Do you use spd's on your touring bike?

[Bigtallfatbloke]

I have them and so far so good. But i havent ridden with a full load yet...I read somewhere that they arn't good for touring...but I notice on the fully loaded tour bike pic site that several bikes have spd pedals fitted.

I only ask because today i nearly came off at a junction and reckon I would have had a serious fall had I been loaded..

 

[HJ]

Yes, but it is best to be confident using them first.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Yes. I used to use toeclips so I could ride in trainers and walk comfortably on days off the bike, but I prefer to use SPDs and not do so much walking. You shouldn't have any problems once you're used to them.

 

[mcr]

Personally, I wouldn't tour without them (however, I do tend to travel light), though I have now gone and got myself some single-sided spd 'touring' pedals, with a standard cage on the reverse, so I can give my smelly Shimano shoes an airing while I potter to the restaurant/pub in the evening in sandals or spare shoes.

 

[Andy in Sig]

IMO the single sided ones are ideal for touring. I tend to unclip in towns where a sudden need to stop is more likely and clip in when I get going on the actual route.

 

[yello]

I doubt I could ride any bike without spds now. It'd just feel wrong! I've had them on my tourer for 4 or 5 years now and have no problems.

You may want to slacken the tension a little just to make clipping in and out a little easier if you're not so confident. Recessed cleats are also a must for touring.

 

[asterix]

Another vote in favour of SPD. I used to have toeclips but spd's are far better and completely safe once you have become accustomed to them.

(In fact I would say they are safer because I believe you are more likely to unclip automatically in the even of a tumble. I haven't tested it..)

 

[Yorkshireman]

Yes, double sided for me - possibly best improvement I've come across in cycling bits (V brakes might be close) for me.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

...good..I feel better now....when I fall off I'll blame you lot :?:

I have the double sided ones and I am very happy with them...I'm not sure I would want to worry about which side I need to clip into all the time on the one sided versions.

 

[Tony]

I went clipless about three years ago, and I wouldn't use anything else now. I use trainer-type SPD shoes to allow me to stroll if necessary. At the moment, they are 12 quid Lidl specials...

 

[Brock]

Yep, double sided SPDs here aswell, I'm perfectly happy strolling around a bit in the shoes, and carry a pair of croc type rubbery clogs for slopping around the campsite.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Have been clipless for years touring. Originally SPD but switched to Speedplay Frogs when I had some knee problems. (They helped a lot).

I don't think you're anymore likely to fall off a loaded touring bike. Once releasing your foot is instinctive, then it's nothing to worry about whatever bike you're on.

 

[ufkacbln]

The SPDs aren't the problem, its the shoes!

Buy a pair of "MTB" or "casual" that you can walk in and you will be fine.

In Winter I use a pair of MT90 Goretex walking boots with SPD soles and clip.

 

[HJ]

You can even get spd sandals for summer days, great for touring in.

 

[Bigtallfatbloke]

...i already have some nike walkable road shoes and they are fine...although I would not want to have to walk miles in them they will do for a trip around the shops etc. I'll take a spare set of cleats just in case one falls out...although it will be sods law that i'll loose the actual shoe...then I'll be buggard for sure...