Blizzie

Hi all,

I picked up my first bike a few weeks ago and have been thinking of replacing the stock plastic pedals on them. I've noticed when going up/down hills and peddling at a higher cadence my feet start to slip sometimes. I'm kind of torn between getting platform pedals with more grip or a dual sided SPD/platform pedal. I'm not looking to go for high speeds and usually ride around town and sometimes designated trails.

The one I'm considering is the Shimano M324 dual platform pedal. My main concern is how much grip the platform side has since I'll probably be using this only until the future. The SPD side is for later down the line when I want to try out the clipless system. Would you ever buy these pedals or recommend them for mostly platform use?

The other pedal I was looking at is the Shimano MX80 Saint platform pedals (is this for mountain bikes?). It has good reviews with many people claiming it has very good grip. The downside is that I'll have to get a set of SPDs later down the line.

So for my main question, is the platform side on the M324 sufficient for every day use in terms of grip? Or should I just not bother with SPD and go for a solid platform pedal? I'm also open for other suggestions and recommendations.

Pendergast

I've been happy with the Deity Compound platforms I have on my mountain bike. They're plastic with metal pins. Grippy, light weight, and not too expensive. Pretty durable so far. They(or pedals very similar) are sold under various brands.

Deity Compound https://www.jensonusa.com/!XmMNbEPYwG...ompound-Pedals
Nukeproof Electron
HT PA12A
Forte Transfer (these may be the cheapest) Forté Transfer Platform Pedals - Mountain Bike Pedals

elephino

I use the M324s on my road bike. They are sufficiently grippy with sport sandals and trail running shoes, which is what I generally ride in. A very nice upgrade from the stock resin pedals on my hybrid. Feet slipping has never been an issue.

I have not tested them out with slick-soled shoes so I cannot judge for that.

Some of Shimano's other dual-sided pedals are known to be slippery, but the M324s are made to grip.

linnefaulk

Before you invest in clip less, try some BMX pedals with pins. I love how they hold my shoes on the pedal but allow for movement. And I get to wear my comfy Keen sandals.

intransit1217

But beware. If those bmx with pins happen to spin backwards, your shin will look like a baby great white has been gnawing on it. And it hurts.

Little Darwin

I ran the stock plastic pedals on my 2003 Giant Sedona for 10 years of off and on riding (about 4,000 miles) at weights of between 300 and 365 pounds, and they never so much as creaked... I finally replaced them when they got too slick to ride safely.

I rode clipless for a while, and hope to get back to that next season, but I have had a hard time finding platform pedals that work as well as the cheap pedals that lasted me 10 years, I have tried 3 pair, and some that worked well either clicked after a couple of hundred miles or didn't grip my feet as well as I like... I just bought a pair of Diamondback Alloy pedals with pins that I will be trying out after work, and they look promising. We'll see how they do for the rest of this season, and into the next.

Doohickie

Platform pedals with studs like this



Or this combo (which is what I use)

+

Wanderer

I love my 324s.... Gonna get another set for my Sirrus.

Blizzie

Thanks for the replies everyone.

After much thought I think I'm going to go ahead and order the 324s. I like the versatility it offers since I ride in town and on trails. I don't want to be clipping in and out due to traffic lights. As a plus, I can use the platform side until I pick up shoes for the SPD side and many reviews have said they are pretty grippy.

I'll report back once I get them on.