Commuting - Commuting Pedal Preference?

I want to get some clipless pedals for my commuter (Kona Jake the Snake, 2003) but I really don't have any idea what to get as I haven't used clipless before. My commutes are long and uninterrupted enough that I pretty much have no reason to stick with the platforms, so I want to upgrade.

I know a bunch of guys that swear by crank brothers eggbeaters for everything. What do you guys prefer? Why?

eggbeaters for me and quite a few other forum members.

If you think you might have the need for platforms once in a while, I would recommend the Performance Campus pedal. It's SPD on one side and platform on the other. They have them for $29.99 right now and I've read good reviews about them. I just picked some up but haven't put them on yet, but they appear to be pretty high quality, especially for the money.

Double sided with a recessed cleat.

Specific brand/type of this type is more of a personal preference. Models include, but are by no means limited to:
Eggbeater
Shimano mountain (i.e. M520)
Time ATAC

I used M520 for 2yrs. and they are fine, no reason not to use them
I use ATAC XS now, which are also fine.
I've tried eggbeater which are also fine.

The distinction between them is more subtle than you may come to believe when reading about pro/cons from fanatics.

Al

I have clips and straps on one commuting bike and old Shimano 737 SPDs ($5!) on the other. The SPDs are actually big enough to ride in "normal" shoes for short trips. I keep an extra pair of street shoes at work though so I don't have to bring shoes if I ride in clipless. I've heard a lot of good things about eggbeaters but double sided entry works fine for me and used SPDs are dirt cheap.


I actually like clips and straps for commuting. Being able to wear normal shoes when running errands is nice, and you get most of what's good about clipless without the expense/hassle. I will say that it has taken me a very long time to feel comfortable with clips and straps. Clipless is a lot easier to get in and out of in a hurry, but with practice clips and straps get easier.

Just switched to Crankbrothers mallets from straps two weeks ago - I can't get over how much better clipless are. And the mallets are perfect for commuting because they have a big platform you can really slam down on to get out of a stop in a hurry, plus in heavy traffic you can peddle along without clipping in at all if you want. I am very satisfied with the choice.

My current commuter is clipless, but that's because it's normally a mountain bike which I've been using as a commuter.

My new commuter that I'm building up will have the toe cages. This is more so I can use it in more situations, such as riding to work in the winter, when I'll need to wear boots. I love the clipless, just need the versitility (sp?) of the regular pedals.

I use SPD because the pedals were the cheapest clipless pedals I could bu yat my LBS. I didn't know if I'd like them. Now I have SPD on every one of my bikes but my cruiser... I really like them.

I use MTB cycling shoes, and I can walk in them just fine (an occasional click on uneven surfaces, but generally OK) which is nice for going to the grocery and whatnot.

I loooooooove clipless. Can't ride without 'em now.

time, every time!

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/pedal/index_T.shtml
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/drivetrain/pedals/PLS_2503_840crx.aspx

Whatever it is, recessed cleat so you can walk around normally.
I use SPD simply because it was cheap. I bought a pair of Shimano pedals new on eBay for about $15. I haven't tried any others, but I don't have any problem with the SPDs so I probably won't.

toe clips put the extra money to saving for a new carbon road bike

I have eggbeaters on one and crank brothers smartys on the other. Even though both bikes are road and CB's are considered more of mountain pedals, I just happen to like crank-brothers designs. simple, minimalist, and effective. I also like the fact that my cleats are just recessed into my shoes enough that for walking around work I don't have to worry about changing shoes if I don't want to.

time ATAC.
i love them.

Never ridden with anything other than regular old platform pedals, that's the way it'll be for now too.

I recently got the Shimano M324 SPDs -- platform on one side and clipless on the other. They're great so far. I have them adjusted so that it's really easy to click out, and I have the recessed cleat shoes that I wear all day at work. They're actually quite comfy, and it adds to my coolness factor at work because I have the only shoes with reflectors :)

1+ for eggbeaters.

