Touring with a folder: Pedal straps? Toe Clips? Don't bother?
 

Hello,

I'd rather not use clipless pedals because of the special shoes I'd have to carry while touring on my Brompton.

As an alternative, I was wondering about pedals straps (Powergrips, Outgeek, Fyxation, etc.) or toe clips.

If you've used a folder extensively for touring, Brompton or otherwise, do those make a real difference ?

Thank you.

You are Overthinking this..

We only use our clip in sandals when touring. Good enough for walking around but not recommended for hiking.

Thanks.

I don't hike, so could use clipless pedals, but…
1) the few from Wellgo available on eBay seem to be hard to use for newbies like me, and
2) the SPD-compatible pedals from MKS are pretty pricey.

Hence my looking at pedal straps instead.

Should I give Wellgo pedals a try?

I use Clipless on my gravel and mountain bike, and Zefal strapless toe clips on my folders - I don't know about others, but I REALLY like having decent foot retention.

My Brompton has become my favorite street touring bike ever, and I high recommend Alphabet Cottage's Zefals w/adaptor plate for the Brompton.

Toe Clips - Alphabet Cottage

FWIW, I like touring with "approach" shoes from the European boot/rock climbing shoe manufacturers like Scarpa and La Sportiva. Their like a cross between a light hiker, sneaker, and rock climbing shoe, but with a very stiff sole.

BTW, I have MKS quick release pedals on the Dahon, but am not really a fan of the extra step of removing one pedal for a narrow fold. The Alphabet Cottage solution for the Brompton really doesn't impact the fold.

I am a spd freak. The best spd pedal for multi use is the A530 from Shimano. -Only my mountain bikes have M540s. The A530 platform is awesome for street shoes, and the clipless side works great.

Clipless shoes are so much more comfortable (for me) if I am in the saddle for 1+ hours. Only trips to the store get street shoes for me.

Don't bother. Clipless and straps are not needed. You can add them later if you feel the need. I don't.

It depends...
 

In wet tropical climates, Teva-like sandals with PowerGrips straps do double duty. That's what i use. But I come from an MTB background so it doesn't feel right to not ride clipped in.

Another SPD vote for A530 from Shimano. SWMBO & I have toured extensively and have settled on those. I use Keen cycling sandals exclusively even in coldest weather. They are quite comfortable to walk in. If some more serious hiking is needed, I have on occasion removed the cleats for a climb on rocky terrain.

On one winter occasion I used plain pedals with a toe clip with waterproof winter runners. I have adopted that on the Brompton and is quite adequate.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/images/raw/TC1700.jpg

I’ve toured many places, including thr UK, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia.

Don’t bother.

I use plastic Zefal toe clips with MKZ Ezy AR2 pedals. One pedal set has only the "half toe clip", the other the full toe clips with straps. I select the pedal set depending on the riding I intend to do. For touring I prefer full toe clips with straps.

My wife uses plain MKS Ezy XP pedals for casual rides, MKS Ezy AR2 with PowerGrips for touring.

We both use non-cycle specific shoes.

Generally speaking, what benefit could I expect from foot retention while touring, either toe clips or clipless pedals ?

On-road, increased power transfer provided you have proper technique. Off-road, you stay on the pedals and don't lose control or balance, plus increased power transfer. If you are are not used to or comfortable clipping in, a tour is not the time to learn.

MKS Ezy AR2 pedals
 

I have the MKS Ezy AR2 pedals with MKS Half Toe Clip Deep Section on my Dahon, normal shoes, works fine

I also like having foot retention for the variety. It's like having multiple grip and back angle positions in your handlebars (3 and 2 respectively on my B) - mixing things up a bit breaks the fatigue of using a single grip/riding position. Foot retention allows you shift power around to different muscle groups in the push-forward/pull-back/pull-up strokes although your primary power will always come from the push-down stroke.

Thanks for the infos.

A few ideas.
1. Clipless platform add ons. https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....1vgQJeK5WL.jpg
2. Plenty of softer cleated sneakers. http://bicycletouringpro.com/wp-cont...o-SPD-Shoe.jpg
3. Flat spiked mtb pedals is what I like, but can obviously scratch things up and not quick release. http://www.bikepacking.com/wp-conten...packing-02.jpg
4. An actual big flat spiked QR pedal (smaller pedals are not comfy for me) http://www.bikehome.com.tw/images/co...-245-095-3.jpg

Placebo effect is always possible

Thanks.

Too bad Wellgo/Xpédo don't make quick-release clipless pedals that are as easy to use as Shimano's Click'r.

Alternatively, I might get some really compact clipless pedals (Crank Brothers?) and add the kind of platforms you showed to ride in cities.

My MKS EZ pedals are slippery and if they weren't so darned expensive I would have changed them out on my Speed TR, I put some power grips on them, I think they are great. Foot retention is for efficiency and safety.

MKS EZ superior has several types of pedals sharing the same quick release connector.


collect several ...

Love Crank Brothers pedals. I've used them since my mtb days. Got them on the Altena...
https://dl.dropbox.com/s/jrcqgbyzixd...5850.jpg?raw=1

I use MKS EZ with Delta strapless toe clips. https://www.amazon.com/Delta-Cycle-B...delta+toe+cage

Thanks for the info.