Gear Talk / Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions
« on: May 31, 2018, 01:08:41 pm »Need some help deciding what gear is best for ultralight setup road touring.
I'm trying to keep my gear down to less than 20 pounds with camping and simple cooking stove.
I'm doing the Pacific Coast Route in August.
a) Can't decide to use SPD pedals or go with BMX style flat pedals and good rubber sold shoes (ie FiveTen)?
Pro of SPD:
More power and pedaling efficiency, utilize different muscle groups of the leg to minimize fatigue, I'm already familiar with it and I have both the cleats and SIDI mountain bike shoes already.
Con of SPD:
Need to pack an additional pair of shoes for days off bike walking around town, etc which would additional weight.
Pro of Flat Pedal and Rubber sole shoes:
Easy on and off, Need to pack only one pair of shoes so less weight to overall gear
Con of Flat Pedal and Rubber Sole shoes:
Less power and pedal efficiency, utilize primarily the calf muscles to push down, additional gear that I need to buy (both the flat pedals and five ten shoes).
b) Bike Headlights
Thinking about going with the "torch" style flashlights like Tank007 to be used as a bike headlight or camp light. I won't be riding at night so don't really know if a headlight is absolutely necessary except when it gets possibly foggy. I will definitely have a rear flashing strobe type light but not sure what is out there and what is best for UL system.