Canal towpath cycling

[al-fresco]

I don't like toe clips on an MTB - it would be fine for towpaths but getting the second foot in on rough, muddy or snowy hill-starts was always a problem for me - I was always trying to flip the pedal over to get my left toe in instead of getting the power on. And you definitely don't want one cage hanging down so it can catch on stuff. I don't use SPDs because there are still too many times that I need to get a foot down in a hurry so I use DMR V8 pedals and a pair of Teva Links shoes for normal off-road riding. Works for me.

I use SPDs on my road bikes for canal towpaths and, yes, I did manage to deposit myself in the aqueduct once during an unscheduled dismount and found (to my great surprise) that, if you are going fall off, 3 or 4 feet of water is actually one of least damaging things to land in. (Compared to tarmac, slate, rocks, gorse...)

 

[SpareSprocket]

I couldn't think of riding offroad without being clipped in. My hack bike has flat pedals on it and it just feels totally alien not having my feet securely fixed to the pedals. Being able to move the bike around with my feet as well as hands and by shifting bodyweight is all part of the technique of cycling offroad. I'd recommend finding somewhere quiet and level and setting up some small obstacles and riding around them clipped in. With a bit of practice is surprising how quickly your body learns to unclip when it has too.

 

[al-fresco]

To be honest I don't feel any less secure when I'm using DMRs and proper off-road shoes. The only downside is that there are times when I'd like to be able to pull up on a pedal and that's no good if you're not clipped to it. I would consider SPDs at an off-road trail park - where I knew what to expect - but for 'normal' off-roading I like the option of being able to take a quick 'dab' when I need to.

 

[SpareSprocket]

The only downside is that there are times when I'd like to be able to pull up on a pedal and that's no good if you're not clipped to it. I would consider SPDs at an off-road trail park - where I knew what to expect - but for 'normal' off-roading I like the option of being able to take a quick 'dab' when I need to.

It is possible to pull up on the pedals without being clipped it -it's what trials riders do - but it's much, much harder to do then if your feet are connected. I've tried and failed miserably to master the technique !

I'd persevere with the clipless pedals - they actually make dealing with the unexpected easier because you know that you haul the bike around/over the obstacle if you have to.