Originally Posted by
elcruxio
You're forgetting that clipless is also a foot retaining thing where you don't need to think about your feet even in the roughest of road sections, gravel, low key single track etc. Not saying you can't do those with platforms, but I prefer clipless as it completely eliminates all need for me to concentrate on my feet.
And having a bit of extra capability on the bike even when touring is sometimes really nice, like in a very steep uphill or when you need to sprint to a ferry which has in fact already left.
Also there are really only 2 viable platform pedal types which go well for touring
1) The spiked MTB pedal which tears up shins, pants and shoes extremely effectively. Does retain a shoe really nicely but it's actually slower to the the foot off of said pedal than from a clipless as you need to lift your foot to get it off from the spikes. And it wears down soles. And it doesn't work with minimalist shoes because it wears soles and may even puncture the sole in a minimalist shoe
2) The Ergon platform pedal, which would actually be my choice if I didn't already have the clipless system kitted out.
No, I'm not forgetting the "foot retaining thing." It's fine that you like clipless. I have no issues whatsoever with posters describing preferences. My issue is when it goes from description to prescription, as in "because I like/use XXXXX you should too". I've never had a hard time getting up a steep grade for which I'm geared correctly, and correct gearing is a pre-tour decision. And I can't imagine I would want to choose clipless over platform over several hundred or thousand miles because I might want to sprint for a ferry.
1) I've never torn up my shins, pants or shoes with my pinned pedals. never.
2) I've been curious about the Ergons, but, like you, I'm already using flats on several bikes and spd on the other.