I want to get some clipless pedals for my commuter (Kona Jake the Snake, 2003) but I really don't have any idea what to get as I haven't used clipless before. My commutes are long and uninterrupted enough that I pretty much have no reason to stick with the platforms, so I want to upgrade.

I know a bunch of guys that swear by crank brothers eggbeaters for everything. What do you guys prefer? Why?
I prefer combined clipless/platform SPD pedals, for the ultimate in versatility. I can run out of work and do an errand while wearing street shoes or dress shoes, while at the same time using clipless shoes for my commute to and from work. Also, having the platform under the SPD cleat makes it more comfortable under my foot.

Nashbar has the Rodeo pedals for about $25 (what I use), Performance has the Campus pedals for about $35 (they are clearly of a higher quality and sleeker appearance, especially the bearings), and Shimano makes the original version for about $75 (seems similar to the Performance pedals, just more expensive :p).

Before these pedals, I used double-sided SPD pedals, which worked great except for not being able to use street shoes. I've also used Look pedals, which I would not recommend for commuting since they're a pain to clip in and out of and you can't walk with the big cleats. I know there are a lot of Eggbeater fans on here, but I don't really get what advantage they offer on the road: mud-shedding isn't on the top of my priority list for road use. SPD and SPD-knockoff pedals are very widely available, come in many different configurations, and they're inexpensive.


I recently got the Shimano M324 SPDs -- platform on one side and clipless on the other. They're great so far. I have them adjusted so that it's really easy to click out, and I have the recessed cleat shoes that I wear all day at work. They're actually quite comfy, and it adds to my coolness factor at work because I have the only shoes with reflectors

:beer: I wear my reflective Adidas Minrett shoes all day too :D

Any distinctive differences between the Shimano M324, the Nashbar Rodeo, and the forte Campus at Performance bike aside from the distinctive increase in price for the Shimano pedals.

I'm looking for a do-it-all pedal as I don't need to ride clipped in for the 3 miles of stop-and-go commuting to work but when I'm out on the weekends having clipless would be much nicer.

Any distinctive differences between the Shimano M324, the Nashbar Rodeo, and the forte Campus at Performance bike aside from the distinctive increase in price for the Shimano pedals.

I'm looking for a do-it-all pedal as I don't need to ride clipped in for the 3 miles of stop-and-go commuting to work but when I'm out on the weekends having clipless would be much nicer.
So here are my impressions. I have personally used the Rodeo a lot, and the Campus a little. I have not used the Shimano M324s.

* The Nashbar Rodeo pedals come with the bearings overtightened, not so much that you will notice it pedaling, but only if you spin the axle by hand. Presumably there's a robot in China somewhere that needs adjustment. The cleats are interchangeable with SPD cleats! Although this is not advertised, I have confirmed that the interchangeability goes both ways. I got them for only $10, which was a big selling point :)
* The Performance Campus pedals have very smooth bearings, I believe they are sealed rather than cup-and-cone. They are explicitly advertised as useable with SPD cleats. The pedals are very low-profile, thinner than any other platform pedals I know of, which I think looks sleak and cool. They are usually $30-35 online.

I don't think you would go wrong with either of these! They are both very easy to clip in and out of, just like SPDs, they have adjustable tension, and the platform sides are sufficiently grippy.

Any distinctive differences between the Shimano M324, the Nashbar Rodeo, and the forte Campus at Performance bike aside from the distinctive increase in price for the Shimano pedals.

I'm looking for a do-it-all pedal as I don't need to ride clipped in for the 3 miles of stop-and-go commuting to work but when I'm out on the weekends having clipless would be much nicer.

I just bought the Campus for $29.99 in-store. They were actually $39.99 in-store, but they match their own web prices and it was priced on their site at $29.99. I haven't used them yet, but reviews on their site are excellent and they seem very high quality. One reviewer even said they were better than the Shimanos.

