Shoes/pedals for a cross country ride?

[heflinkw]

Sorry, I'm not debating, that's why I stated it as opinion. Just trying to provide info for the OP. If you have limited funds it doesn't get much cheaper than flats and shoes you already own.


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[heflinkw]

The following article was enlightening for me.

https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45


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[Ty0604]

Sorry, I'm not debating, that's why I stated it as opinion. Just trying to provide info for the OP. If you have limited funds it doesn't get much cheaper than flats and shoes you already own.

Funds aren't really an issue any longer since my first post due to a number of reasons but I'm trying to spend as little as possible. I have a budget and anything left from that budget will go to the cancer foundation that I am doing my ride for. $75 for shoes and pedals was a good deal.

I'm going to bring a super light pair of walking shoes with me. I packed my panniers a few days ago as a test and I had a lot more room than expected and they were much lighter than I thought.

April 30 is the big day!

[DaveB]

The following article was enlightening for me.

https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

As usual, the Rivendell article sets up a "straw man" to argue their point.  I agree that extremely rigid, slippery soled road shoes with fully exposed cleats are not needed, or even desirable, for casual, fitness or touring riders but the alternative doesn't have to be floppy, soft soled shoes and flat pedals.  "MTB" shoes with walkable, reasonably rigid soles and recessed cleats combined with suitable MTB-type pedals provide the security and control of clipless pedals while still allowing reasonable off-bike use.

[Pat Lamb]

I can only remember one cross-country tourist I've met who was riding with road bike pedals.  There may be some on a supported tour (thinking Bubba's or PacTour) for whom the extra efficiency is significant.  But everybody else I've met on a long tour was using MTB pedals.  Even on shorter, supported tours I've ridden most riders go with MTB pedals so they can walk in the shoes.  Maybe 10%, probably less, on these shorter tours ride platform pedals.

For some reason it tickles me to see a little old lady, or a little old man, walking into a convenience store or ice cream parlor wearing Sidis...

[Old Guy New Hobby]

Code: [Select]

I have a budget and anything left from that budget will go to the cancer foundation
Let us know your URL. I know a young man who did a similar ride from East to West. It was an amazing adventure for him. Good luck!

[Ty0604]

Code: [Select]

I have a budget and anything left from that budget will go to the cancer foundation
Let us know your URL. I know a young man who did a similar ride from East to West. It was an amazing adventure for him. Good luck!

I'll be sure to post it! The website is up now but it wont be public until January at the earliest. How long did your friend take to do it? I would love to talk to him if he has the time! Would you be willing to ask?

I'm really excited. My parents did so much for me and this is the least I could do in their memory. And I get to see the country at the same time! It's perfect timing too. I'm 23 and the lease is up at my condo and my contract is up at work in April so I have no commitments following April. Renting a storage unit and that'll be that!

[Ty0604]

I've recently tried the clipless pedals and I'm not a fan honestly. I'm seriously considering going back to the cages I have and touring with those. I can return the shoes/pedals for a full refund still. One less item to carry. Can someone recommend a good shoe that would work for touring and could be worn to walk around in as well? Looking for a more specific answer than "any sneaker will do" etc 

[John Nelson]

You're talking about making tradeoffs. The stiffer the sole, the better for cycling. A sturdy shoe can be good for walking too. I knew I guy who toured in work boots. That's not such a bad idea, although a bit heavy for some.

[Ty0604]

You're talking about making tradeoffs. The stiffer the sole, the better for cycling. A sturdy shoe can be good for walking too. I knew I guy who toured in work boots. That's not such a bad idea, although a bit heavy for some.

Yeah too heavy. I'm going light. 12lb bike and ~20lbs of gear. I will have a pair of slip on shoes for walking in the very least. They're not suitable for riding but they weigh next to nothing.

[heflinkw]

Keen Targhee II. Toe box is big.  May not work great with cages. See my previous on cages and cleats. They are waterproof which is a good thing.

http://m.zappos.com/keen-targhee-ii-magnet-brindle


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[heflinkw]

I've seen that some people tour with these as an alternative to clips or cages.

http://www.powergrips.com/


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[Ty0604]

Keen Targhee II. Toe box is big.  May not work great with cages. See my previous on cages and cleats. They are waterproof which is a good thing.

http://m.zappos.com/keen-targhee-ii-magnet-brindle

Thanks, I'll take a look. I have waterproof booties so doesn't matter if the shoes themselves are waterproof.

[Ty0604]

Keen Targhee II. Toe box is big.  May not work great with cages. See my previous on cages and cleats. They are waterproof which is a good thing.

http://m.zappos.com/keen-targhee-ii-magnet-brindle

Keen is based here in Portland where I live so I can go to their warehouse and get the same shoes for around $75. Think I'll take a trip there in the next few weeks.

[CanvasAndSteel]

The following article was enlightening for me.

https://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

As usual, the Rivendell article sets up a "straw man" to argue their point.  I agree that extremely rigid, slippery soled road shoes with fully exposed cleats are not needed, or even desirable, for casual, fitness or touring riders but the alternative doesn't have to be floppy, soft soled shoes and flat pedals.  "MTB" shoes with walkable, reasonably rigid soles and recessed cleats combined with suitable MTB-type pedals provide the security and control of clipless pedals while still allowing reasonable off-bike use.

You set up another straw man, as not all non cleated cycling shoes are floppy. I'm quite happy with 5 10s and pinned pedals. With that combination there's no need for cages for keeping a comfortable and efficient cadence between 98-102.

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