Touring and pedals

Lizbids

Hey everyone--I'm looking to do the TransAm tour this summer, and I bought some LOOK (keo) pedals and a nice pair of Carnac road shoes. I haven't attached anything yet (my bike's due to arrive this week), but some tourers have been pushing me more towards mountain bike shoes. Can anyone give me a pro and con about using Road shoes vs using MTB shoes? I only have a few days left until I can return them, so I'd appreciate any help and opinions.

Thanks!

xilios

Main reason for me is one less pair of shoes. Using MTB shoes you can walk around with, but Road cycling shoes I think it would be more difficult.
My wife and I normaly take MTB shoes and a pair of sandles for warmer weather.
cheers

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www.geocities.com/bike_journeys/index.html

daveornee

I agree with the MTB shoes as nice for touring. I addition to the walk-ability of them I find them easier to deal with touring loads/balance when mounting and dismounting/dabbing (putting a foot down at low speeds to help mantain/regain balance).
It also seems easier to find new cleats or pedals in out-of-the-way-places.
I started using them on the touring tandem and made the switch on the single tourer. Once I made the switch I never wanted to go back. I still use road pedals and road shoes/road cleats for my pure road bicycle, but I have been tempted more than once to make the transformation total. Although I am still quite proficient in the off the bike duck-walk, I like walking easily across rocks, mud, or a tile floor that MTB shoes offers.

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David Ornee, Western Springs, IL USA

Lizbids

Thanks for the advice! Seems like most people are agreeing.

Miles2go

Nice selection. I love LOOKs and Carnacs for road use. I've been using that combo for ten years. Not for touring though.

A large number of touring cyclist wear Shimano or Lake sandals that have recessed cleat mounts. This is what Nancy and I have been using on all of our tours over the last 5 or 6 years. They look almost normal for wearing around town and since they are sandals, they dry very quicky even after being soaked. For cold or wet weather you just throw on a pair of waterproof socks and you're golden!
Here's what I'm talking about: http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1218

Have a slendid time on the TransAm!!

Cheers,

Ron
www.fullyloadedtouring.com

Lizbids

Thanks, Miles! I've been looking at sandals too, but perhaps the shoe will be more versatile? I bought some pedals yesterday, and now I"ll have to head into Manhattan to find some shoes to go along with them!