Gearhead65

I'm looking for some double sided clipless SPD type pedals for my wife.

She's getting into cycling and currently has a generic toe strap setup on a Trek 1.2. She is ready to take the step to clipless, but really would like double sided entry.

Although they're considered MTB pedals, I was looking at some of the Crank Bros Candy 2, or similar. (Am I missing something...would there be any problems using these on a road bike?)

Any other suggestions for double sided entry pedals for use with SPD cleats?

Thanks,

Hunt-man

Some MTB shoes and SPD's and she'll be happy. Either eggbeaters or SPD's. She'll be able to walk in MTB shoes and easy to clip in as well. Just fine for the road bike too, unless she is racing.

Bianchigirll 

I use a lower end MTB shoe and (Bianchis Celeste colored) Wellgo double pedals. they may look a bit clunky on my nouvo classics but, there is enough pedal to just put my foot on and start moving then worry about clipping in. much betterthan the looks I used to use.

johnny99

SPD = Shimano, which gives you good value for the performance. Even their cheapest models are fine.
Crank Brothers is also good, though I would avoid their cheapest models with low quality bearings.
Crank Brothers is not compatible with SPD cleats.

DataJunkie

Just pick up a mid range shimano spd pedal like a m520. I have been very pleased with shimano's pedals.
My eggbeaters would routinely self destruct after 3-6 months

johnny99

Also, small-cleat MTB pedals work best with MTB shoes. Road shoes may not give you as stable a pedaling platform and also can cause the cleats to wear out prematurely.

njkayaker

Speedplay has double sided pedals (and I think they are considered road pedals).

No, lots of people use MTB pedals on road bikes.

The Shimano M520 and M540 work for me. (Note that SPD is Shimano's system. Crank Brother's use an different system).

hairnet

There's also Time ATAC. My friend uses them and prefer them over SPD pedals

AEO

ATAC Alium are pretty good. $50 for a pair.

there's also Bebop, which are $90 for a pair.
Bebops are similar in design to speedplay, where the retention is in the cleat and gives a nice amount of float.

It's possible to pull out of Bebops and SPD if the parts are worn out or if your wife can produce something like +800w in a sprint.
Crank Brother pedals have recently had a spate of shoddy manufacturing, so stay away from buying new pairs of those. If you can get some of the older stock, before 2008, then they are pretty good.

It's really hard to go wrong with shimano SPD or time ATAC, really.

sabazel

If she is at all nervous about making the switch, I would go with speedplays. They are by far the easiest system to clip in/out of and get used to. They also have the most float, so you don't feel locked in. And better for your knees.

Go with the light actions. Neither of you will be disappointed. The extra money will be more than made up for in security and enjoyment on the bike.

fastev

My wife has been using Crank Bros for months now and loves them. I think they're the Smarty's, but I;m not entirely sure which model. In any case, they've been super reliable and she likes them much more than anything else she's tried.

shouldberiding

I like my Time Roc Atac Carbons.

NiMO189

The only potential problem I could foresee is that she would be more likely to have hot-spots with the smaller contact patch of mountain pedals if she has to do a lot of climbing or hard effort. Then again it may never come up. Lots of people use mountain-style cleats on road bikes.

crimsonblood

I'm have to add another for the Time ATAC pedals. They are dual entry, and have the same small 2 bolt pattern as the SPD cleats. I just switched from having them on my road bike a few rides ago as there was more float than I wanted and the pedal surface was a little small for my liking while on the road. I would bet she would like them however as they are a breeze to get in and out of. They were also my first clipless pedal.

johnny99

Minimize the hot spot issue with good quality MTB shoes.

giantdefy

I always recommend crankbrothers for beginners, easiest to get in and out of, way easier than SPD. no need to look when engaging. The key for beginners is to always disengage one foot before coming to a full stop. Avoid the smarty pedals, had 2 sets that lasted less than 2 months. Performance bike shop or nashbar has the eggbeaters on sale every once in a while for $35.

icyclist 

"she would be more likely to have hot-spots with the smaller contact patch of mountain pedals if she has to do a lot of climbing or hard effort."

Which is why mountain bikers who ride hard are riding road shoes? ;-) I've never heard of, or read about mt. bikers complaining about the size of the contact patch on their mountain pedals.