Used steel clips and leather straps from around 77 when I got my first drop bar etc bike. The metal plate Robin mentions (cleats?) were not something I bothered with but a lot of others in hosteling group had cycling shoes with that feature. I preferred something that was a bit more comfortable for those bits of touring where I was off the bike. Madison did a touring shoe that looked and fitted like a trainer but had a smoother sole with a bit of extra stiffness.
As Robin says the action to flip pedal with toe to bring clip to top then inserting foot and tightening strap soon becomes a reflex as does releasing for a planned stop. In traffic I'd keep the straps a bit looser for easier stopping and in case I parted company with bike.
Tried clipless on the Galaxy tourer and there was certainly a gain in efficiency. Had a couple of clipless moments and several near misses. Having broken neck of my femur in a bike tumble (albeit not clip related) I'm probably over cautious. The clipless falls both happened when a graunched change jammed the transmission for a moment on a climb. Obviously same could happen with clips but risk of not getting my foot out is a bit less. Mind you I fell off with those too - shoe lace caught in pedal.
Some people ride Bromptons with clipless pedals but for me it's an urban bike I can ride in work clothes and ordinary shoes. The standard folding pedal also makes it easier to stow/store.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Sat 18 Jan 20 at 15:01
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