Had enough of wet feet looking at clipless but

andyh01

I also have a tag along bike for a mile at start or end of commute, which clipless system be best for this?
Hi all I mainly commute a short distance (4 mile each way) 5 days a week all year and I just use non discript clothing ie running leggings, a light weight top and either a shower proof or a bit warmer outer jacket and trainers and socks, with toe clip pedals, been doing this for last 5 years. Today caught in the shower and soaking feet enough is enough so I have started to look at more cycle specfic wind/water proof stuff. To start with I'm looking at the feet as this is the worst. I currently also have about a mile to commute with a tag along bike with my 5 yr old Son to/from school drop/collect him and then cycle to/from work/home either at the start or end of the jorney, I also need to walk across the car park to the office, I'm not sure which clipless system to go for? I would need to either ride unclipped for the mile with the tagalong as to balance the back end, or be confident I could get unclipped quick enough to steady bike if/when needed when my Son unpredictable starts wobbling around. I currently ride with right foot in the cage toe clipped lose and left foot completely free all the time, I want go for road shoes and sdp sl but don't know if touring type be better for my needs and the difference?
Thanks
Andy

paul_mck

cleats wont keep your feet dry

pitchshifter

Best thing to keep your feet dry(er) is mudguards..

paul_mck

good overshoes too. I wear endura neoprene overshoes over my trainers in winter (dont use clipless on my commuter).

nappysack over each sock before putting shoes on keeps your toes dry at least.

MichaelW

Clipless pedals with child on board = disaster in the making.
Everyone says that clipless pedals are "safer" and everyone has had clipless moments where they are unable to unclip and topple sideways.
You dont need the efficiency of clipless on a 4 mile ride.
The best thing to keep your feet dry are waterproof boots. Some lightweight hiking boots will do the job. You can use these with plain platforms or mini toe clips.
You can get waterproof winter clipless shoes but these often have hard plastic soles, good in mud not so good on hard, slick surfaces. Winter is also taken to mean arctic so they may be too warm for temperate rain.

paul_mck

I use these, my feet arent slipping off!

johnmiosh

I have been riding for 30 odd years and I have never had one of these clipless moments that people talk of on here. But have had a lot of incidents toppling over in toeclips and straps; I would ditch the clips in favour of clipless.

I wouldn't recommend SPD-SLs for commuting,mainly for the daily wear on cleats, but SPDs should be no problem; easy to get out of and the cleats aren't worn away by walking. In summer you can use SPDs in a training shoe style and for winter get Shimano MW80s. I use the road version, there are very warm and waterproof. Northwave and Sidi also do versions.

Mudguards are necessary, without them you get drenched, during and after rain showers. With full guards it is much more pleasant, even in driving rain.