Mountain Biking - Africa & Clipless Pedals

So I am a Peace Corps volunteer serving in subsaharan West Africa and my Trek 3700 is my only means of transportation. All stock parts, platform pedals. As part of my job I do a lot of biking (upwards of 2-300 km a week) and it is starting to take its toll on my knees and ankles. Terrain is hard on man and bike alike. My doctor says that clipless pedals might be the solution as it will keep my foot locked in one place as opposed to sliding all over the platform.

So, my question is can you recommend me a durable set of clipless pedals that also have a platform for when i just need to run up the street to go to the market. Durability is key here, I don't really care about weight, ease of clip in etc. Also, seeing as I get paid in West African francs cost is another issue.

Also, if you have any recommendations on compatible sandals I'm all ears.

Wellgo Campus. (http://www.bikewagon.com/wellgo-wpd-m17c-clipless-flat-platform-spd-pedals.html) >10,000 miles and no problems for me.

The Shimano version: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

CRC posts to a lot of African countries too.

Can I add that, along with clipless pedals, look at your bike fit? Since you're not worried about ease of clipping in, I'm assuming you're not doing really technical riding, so you're probably spending a good amount of time seated, amirite? Something as simple as raising/lowering the saddle height or changing the fore/aft position of the saddle can make a big difference. And if you do go clipless, make sure you set up the cleats in the right position, especially since you're already having problems. Ideally, you could have someone help you with the fit, but seeing as you're in Africa that might be impossible (plus bike fits are expensive!). You can probably find information online that will help you get the fit dialed in fairly well, and from there you can make tweaks as you put some miles on the bike.

Wellgo Campus.

The Shimano versionUgh and ugh. Commuter crap.

Crank Brothers Mallets (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=68950)

Shimano M445 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=771)

Time Z (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4739)


Oh and Shimano SPD sandals:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=46688

Interesting, the guy i work with used to ride clipless, and his doctor said he had to go to flats, and when he did, the pain in his knees and hips went away. Perhaps you just need the right set of platform pedals?

Does your bike fit? if your saddle is too low or high and your bike doesn't fit your knees and ankles will hurt as well.

If you need clipless, i woudl go with SPDs. they are durable and you can get many shoes that are SPD compatible.