.
HillRider
07-02-11, 01:59 PM
Been using them for 3 years and have had no issues. Working well for me. You can set them up to release with 10 or 15 degrees of twist. I'm using 10 degrees. There is no tension adjust, but I've never felt the need. As far as the "suck" part goes, I'd like to hear what problems others have been having.
I assume Crank Brothers Eggbeaters have a significant release torque, whether it's adjustable or not, and that's the OP's duaghter's difficulty. Frogs are the only near-zero torque release available.
Some of the Crank Brothers entry level model pedals apparently had major bearing problems and early failures. I believe that's what reptilezs is referring to.
urbanknight
07-02-11, 02:56 PM
Speedplay Light Action if you want real road pedals. If you don' care about that, SPD or Speedplay Frogs are fine as well.
I heard some unfavorable things about Crank Bros lately.
BCRider
07-02-11, 09:32 PM
Keep in mind that NO click in style of pedal will ever be totally "emergency" easy to snap out of. If they were the retention would not be sufficient to deal with the usual pedalling forces. So any system will take SOME time to learn to deal with and to trust.
I'm not saying they are the best but I went with Shimano and clone maker mountain bike SPD's for all my road bikes. I found that with the lower tension settings my feet would miraculously disengage when the adrenaline began flowing yet still do OK for casual riding around.
I also found out that clipping in and out was easier when the pedals and cleats got a weekly or so waxing with some White Lightning "chain" wax. Around here the WL was useless for chains but it makes for a superb and decently long lasting pedal and cleat lube which makes snapping in and out very easy yet still lets the pedals provide very close to the original amount of retention until I flex my ankle sideways... or just jam my foot from A-the pedal to B- the ground when a crash seems imminent.
Note that this is for pavement bikes only. My offroad bikes all proudly wear traction pinned platform pedals. Around here everything except the old folk's wheelchair accesable walking trails are hard enough that I don't ever want to be clipped to the bike.
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