kshapero

Used to use them, don't have them on my Spec. Thinking of getting Shimano Dual-Sided Pedals for commuting and just pushing speed. Any comments?

bcarter6

I had the two-sided platform/spd pedals, came stock on my bike. I tried to use them, but after a while I gave up. The problem that I had was that the spd side was heavier than the flat side and it would hang down, I'd have to spin the pedal 180 degrees to be able to clip in, all while still pedaling. It was just too much hassle.

I didn't give up on clipless pedals though. I bought some Crankbrothers Egg Beaters and use those now. I can clip in from just about any angle and I love them. They make some that have a platform around them too so you can get the best of both worlds, although I haven't used those.

BarracksSi

I've used Eggbeaters, Mallets, and Quattros. I also got a pair of MKS Sylvan Touring pedals for my latest around-town bike. I've ditched the toeclips that I had in the past.

The Mallets do very well as clipless pedals, even in the city. They're stable if I'm not quite clipped in yet, which helps when taking off at green lights. They have some float, which is good for my joints. And, they're double-sided, so they'll engage without having to flip them right-way-up. Because of that body, though, hey're a little harder to get out of than Eggbeaters or Quattros -- but only marginally so.

As plain platforms, they're pretty good. The big platform body is easy to mash like a BMX pedal (which makes sense, since it's marketed as a downhill MTB pedal). The clip mechanism does poke into the sole of my shoe a bit, but I haven't ridden long enough in plain shoes to see if it starts to hurt.

InfiniteRegress

I use Shimano dual-sided SPD clipless pedals and love them. I've tried others, but these are the best for me. Because I do a lot of city riding (stopping at lights and releasing quickly for any number of reasons), these have been the easiest to use. I also wear MTB shoes (recessed) instead of road shoes. The MTB shoes have better traction on the bottom, usually in the form of a rubber sole, that allows me to grab the pedal and start moving even if I'm not clipped in. This is especially important if you have to get moving quickly.

CACycling

SPDs and mountain shoes here as well.

bmclaughlin807

That's the biggest BONUS to these types of pedals... Ask the people I've ridden with... We come to a stop, the light turns green and I'm off like a shot... clearing the intersection and getting WELL past while they're still working on trying to get clipped in... then when I'm up to speed, in control, and past the intersection I'll flip the pedal and clip in.

I also don't ever have to worry about which shoes I'm wearing... if I want the clipless shoes I can change... otherwise I just hop on the bike and go.

SirGrant

I used to use clips but have since switched. I hate having to have a set of shoes at work to change into. Plus depending on how long your commute is they really aren't worth it. Yes more of your energy gets used when you use clips but for me on a 4 mile commute it isn't really that much of an issue. Hell to be totally honest I don't really want to get to work all that much faster, it's the ride that I enjoy.

I ended up getting a set of toe straps. That way you can wear your normal shoes (although I'm not a high class businessman so I can wear my special vegan shoes to work and be ok, sorry for you fancy pants who have to wear your scuffable uncomfortable leather shoes to work). With toe straps not only can you use your normal shoes but you get an upstroke but they are much cheaper too. No need to buy really expensive pedals and shoes

InfiniteRegress

I have a couple of pairs of cycling shoes that look like regular shoes. Granted, you might not be able to wear them with a suit, but they are fashionable enough that they can pass for regular shoes. Although I have to say that keeping a spare set of shoes at the office really isn't a hassle. I have a whole collection of shoes at work actually. But I would do that even if I didn't bike commute, because women's shoes are generally not fit for any activity more strenuous than walking to the coffee room and back.

SirGrant

Mmmm yeah if you have shoes like this I definitly would wear them. For me though I only have the road cycling shoes with the shimano cletes so when I walk around you hear the 'clip clop clip clop' and I sound like a woman walking around in high heels. Don't need that.

huhenio

I wear my MTB shoes all day and both my commuter and my road bike are equipped with mtb clipless pedals.

DataJunkie

I have two different sets of clipless shoes and three different pedals. I love clipless. Why would I ride the distances that I do in regular shoes? My shoes would be trashed in no time. Plus I have a splayed foot that likes to slide off platform pedals. Not to mention that I end up pushing with one part of my feet and they get sore as all heck.

I have:
Look keo sprints on my roadie.
XTR spd pedals on my regular FG commuter.
Shimano platform \ clipless pedals on my mountain bike.

All work well.

Mendel

Go for it!

rugerben

I've thought of it, but I don't want clipless on my commuter. On my road bike, yes. I run SPD's on my road bike, but for my commuter, I am just in too much traffic, and too many things can happen to quickly. I don't want to be stuck to the bike.
I know that with practice, you can unclip almost as quickly as you can just step off a platform pedal. But it's that almost that gives me pause. I want to be off the bike without any delay should it be necessary.
My road bike, where that is not as much of a concern, i just ride with my SPD's and love them dearly.

d2create

If you want to add seconds to your commute, go for it.

DataJunkie

Or drastically increase your comfort level....

Ever feel like you are stuck in an infinite logic loop? Same people. Same tired arguments.

How about everyone give them a try. If you like them (it is more likely than not that you will) then keep them. Otherwise, ebay is your friend.

CliftonGK1

I use SPDs on my commuter/distance rig, and I've got a pair on the way for my new ss/fg rig. I've also got some dual-sided SPD/Platform pedals on the way for my utility beater so I can use either my MTB shoes or just any old shoe.

d2create

I have them, but don't find them more comfortable. Actually my platforms are more comforable because i can change foot position and wear any shoe i want. Powergrips are a nice alternative with most of the good benefits of each.

And this is just one of MANY endless/no right answer arguments here on BF.

So tell me more about the girl in your avatar...

DataJunkie

I think in my case the comfort level is magnified due to my splayed right foot. When setup correctly it keeps my foot on the pedal and from going numb.

Anyhow, my avatar is a german electronica singer for a band name I can't post here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK1JLmlHUpI