I just bought the Campus for $29.99 in-store. They were actually $39.99 in-store, but they match their own web prices and it was priced on their site at $29.99. I haven't used them yet, but reviews on their site are excellent and they seem very high quality. One reviewer even said they were better than the Shimanos.
In my opinion, the Campus pedals are better-looking than the Shimanos because they are thin and sleek. The Campus pedals are also about 50g lighter I believe. I have not used them enough to compare longevity.

I did not know that PB will match their own web prices!!! That is awesome... I may be heading there tonight and you may have saved me a few $ :)

because I work on campus (lots of peds) I use platforms. I do like the looks of the crankbros mallets though

I did not know that PB will match their own web prices!!! That is awesome... I may be heading there tonight and you may have saved me a few $ :)

Make sure you print the web page and bring it in. I've done that several times and never had a problem.

* The Performance Campus pedals have very smooth bearings, I believe they are sealed rather than cup-and-cone. They are explicitly advertised as useable with SPD cleats. The pedals are very low-profile, thinner than any other platform pedals I know of, which I think looks sleak and cool. They are usually $30-35 online.

I don't think you would go wrong with either of these! They are both very easy to clip in and out of, just like SPDs, they have adjustable tension, and the platform sides are sufficiently grippy.

Thanks for the insightful review. I've ordered the campus pedals from Performance bike. They're backordered right now but it'll give me some time to go look for some MTB shoes as well. I don't plan on clipping in anyway for commutes, just for longer leisure riding.

I've been using cheapo Performance SPD-clones. My wife is fond of her Campus pedals, BTW, so good choice, Lurker1999. :)

I like clips and staps...and not because I ride a fixed gear from time to time. When I came into riding MTB alot in the late 80's clipless was just getting into vogue...I hated alot of the early spd pedals...so I just stuck with what works for me...plus I like haveing the ability to run different types of shoes when I ride.

I know clipless has made progress...but I guess I'm gonna stick with what works for me. Clips and straps really aren't so bad once you get used to them.

I have LOOK on my commuter modern road bike and my two vintage steel bikes (can swap out for rat traps they came with). I find LOOK is easier on my feet. They are, however, very slippery and awkward to walk in. My mtb has SPD and my son's road has platform / SPD. SPD mtb shoes are nice for walking in.

I have LOOK on my commuter modern road bike and my two vintage steel bikes (can swap out for rat traps they came with). I find LOOK is easier on my feet. They are, however, very slippery and awkward to walk in. My mtb has SPD and my son's road has platform / SPD. SPD mtb shoes are nice for walking in.
I agree that Look pedals are comfortable... but they are too awkward for commuting or utility use in my mind. One thing you can do to make Look cleats a *lot* easier to walk on is to get Kleat Kovers. They cost about $10 and slip over your cleats, which not only provides a grippy rubber surface, but also prolongs the life of the cleats. I keep them in my pocket whenever I'm riding my road bike.

+1 Eggbeater Mallet C

I have regular shoes at work and don't intentionally stop and walk on my commute. I use SPD-SL on my commute. One time I had a breakdown that caused me to walk half the commute (6 miles) in my bike shoes and I found it easier to walk in the carbon soled bike shoes (I now wear) with SPD-SL cleats than the old plastic soled bike shoes with the SPD cleats that I used to wear. At any rate on my commute I wound not consider using anything other than road shoes with road pedal/cleats. I've tried the off-road shoe and cleat and this is better for my commute.
You can get all the advice in the world but at some point you have to look at the various aspects of your commute and your bike and make your decision based upon that and not someone elses' ride.

I like clips and staps...and not because I ride a fixed gear from time to time. When I came into riding MTB alot in the late 80's clipless was just getting into vogue...I hated alot of the early spd pedals...so I just stuck with what works for me...plus I like haveing the ability to run different types of shoes when I ride.

