Originally Posted by
garethzbarker
I usually use mtb clipless pedals on my bikes. This weekend I'm picking up my first touring bike (Surly LHT 2011) and I'm thinking of just using normal pedals. Lately I've really been questioning the benefit of clipless in general but I also just want to use any shoes. How many of you tourers prefer normal pedals and why? My friend tried to ride on a bike without clipless the other day and his leg kept popping up b/c he instinctively was trying to pedal up.
Also, is there a certain type of normal pedal I should look for? I pretty much never looked at them before but imagine some are better than others. I was thinking about one with a small platform.
thanks
I would definitely recommend clipless for touring. When Look first introduced clipless pedals I was unable to take advantage & had to continue riding with toe clips for decades. Only 3 years ago was I able to find clipless-compatible shoes (Sidi narrow) that would fit & the difference is night and day. I use Crank Bros double-sided "platform" pedals...they are rather heavy but OTOH are usable with street shoes for short rides. For touring I'd say to use clipless/cycling shoes & carry street shoes/sandals for walking. Clipless is far more efficient & safer since they can be disengaged with the little ankle twist whereas street shoes can get stuck onto platform pedals until one reaches down to loosen the strap. Plus dedicated cycling shoes (like Sidi) are often 100% synthetic so they don't get soggy or damaged by rain.
I have 3 pairs of non-clipless platform pedals in my spare parts box including the classic Lyotard pedals. I've saved them since I thought that non-clipless would become unavailable. Thankfully I don't need those old pedals now...IMHO any ride over 1 hr deserves clipless pedals.