Hi, Well I ordered my bike for my journey next spring, safari. I would like some input on pedals, I am thinking of cleats with more a walking mountain bike style shoe. I would like feedback on what others use and found comfortable . I think I will try the brooks 17 saddle, I saw one in nashbar with a cut out in it (pelvic relief) not sure about that. ok Thanks Mike

I have Shimano M324 pedals which are platform on one side and cleats on the other. Shoes are Shimano MT41. Love them both.

On the saddle, got a B17 a couple of months and just over 350 miles ago. Most comfortable and durable seat I've ever owned. Should have gotten one years ago.

I run Shimano M520's... cheap and they work. These cleats do require a decent shoe in my experience. Some of the shoes available are just a little to focused on walking and the soles are pretty flexy. I prefer something like a Sidi mountain shoe with a stiffer sole. Still walkable but stiff enough to be kind to my feet after 8 hours in the saddle.

I use Time ATAC XS steel clipless pedals with Keen Springwater shoes. The latter are pretty water resistant so they seem to obviate the need for rain booties. The cleat is well recessed, so no worries about floors, and the sole is stiff enough for riding but flexible enough for both hike-a-bike and "regular" hiking.

Don't even think about getting road pedals/shoes. I did the Southern Tier in Speedplays and either waddled around or walked around in my socks through stores. Regardless, try walking in the shoe you choose before you buy.

Some people swear by sandals. For me it took one flying rock to the foot to disuade me. I think the logic is that they keep the foot "cooler". I think that for many people experiencing this, the "coolness" is the result of a less constraining fit. The brain interprets constrained blood flow in the ball of the foot as "heat". Personal preference for sure. YMMV etc.

The slit in the saddle, ostensibly to keep pressure off the nethers, is not necessary if one's saddle is property adjusted. The missing section weakens the saddle for sure and probably reduces its service life. More expensive too. I have no problems in that department. YMMV etc etc.

Trailrunners and quill pedals with or without toeclips. I'll never go back to clipless.

I've used Froggs and eggbeaters, while eggbeaters are my preference between the two, its platform pedals that are my real choice...

My GF likes her M324s.

@Cyclesafe: Thanks for that Keen link. I am in the market for a new pair of shoes to tour/commute with. They look most interesting. I am going to check REI's web site. Got a $200 dividend I need to spend.

I use Shimano XTR pedals my self.

I do not use clipless pedals while touring. Use them religiously on the road bike as I am out of the saddle a lot climbing and also on the flats when the need to pull and push is required to keep up with the paceline. Maybe I'm missing something but I do not understand the need for them while touring. Someone please enlighten me ! Most of my touring is solo and I worry about the inevitable chance of falling when not clipping out at stops. Maybe that comes with age and you younger guys do not worry about that........Enough said

twereny, I use Richie V4 mountain bike pedals, lots of float.

Brad

I've used Frogs and Eggbeaters and been happy with both, but I'm now happier using MKS Lambdas (aka Rivendell Grip Kings) without straps. These pedals are quite long so they support your foot well. The nubs provide enough traction. No more extra pairs of shoes, no more replacing cleats. The KISS mantra reigns!

My cross-country tour of 4700 miles in 43 days back in '85 (fully unsupported) would not have been possible without my cleated shoes, clips and straps. I wish they had clipless pedals back then! They make riding so much more enjoyable and efficient.

I use Shimano clipless pedals (one set of M540 and one set of M520 that I use switch around on different bikes) and a pair of mountain bike shoes, also Shimano (SH-MT 21 is similar to the shoes I use). I can get off the bike and walk anywhere without being uncomfortable. In fact on my last tour I did not bring any other shoes for the 4000 mi trip. Works for me. Have a good ride.

Ok Thanks, I think clipless is the way to go, I am use to them from my triathalon training/racing. I am looking fwd to this trip so much. Slow things down get back to the cycling I enjoyed years ago. I am out of the loop on new touring technology. My previous touring was in the 70s in sweat pants.. going for the brooks, and a mountain bike shoe, also lone star panniers next I will be looking at camping gear after I ride the beast(safari) all summer Thanks..

I have a Shimano SPD, a few pairs of m520's, a set of m540 and a couple pair of m770s. I am tending towards the 520s since I can find them online for $35 and I am equipping all my bikes with them.

I use sidi's for my riding shoes and also have a pair of the shimano spd sandals. Sidi's are my favorites, I also take the sandals on tour, very comfortable for riding and walking.

I got ortlieb panniers and tubus front and rear racks, exped air mattress.

twerney, Don't buy Shimano mountain shoes! Mine are now starting to fall apart after only 12 years of abuse, neglect and hosing the salt off with a garden hose. The cats sharpening their claws on them, while a handy mud remover, may've had a detremental effect, I'm not sure.

Brad

Just changed out from SPD m520 to Crank Brothers seen here and love them.
https://www.crankbrothers.com/pedals_candy1.php
Don't think I will be going back to SPD love the egg beater style much better then the SPD.
Hope this helps out.

MKS Touring pedals and Power Grips

Shimano A530 Dual SPD with some Sette Nix shoes that are comfy and look halfway normal.

I probably agree with you generally, but I do like clipless for any long ride. I seem to have nerve issues in the ball of my foot, and being able to pull up helps a lot by taking the pressure off, otherwise my feet fall asleep. Wish I didn't need them though! This may be unique to women (or anyone, I guess) who's spent too much time in high heels.

I know what the old stuff was called, but I am always confused when I hear "clipless", of any method "clipless" seems to be the ones that clips on. Plus it's stupid for the dominant system to be defined by what it isn't. Like calling Rap "not rock and roll", or "not music" depending one your preference.

Anyway, I am using the White Industries platform pedals, or regular road pedals with a flat plate on top to protect my feet. I use Lake sandals. I would use clipless if i could.

One does not need to use clipless or clips and straps in order to lift. Most of the effect that most people are getting can be replicated by simply taking the weight off. I would doubt most tourist are actually pulling for real. I get real focused on it when I hit hills. But otherwise, just so long as I am not pushing down on both pedals at the same time...