I know clipless has made progress...but I guess I'm gonna stick with what works for me. Clips and straps really aren't so bad once you get used to them.
Absolutely. But the thing is, you don't know what you're missing. I ran clips and straps until last summer... And I CAN'T BELIEVE how much better I like SPD.

I used platform/SPD combos on my last bike and wound up using the platforms all of 3 times over about 4 years. Clipless is sooo much better. My new bike has 2-sided SPDs and I wear MTB shoes that have a recessed cleat.

I like clips and staps...and not because I ride a fixed gear from time to time. When I came into riding MTB alot in the late 80's clipless was just getting into vogue...I hated alot of the early spd pedals...so I just stuck with what works for me...plus I like haveing the ability to run different types of shoes when I ride.

I know clipless has made progress...but I guess I'm gonna stick with what works for me. Clips and straps really aren't so bad once you get used to them.
If you like different shoes and clips and straps you could still do clipless and do it without getting out a wrench to switch pedals. MKS makes quick release pedals that come in platform or clipless. You could buy a pair of each and just switch them according to your ride. They also make your bike a little less desrible to thieves as you can take your pedals when you lock up your bike.

I used platform/SPD combos on my last bike and wound up using the platforms all of 3 times over about 4 years. Clipless is sooo much better. My new bike has 2-sided SPDs and I wear MTB shoes that have a recessed cleat.
I guess your usage pattern is different from mine! I often want to go run an errand or go out at night without changing shoes. The one-sided clipless mechanism of the platform/SPD combos is only a slight inconvenience to me, while having the platforms is a big convenience.

For commuting around town I have switched to platforms/clips on my fixie and just plain platforms for my single-speed. It's fun to ride around in your street shoes (and so much cooler with sandals in the summer)! Used to run all SPD pedals but got tired of walking around with that funny metallic crunch sound that comes from the cleats.

on my commute bike I use speed play frogs , My knees are grateful.

Just before the frogs I had shimano cheapo spd with snap on plastic platforms on one side (very handy)

The rodeo pedal that many use is a nice combination and very practical.

egg beaters have good following and I almost went that route.

all in all I realy like my frogs. but If I were just in town and riding short distances I would use bmx pedals alone or perhaps with power grip staps (I have hutch Round bear-traps on my MTB) .

"John"

For the Performance Bike campus pedal what type of cleats would be best? Do the pedals come with a set of cleats?

For the Performance Bike campus pedal what type of cleats would be best? Do the pedals come with a set of cleats?
Yes! Brand new clipless pedals always come with cleats. I've never seen them sold without in a store or online, including PB or Nashbar. Unfortunately, they never make this clear for some reason.

I used platform/SPD combos on my last bike and wound up using the platforms all of 3 times over about 4 years. Clipless is sooo much better. My new bike has 2-sided SPDs and I wear MTB shoes that have a recessed cleat.

I like the platform side because I use it whenever I take my kid to the park...Hook up the trailer and go, rather than having to go back in and put on my cycling shoes. I also find the platforms quite handy in winter when it gets very cold (< 5F) so I can wear winter boots. Boots won't even fit into clip/straps (at least not the ones I've tried.

PotAto, PoTAHto I guess.

if u r interested in the eggbeaters also consider the CB quattros - basically an eggbtr with a bigger platform, should work well with more commuter-like shoes. Tho I will say they require some surgery on recessed shoe soles.

Personally I still go plain platforms for commuting in NYC. Pedestrians and cars are just too unpredictable for me to be clipped in. I can use clips/straps okay but they are a hassle to get into at lights and if I keep them loose enough to get out of they don't give enough of a benefit.

I will say I wish I had my clipless on the commuter bike when using the greenbelt path, which I just started doing on occasion.

Hi all,

Is anyone using Shimano A520?
It's single sided SPD, and I'd like to know how comfortable it is to ride with regular shoes on the flattish side.

