Fifty Plus (50+) - Pedal Recommendations?

I've recently picked up my first pair of bike shoes complete with spd SM-SH51 cleats.

Now I need to get some pedals for my Trek FX 7.5 hybrid / flat bar road bike.

I'm thinking of getting some dual purpose pedals with clips on one side and flat platforms (for regular shoes) on the other.

Can anyone recommend a model of pedal for me to consider? I'm currently looking at the Shimano A530 or M324. Which would be a better choice?

Thanks!

I ride clipless all the time and use the A520 pedals- One sided and clipless only but I also have a pair of the A530's. Got talked into them and they are not my favourite but that is due to me only riding clipless. If you are going to ride with ordinary shoes at times then they will be ideal. However once you get into clipless- you will always ride clipless.

But If I am loaning a bike to another- then I put the 530's on and others like them with ordinary shoes. They grip well on shoes or trainers and don't give any problems with foot ache. Nice long wide platform and it even works with MUD.

A520s. They're cheap and they work. I have two pairs, both off of EBay for $40, free shipping. Can't beat it with a stick.

I really like the A530s on my Surly LHT. I rarely use the platform side, but it's there if I need it.

I have the M520's on both bikes. I really like the idea of being able to clip in on either side and not have to worry if the pedal is in the right position to clip in. If I need to ride with regular shoes, I use my Decksters that just snap in on one side and give you a better platform then the A530's.

230169 230170 230171

Platforms for any clipless pedals are easy to make and you can use any type of material, including plywood. All you need is an extra set of cleats.

John_V,
I like the idea of the Deckster for use with the clipless pedals. Could you or someone direct me to more information on them? I'd like to know if they will work on an SPD pedal.

Bill

Pedal Recommendations? You need them.

I use speedplay now. They are flat and can be used for short rides with regular shoes but not recommended. I have tried others but for a stomp and go clip in pedal they are hard to beat. There customer service is great too.

The A520s are dependable, as are the A530s. The 530s make riding in non-cycling shoes a bit easier.

Check out the Shimano 324. We just put them on our touring bikes and around town bikes.

http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=709&category=389

I have a 7.5 also. The model year I got my they have one sided pedals. They where soon replace with dual sided clipless pedals. My wife had a pair of one sided pedals for her first pair of clipless pedals. They didn't last long either. Riding with clipless will become second nature, and won't feel right if your not clipped in.
Just go ahead and get dual sided oedals, you won't regret it.

I have decided after many years of SPDs, BeeBops, Frogs, PowerGrips and clips and straps that I don't need or want to be attached to my pedals. I'm not a racer, and I don't want to have to wear strange shoes to ride my bicycle.

I ride a retrogrouch bike, I have MKS retrogrouch pedals on it, and I am satisfied with that setup.

It's really pretty liberating.

If you are going to ride with ordinary shoes at times then they will be ideal. However once you get into clipless- you will always ride clipless.

My beater bike, the one that I use to run errands on, has clipless/platform pedals. I don't know the model number but they're so old it might involve roman numerals. I love them on that bike and use the platform side a lot. Aside from that, I'm all clipless.

I have a pair of Forte MTX pedals (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1104539_-1_1589016_1586500_400264) from Performance. SPD on one side and a wide solid platform on the other. The platform side has some pins to help keep a sneakered foot in place. They are frequently on sale. Don't know how they compare to the Shimanos, but I'm happy with them.