MTB for touring

[whittierider]

I do have a fear of the clip less pedals.  How do you get over the feeling of not being able to get your feet off the pedals when you really need to?

When you begin using them you'll have to be careful to unclip before stopping; but soon it will become second-nature, and then you'll be able to get out instantly without thinking about it.

As for toe clips:  They don't let you pull the pedal back through the bottom of the turn much at all; so fewer muscles are available to share the load, meaning less power, earlier fatigue, more soreness, etc..

As for road-bike toughness:  The pros ride this road in the Paris-Roubaix road race at 25-30mph on their road bikes:


My family and I have come down a 4,000-foot descent at 30+ mph on a dirt road in terrible condition on our road bikes.  It was like riding a jack hammer, but no damage.  We didn't know when we chose our route that that road on the map was unpaved, but we were running out of daylight and had to hurry.  That was in Santa Barbara County, CA, where the farm roads are in terrible condition but it's still a popular place for road cycling.

[biker_james]

I can't really say that one tire is better than the other,but I like Continentals-my MTB that I use for commuting has Conti Town & Country tires that work well, and seem to never wear out. They have a reverse or inverted tread, so they are some use on gravel, but definitely not an offroad tire. I wouldn't go too cheap, but there are lots of options.
I think you will find clipless pedals better than using toe clips. Toe clips work OK so long as you do the straps up tight enough, but you're a lot more likely to fall with them than with clipless. I use SPD pedals, because the shoes are walkable with the cleats. The Shimano sandals work well for touring too.

[tgpelz]

MAC,

With size 12, you will not be limited.   I ordered five pairs of shoes from Bike Nashbar, with the understanding that I would be able to send back what I did not like.

I wanted something with regular soles that fit well.  The SIDI were the only ones that fit well.

So, I keep a pair of walking shoes readily available in my panniers, so when I am forced to walk up long hills, it is more comfortable.  Note, my vanity dose not force me to push me beyond my limits.  Each year, after I start riding, the better I am able to climb.   Still, when I am biking up a hill at 2.8 MPH and know that I can walk the bike up the same hill at 3.3 MPH, it makes more sense to push.

Regarding toe clips. I have tried them and did not like them.  My wife love them.   Try riding with toe clips and see.    

The biggest reason for the clips is the extra help you get by lifting up with your feet when you peddle.

Tom

[mac]

Hi JayH,

Thanks for the information, I received numerous responses and I think I will give the clip less a try.  Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all my questions.

thanks Again
John

[mac]

Hi Tgpelz,

Thanks for the info on Nashbar about their return policy.  Thats a great idea, my local bike store does not carry my size.  I'm with you, not so vain to walk along side my bike on tough hills I just want to get to the top. I think I have been convinced to use my MTB and even get some clip less pedals.  At least give them a try.

Thanks Again
John

[mac]

Hi Biker-James,

Thank you for all the information, I have started looking at tires that can be use for road and what I call light off road, mainly hard packed dirt roads or crushed stone bike paths.  I didn't realize there are so many options.
All of the answers I have received has told me to use clip less and I won't be disappointed.  I think I'll give them a try.

Thanks Again
John

[mac]

Hi whittierider,

thanks for the information, everyone else I have heard from has agreed with you so I have decided to at least try the clip less.  I want to thank you for taking the time to answer me and my silly questions.
Thanks Again
John

[dicanip03]

Hi. I'd like to respond to this topic as I have just built up on of each ( 700c and 26 inch)tourers over winter.
 The are distinct benitits of a 26 inch wheeled tourer. Firstly the smaller wheels keep the weight lower. I toured last summer on a 26 inch wheeled tourer and found it great when a vehical forced you off the shoulder on to the gravel. Much better than a 700c bike in the same situation.
Secondly the range of mtb tyres broadens your touring terrain, deserts and  mountain tracks you wouldn't do on a 700c tourer.
All things being equal though, on good roads a 700c tourer is going to be faster and cover more distance quicker.
 

[rcrampton]

If you can get one of the bikes on the road and do some touring you'll get a much better idea of what you want than you have today. Maybe you'll be perfectly happy with your MTB for years. If not they'll be specific things you care about and you can do a good job of picking the next bike.

I toured on a MTB, a 700c bike, and the 26" Novara Safari. I ended up learning that I liked 26" wheels because of the selection of tires. I can go on-road and off-road on the same tour just fine.