A couple months before her first crit?

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Anytime.

Like most kids, after a few sessions, she won't think anything about it (clipping in and out). As a parent however, just be sure to predict/forecast safety at crucial places and stopping points. Also, you might consider starting with MTB shoes & pedals (SPDs) - easier to walk around, etc.

I've actually wondered whether toe cages are better for the shorter races, which are typical for for the kids. Get shoes on once, then they don't come off for the rest of the race.

And I can't imagine the carnage of a 9 year old crit race.

Hardly carnage. Most of the ones around here have between 5-10 kids at that age, and by the time they finish one lap they are so spread out that their only danger is to themselves. The worst danger is one of them falling over at the start line. :p

John

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Now. There's no reason to wait.

My 9-year-old son has been riding clipless for the past year on the mountain bike. I used some old Ritchey (Wellgo) pedals from the parts bin. They can use the readily available 2-bolt SPD cleats but have a softer release than Shimano pedals.