Mountain Biking - Platform pedals

I'm thinking about getting some platform pedals for my race bike so that I can use it more casually during the off-season or as a commuter. I've got a second bike (98 GT outpost) that is nearly done for. Sometimes the chain will suddenly skip a gear, probably because the chain and rear sprocket is warn. (stock chain and sprocket). I'm thinking about selling the GT since I hardly think it's worth any fixing. So that I can do that I need the platform pedals to put on my Mt. Fuji so I can use it to commute.

What platforms can you recommend? I'm used to plastic on the GT, so a small step up from that would be just fine. Durability matters, but not so much weight.

Thanks,
Nathan

well the azonic Aframe platforms are quite nice, rip your shins to shreads if you are not careful but they grip ever so well. 80bucks a pair i think. I like platforms as opposed to clipless because it isnt really practical to bring the cleats around and wear the shoe to school and all, i dont think cllipness if practical unless all you do is ride and go home with your bike.

I have Primo Tenderizers and I love them

I have Primo Tenderizers and I love them
I had a set on my trail bike for about two rides. I hated those things. They got sand in the bearings the first ride, the pins never grabbed for me, and they just sucked in general. I'm considering tearing them apart to see if it's worthwhile to overhaul them.

Now I use Odyssey South Gates and I've never been happier. No fuss no muss. Pins that grip, bearings that run smooth, it's a good thing.
http://img120.exs.cx/img120/5408/odysseysouthgate.jpg

I also have a pair of DK Iron Crosses laying around those served me well until I went to clipless on that bike. Those were some soild pedals.
http://img8.exs.cx/img8/4465/dk-iron-cross-pedals.jpg

Those iron crosses look pretty cool, actually... If I had any desire to use platform pedals, I'd look into a pair. I ride clipless just fine around town and my shoes aren't uncomfortable and I don't have any trouble walking/running in them. Then again, I bought the shoes I have specifically on the merit that they don't look like mountain biking shoes and would be comfortable to wear almost everyday.

You probably don't need $80 platform pedals if you're just commuting. They would definitely be nice, but probably just a little bit overkill. Something like a basic Wellgo platform pedal might be just fine: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=PE707A01

I have a set of these (I think it's the same model, or at least very similar) on my hardtail and they've held up great for many years. The grip is pretty good (the pins haven't worn much at all), and they have the regular cup-and-cone bearings that can be easily serviced.

I've also heard good things about the Kona pedals if you want the next step up (mainly replaceable traction pins). http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=1338

You probably don't need $80 platform pedals if you're just commuting. They would definitely be nice, but probably just a little bit overkill. Something like a basic Wellgo platform pedal might be just fine: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=PE707A01

I have a set of these (I think it's the same model, or at least very similar) on my hardtail and they've held up great for many years. The grip is pretty good (the pins haven't worn much at all), and they have the regular cup-and-cone bearings that can be easily serviced.

I've also heard good things about the Kona pedals if you want the next step up (mainly replaceable traction pins). http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=1338
Neither pedal in my post was the sealed version. They only run about $40 a set, but you have to do a small amount of maintenance. (ie grease them once a season)

Ah, ok. Those do indeed look like nice pedals. I'm just saying that for a commuting bike you might do just fine with cheaper platforms. (IE a small step up from the plastic pedals on his GT) I've heard that some of the more agressive pedal designs have a tendency to shred your shoe soles anyway...which may not be a good thing when commuting. I wouldn't expect that from any of the pedals in this thread, but something like the Shinburger pedals just might.

The standard platform pedal for commuting seems to be MKS. I have used the Sylvian Touring model, they last a long time and are pretty good value. The bearings are adaquately sealed, and easy to maintain.
You can fit toe clips for improved efficiency with everyday footwear.