family bike tour - bringing my own pedals - but which ones?

[Brina]

In June my family and I are going on a cycling trip in France with Backroads. I will probably have my 8-year-old on a trailer bike, as she is the youngest kid on the trip by about 2.5 years and while she is a good rider, it will be hard for her, on a 20" bike to keep up with the bigger kids on their larger bikes.

I have two options to bring for pedals and shoes. First, I could bring my road bike pedals which are Look Keos. Second, I could bring my hybrid bike pedals, which are campus or dual sided pedals - flat and spd. I have 2 pair of shoes. The spd shoes are easier to walk but with the Look pedals I feel like I have a stronger pedal stroke.

Any thoughts?

[limewave]

If it were me, I would bring the hybrid pedals with the SPD's--just to have the options available. Have you done a lot of riding with your DD on the trailer bike?

[Brina]

If it were me, I would bring the hybrid pedals with the SPD's--just to have the options available. Have you done a lot of riding with your DD on the trailer bike?


Yes, we have done rides around home and on local trails. Our longest has been about 8 miles. The tour is set up that the kids do 10-12 miles with the group and then go off and have kids activities while the adults continue to ride.

[DebW]

I think a walkable shoe is more desirable for touring. You might get off the bike to see some sights, or need to run around chasing your daughter.

[limewave]

I think a walkable shoe is more desirable for touring. You might get off the bike to see some sights, or need to run around chasing your daughter.

I agree. I just keep thinking about the one time I had DD on the tag-a-long bike on the road bike. I had to unclip quickly to catch our balance, it was really difficult to do with the slippery road shoes.

[Grog]

I also vote for the dual-sided...