I'm looking for a clipless pedal, which can be used with normal, or running, shoes.
Using normal shoes on the SPD side isn't comfortable.

Tal.

I use these Shimano M520 SPD MTB pedals on my road bike/commuter - double sided clipless so you down't have to think about flipping them around. Haven't let me down yet.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_images/L156.jpg

Hi all,

Is anyone using Shimano A520?
It's single sided SPD, and I'd like to know how comfortable it is to ride with regular shoes on the flattish side.

I'm looking for a clipless pedal, which can be used with normal, or running, shoes.
Using normal shoes on the SPD side isn't comfortable.

Tal.
I had those, and they are NOT convenient to ride on the other side, which is not at all flat. The much better choice is the combo clipless/platform pedals I've been discussing :)

Yes! Brand new clipless pedals always come with cleats. I've never seen them sold without in a store or online, including PB or Nashbar. Unfortunately, they never make this clear for some reason.

Great. That's good news. I got some Shimano MT-40 shoes so as soon as the pedals become available from PB (currently on backorder) I can give them a try. Hopefully I'll get more riding in before snow comes.

Shimano PD-M959 for Summer:

http://tinyurl.com/khwwq

These are fairly light for an SPD pedal. The spring tension is pretty high compared to the other Shimano SPD pedals I have used.


Shimano PD-M647 for Winter:

http://tinyurl.com/f8k9b

These a really nice. The spring tension is nice and light on the lowest setting making them easy to get in and out of. They are a bit heavy, but not compared to most standard platform pedals. Being able to use them with any footwear is a big plus.


I have a set of the PD-MX30 platforms too. I don't use them much anymore. It's nice to have a set of regular old platforms around, anyway.


Speedplays Frogs are nice enough. They clog up easier than the SPD's though.


Has anyone used those Ritchey Micro pedals? They look kind of interesting. Do they use a std Shimano SPD cleat?

Do the Performance campus pedals (or similar models from Shimano and Nashbar) come with reflectors? I would like to make my bike technically legal for night biking. The law here specifically states that the pedals must have reflectors and I've met at least one person who had to defend herself before a judge because her clipless pedals lacked reflectors. I've tried to put reflective tape on the pedals, but I don't think it would meet code and it wears off after awhile.

Been riding toe clip and straps for years and always liked them. Definitely like a large platform.

But, having graduated to size 13 shoes -- mostly so I can add orthotics inside -- the clips are harder than ever to get into... would like to see someone make an XL toe clip...

Do the Performance campus pedals (or similar models from Shimano and Nashbar) come with reflectors? I would like to make my bike technically legal for night biking. The law here specifically states that the pedals must have reflectors and I've met at least one person who had to defend herself before a judge because her clipless pedals lacked reflectors. I've tried to put reflective tape on the pedals, but I don't think it would meet code and it wears off after awhile.
No, no reflectors on most aftermarket platform-type pedals... including the Campus and Rodeo pedals. You *could* put reflectors on the Nashbar Rodeo pedals, however, simply by removing the screws that hold the cage to the body of the pedal, putting on a reflector, and screwing them back down.

Where are pedals legally required to have reflectors???

Where are pedals legally required to have reflectors???

http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/mass.htm#C85S11B

During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display on each pedal of his bicycle a reflector, or around each of his ankles reflective material visible from the front and rear for a distance of six hundred feet, and reflectors or reflective material, either on said bicycle or on the person of the operator, visible on each side for a distance of six hundred feet, when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps of a motor vehicle. This clause shall not prohibit a bicycle or its operator to be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by clauses (8) and (9).

In Massachusetts according to the law you need to have reflectors on your pedals or wear reflective straps around your ankles. It's probably not enforced all that frequently but it is on the books.

I use time ATAC on all of my bikes, but would not hesitate to use the crank bros in any of there variations.
I think an MTB type clipless pedal is better for commuting duty. I'm from an MTB background though. Those with road beginnings probably like road pedals.