Commuting - Commuter pedals

Currently riding shimano SPD M520s with specialized Taho MTB Shoes on a converted MTB for daily commute. Just ordered a Breezer Uptown and need to put some pedals on her. I want something platform/clipless, like the shimano M324 or M545. Can you clip into the M545 with a comfortable walking shoe like the Taho (ie, not flat bottomed with cleat sticking out)? The M324 doesn't seem to be a problem because they are one-sided. Any experience or feedback with these pedals? I ride clipped as often as possible but want the flexibility to jump on in street shoes for short rides.

Many thanks!

I've had M324s on my commuter/utility bike for years and think they're great. With a 20-mile commute each way, I normally ride clipless. But for quick trips to the video store, etc., platforms are hard to beat. FWIW, I have Speedplays on my road bikes and don't have any trouble adjusting between the speedplay and SPD mechanisms.

I've been thinking about getting the Crank Bros Quattro SL. Looks like the platform is wide enough to use with street shoes for short trips.

I use the M520 pedals and clip in/out on first try with zero thought.
I tried what I think were the M324s (platform, with clipless built into one side) while extensively test riding a bike from an LBS and found them much harder to use as clipless pedals. Firstly the pedal doesn't guide the clip into place as well as the M520 (not so much guide, but not get hung up if slightly off) and secondly one must always make sure the pedal is rotated with clipless side up. Of course with use/practice it would probably get better, but during the quick transition from the M520 to this was very annoying.

Al

I would'nt think of using something different than my m520's

The shoes are lovely and black on black.

i've got the same shoes, very nice by the way. but i only use my nashbar m545 ripoffs on my rockhopper now. i've got some miniclips on my commuter and its made commuting a piece of cake -- no changing shoes when i get to work, any shoes work, and i keep my quasi oldskool street cred... not really. i used to use lyotard steel chrome clips and straps, but the metal edges would eat holes in my shoes.

I really like the M520s on my converted MTB commuter, never clipped into anything else, so I don't have much to compare it to.

I would really like to have something with a platform on it for short trips. My goal with the breezer bike is to make it "as easy to ride" as possible, ie "no-excuses not to ride" (shoes, wet weather, ect). I prefer to ride clipped and would do so probably 85% if not more, so if sacrifices must be made...

My major concern is whether a treaded "comfort" shoe like the Taho will clip in easily to the double sided spd/platform pedals, like the M545. With the cleat on the shoe being "recessed" in the tread and surrounded on all nearby sides by tread, does this interefer with the platforms, or make for a funny feeling when clipped, ect?

Thanks for all the feedback!

My experience I related with M520s and the platform/clipless hybrid pedal is with Shimano SPD Sandals that have a recessed cleat.

I think if the priority for the breezer is casual, then a plaform is best and if you have the option to clip in on one side, even if not quite as easy as with M520, then great. At least you don't have to clip in. I'd go for one of the two you mention above with no hesitation.

I solved the casual vs. not problem with M520s by wearing sandals year round, both for centuries, fast rec. rides, commuting and trips to the coffee shop. I even wear them when not cycling.

Al

I will be looking to the said sandals for this summer ... but I need a toenail transplant or wildlife, women, and children will be psychologically scarred for life.