SPD or flats?
#101
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Nothing works better and costs less than going out for a moderate ride and seeing how it goes.
Repeat often, looking at what works and what doesn't and adjust. It also serves as a training regime to htfu a bit.
I consider myself lucky that I commute daily and ride most weekends so that I am very familiar with how my touring bike performs and how I fit on it. I couldn't imagine buying or building a ride and worrying about performance without a good breaking in period first.
Those who tour for a while generally find a sweet spot that works for them but also get to see other people touring successfully but differently. That diverse exposure helps to keep opinions true for themselves but humble enough to avoid absolutism. Pedals are just one of those things.
Repeat often, looking at what works and what doesn't and adjust. It also serves as a training regime to htfu a bit.
I consider myself lucky that I commute daily and ride most weekends so that I am very familiar with how my touring bike performs and how I fit on it. I couldn't imagine buying or building a ride and worrying about performance without a good breaking in period first.
Those who tour for a while generally find a sweet spot that works for them but also get to see other people touring successfully but differently. That diverse exposure helps to keep opinions true for themselves but humble enough to avoid absolutism. Pedals are just one of those things.
#102
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Nothing works better and costs less than going out for a moderate ride and seeing how it goes.
Repeat often, looking at what works and what doesn't and adjust. It also serves as a training regime to htfu a bit.
I consider myself lucky that I commute daily and ride most weekends so that I am very familiar with how my touring bike performs and how I fit on it. I couldn't imagine buying or building a ride and worrying about performance without a good breaking in period first.
Those who tour for a while generally find a sweet spot that works for them but also get to see other people touring successfully but differently. That diverse exposure helps to keep opinions true for themselves but humble enough to avoid absolutism. Pedals are just one of those things.
Repeat often, looking at what works and what doesn't and adjust. It also serves as a training regime to htfu a bit.
I consider myself lucky that I commute daily and ride most weekends so that I am very familiar with how my touring bike performs and how I fit on it. I couldn't imagine buying or building a ride and worrying about performance without a good breaking in period first.
Those who tour for a while generally find a sweet spot that works for them but also get to see other people touring successfully but differently. That diverse exposure helps to keep opinions true for themselves but humble enough to avoid absolutism. Pedals are just one of those things.
I prefer riding flats vs previous toe-clips. Quite possible that flats are popular among tourers since one can instinctively position foot in the best position w/o binding or toe-clip interfering?
Rode up a hill today w/flats while paying attention to pedaling/muscles & yes, it's surprising that one can feel like they're pulling up but it's just the effort of lifting legs. Avg leg weighs a surprising 12+ kg. Cut body fat for an upcoming tour & legs spin easier.
#103
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I use toe clips on platforms but really only to keep the foot roughly oriented; the straps are not tight. The clips create a sort of backstop for my toes and my foot just rests where it rests. Riding a bicycle ain't rocket surgery as some would suggest
Last weekend I rode up and down part of the Fraser Canyon and this weekend I'm riding another mountain hwy towards Manning, noted on CGOAB as the single hardest day of riding across Canada. In another couple of weeks I'll be doing the Coquihalla pass, a 50 km non stop hill climb to the summit - crank crank crank... all using platforms and a stiff soled shoe. On all of those my goal is low gearing and high spin with little effort, otherwise my knees would give out. I am definitely not strapping in or clipping in and using that attachment so I can put more stress on my knees. I'm pushing myself a bit to train now but on a longer tour the real goal is effortless cycling all day long. People don't "need" to be clipped in for effortless riding, though I don't knock anyone who does it because that is what they prefer or are used to.
Other things that don't necessarily translate directly from road cycling to touring: Shaving your legs and drafting.
Last weekend I rode up and down part of the Fraser Canyon and this weekend I'm riding another mountain hwy towards Manning, noted on CGOAB as the single hardest day of riding across Canada. In another couple of weeks I'll be doing the Coquihalla pass, a 50 km non stop hill climb to the summit - crank crank crank... all using platforms and a stiff soled shoe. On all of those my goal is low gearing and high spin with little effort, otherwise my knees would give out. I am definitely not strapping in or clipping in and using that attachment so I can put more stress on my knees. I'm pushing myself a bit to train now but on a longer tour the real goal is effortless cycling all day long. People don't "need" to be clipped in for effortless riding, though I don't knock anyone who does it because that is what they prefer or are used to.
Other things that don't necessarily translate directly from road cycling to touring: Shaving your legs and drafting.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 05-05-16 at 11:19 PM.
#104
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Was going to start a new thread to ask this, but this seems like as good a home for my question as any. Has anyone ever used SHIMANO SAINTS on tours? I'm a flat-pedal person myself, but this would be my first time moving away from toe clips, and that makes me a bit nervous. They are also fairly pricey, but apparently bomb-proof. Any thoughts?
#105
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Yep, I use Saints on tour, and commuting and around town, all with my Surly Troll. I also have Saints on my fat bike. They are indeed bombproof.
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There are some here in St. Louis. I sat quietly and watched one at Big Shark , I was impressed. Yes the rotating lasar for knees and ankles. But also upper arm measure, and fore arm measure, same for legs, and a protractor for elbow and knee angles. seat width and sit bone measure. plumb bob to ball of foot. Cleat adjustment. dual scale for front vs rear wheel with cyclist wt.
I don't think I can help with one in Detroit call around.
I don't think I can help with one in Detroit call around.
