Hey all! I am a teenager who is way into mtn biking. My dad is as well, but he doesn't ride as much as he used to, especially after he fractured a rib from not being able to clip out in time. I am now riding toe-clip like pedals with a single thick loop that goes over your shoe and no cage in front. However, they are far from perfect for me. I really want a pair of clipless pedals and shoes, but the only reason I can't get them is the price (and the dangerous-ness(?) ). So, I am wondering if any of you with your vast knowlege of the mountain biking world know of a way to secure my feet better to my pedals. Cheaper brands or reccomendations are greatly appreciated Thanks

Shimano 520's.

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=15724

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=12966

I use the same pedal and shoe combo on a beater MTB bike, the shoes are quite comfortable and the pedals are excellent and shedding mud.

ryancx-

This is an excellent suggestion for you.

thats basically what i got. im 15. had em for about a year. finally got some new eggbeaters without the side caging and what not. never had a problem. probably would prefer the rubber bottoms that flex to carbon shoes

The shanks on these shoes are stiff which is good for pedaling but at the same time are flexible enough to walk around in. The rubber soles also make it a more comfortable for walking but are hard enough for gripping.

The wellgo SPD clones work pretty well, but you might as well spend the extra 15 bucks or so and get the 520s.

Here is what I have

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...pless%20Pedals

and I have these in balck

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...untain%20Shoes

There are cheaper pedals and shoes out there but I am happy with what I have

Crank brothers eggbeaters from ebay w/ some specialized shoes from your LBS. At least that's what I like.

Do NOT buy shoes without trying them on first.

+1

Crankbrothers Eggbeater.

im thinking these will be a good choice. thanks!

ryancx- If I were you, I'd avoid crankbrothers pedals, especially eggbeaters at this stage in the game. They don't have an adjustable "tightness," like the spd's do, and the eggbeater does not have a platform and has very limited support on the pedal.
Just my 2 cents from another teenager.
ride hard
-mike

+2

or find the cheaper OE 505's

The majority of crankbrothers pedals have a platform around the clipless system. As for the adjustment I'll agree with you there because there are only 2 setting, loose or tight. This achieved by switching the cleats from right shoe to left shoe and visa versa.

You can adjust the release angle by setting the cleat angle on the shoe. For a quicker release, point the cleat towards your big toe.

Scratch the 520s, those crank bros at pricepoint are a steal. Get those. If I didn't have to replace a derailleur hanger and derailleur I'd be all over that.

If you still need a pair, pm me. I will send you a set of nearly new low end SPD pedals for the cost of shipping.
They came on my first bikesdirect.com bike.

I have used SPD pedals before and they were ok, but the Crank Brothers Smarty posted above are on my new bike and I prefer these. Easy to get in and out of and generally seem secure. Definitely a good cheap option to get you started. For shoes, cant go wrong by keeping an eye on Nashbar, Pricepoint or Performance Bike for sales and coupon codes combined.