pedals

Susan and I both use the Shimano SPD clipless pedal system with mountain biking shoes. We both strongly recommend a clipless pedal system for bike touring; it’s hard to imagine doing a long trip without them. Clipless pedals save a lot of energy by keeping your foot exactly at the optimal position on the pedal; with practice they’re much easier to get out of than traditional pedals with toe cages (touring with platform pedals with no cages/strap would be insane).

Any of the many clipless pedal systems will probably be fine, but SPD offers a few advantages in my opinion. First, it’s probably the most widely used system and if you have problems you’ll be able to find parts. Second, you can get SPD compatible shoes that both extremely stiff soled (which maximizes performance), but still have a recessed cleat. This allows you to walk around reasonably comfortably while in your shoes, which is a big advantage when touring. You can get shoes that are very comfortable to walk around in because the soles aren’t stiff but I don’t recommend these as they’re much worse for cycling and that’s where the most time is spent. The sweet spot price/performance wise is usually something like this with a hard plastic sole, a recessed cleat, and 3 velcro straps. See also Susan’s shoe post. The final advantage is that the pedals themselves are cheaper than other systems. I got a pair of SPD compatible pedals from REI for less than $20; ask at the bike department if they have any OEM pedals that were traded in.