#107
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As of a couple of days ago I can give you a bit more of a review myself! Just back from a 5 day tour and I'm glad to say that on the bike there was plenty enough stiffness in the sole of the Rumbles that I didn't notice any discomfort from 5-7 hours of riding in the day. Also very comfortable to walk in, although I'd occasionally feel a bit of a scrunching with the cleat coming into contact with rough ground. I suppose in theory I'd consider hiking in them after removing the cleat between rides, but I'd be a bit concerned about damaging cleat bolt threads, etc. so more likely in practice to just use non-SPD shoes, since I would definitely have a second pair in my luggage even if trying to pack reasonably light.
#108
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As of a couple of days ago I can give you a bit more of a review myself! Just back from a 5 day tour and I'm glad to say that on the bike there was plenty enough stiffness in the sole of the Rumbles that I didn't notice any discomfort from 5-7 hours of riding in the day. Also very comfortable to walk in, although I'd occasionally feel a bit of a scrunching with the cleat coming into contact with rough ground. I suppose in theory I'd consider hiking in them after removing the cleat between rides, but I'd be a bit concerned about damaging cleat bolt threads, etc. so more likely in practice to just use non-SPD shoes, since I would definitely have a second pair in my luggage even if trying to pack reasonably light.
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Maybe someone already mentioned Power Grips. They work on a lot of plain pedals and are easy to get into and out of. I use them on my around town bike as I like the feeling of being attached to the pedal but not having to use a cycling specific shoe. Google to take a look.
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"I have a pedal system I'm comfortable with and have experience with. Should I switch to something completely different before I go out on a tour?"
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Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
#111
It's not marketing hype it's real. Sounds like many of the "clipless is unnecessary" folks have not ridden clipless.
The last time I forgot my cycling shoes and rode about 100km in crocs it tore up my legs so bad I could not ride a bicycle for a month, could hardly walk for 2 days. When I go to the grocery in tennis shoes I feel the stress of mis-aligned ankles and knees. Not so with my cycling shoes. I would never ride on flats more than a few miles for fear of significant injury.
Geez it takes about 30 seconds to change shoes , Max. The 1 pr of shoes argument just does not hold water compared to your safety.
That's my experience.
The last time I forgot my cycling shoes and rode about 100km in crocs it tore up my legs so bad I could not ride a bicycle for a month, could hardly walk for 2 days. When I go to the grocery in tennis shoes I feel the stress of mis-aligned ankles and knees. Not so with my cycling shoes. I would never ride on flats more than a few miles for fear of significant injury.
Geez it takes about 30 seconds to change shoes , Max. The 1 pr of shoes argument just does not hold water compared to your safety.
That's my experience.
I'ld use something heavier than a plastic grocery bag or such for the extra shoes on the bicycle. Consider a stuff sack maybe from Rei, or a turkey baking bag.
I can feel my ankles and knees poorly aligned on the 1 mile trip to the grocery. Maybe that's just my anatomy? 60 miles in crocs on Look pedals was a mistake I'll never repeat.
But let me ask, is riding 60 miles in trainers any much better? I'll take your word on it, but I'm not gonna try it.
By the way my around town bicycle does have clips and straps, I feel more secure in those than flats.
I can feel my ankles and knees poorly aligned on the 1 mile trip to the grocery. Maybe that's just my anatomy? 60 miles in crocs on Look pedals was a mistake I'll never repeat.
But let me ask, is riding 60 miles in trainers any much better? I'll take your word on it, but I'm not gonna try it.
By the way my around town bicycle does have clips and straps, I feel more secure in those than flats.
Last edited by BigAura; 05-10-16 at 03:30 PM.
#112
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I don't ever suggest my way is a way that anyone should follow!
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I have 14,725 miles touring on SPD's
My last tour I did 2300 miles in ultralight trainers on flat BMX pedals. NO problem! Including one day >100 miles and many days >60 miles. I understand you admitted what you did in Crocs was moronic (my paraphrase ) but your extrapolating your experience to others is equally misguided.
My last tour I did 2300 miles in ultralight trainers on flat BMX pedals. NO problem! Including one day >100 miles and many days >60 miles. I understand you admitted what you did in Crocs was moronic (my paraphrase ) but your extrapolating your experience to others is equally misguided.
#114
commu*ist spy
I've used spd clips for touring, and I now think that half spd half platform is the way to go. It's easy enough to use one side for the spd during the serious riding days, and the platform side is there when you just want to chill around the block in flip flops.
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FWIW, I recently bought a pair of these:
https://www.rei.com/product/892627/p...ike-shoes-mens
Have used them for two three-day tours and general riding/commuting. Stiff soles with very comfortable uppers. Like most shoes of its type, you can use them with or without cleats.
https://www.rei.com/product/892627/p...ike-shoes-mens
Have used them for two three-day tours and general riding/commuting. Stiff soles with very comfortable uppers. Like most shoes of its type, you can use them with or without cleats.
#117
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I have a pair of similar shimano's. Just a stiff soled shoe that I took the cleat off of and use on platforms.
Depends though on what you use. If you really only use clips or platforms you have a pedal that you can only use one side of. It would annoy the heck out of me to have to flip the pedal around every time I put my foot on it, especially if by weight it always oriented the way I didn't need it.
But if you use both systems then it is a good compromise.
But if you use both systems then it is a good compromise.
#118
commu*ist spy
I have a pair of similar shimano's. Just a stiff soled shoe that I took the cleat off of and use on platforms.
Depends though on what you use. If you really only use clips or platforms you have a pedal that you can only use one side of. It would annoy the heck out of me to have to flip the pedal around every time I put my foot on it, especially if by weight it always oriented the way I didn't need it.
But if you use both systems then it is a good compromise.
Depends though on what you use. If you really only use clips or platforms you have a pedal that you can only use one side of. It would annoy the heck out of me to have to flip the pedal around every time I put my foot on it, especially if by weight it always oriented the way I didn't need it.
But if you use both systems then it is a good compromise.
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