BarracksSi

Just to add on --

I started with Crank Brothers, and eventually had them on all of my bikes. I even got flat-soled road shoes and used CB's three-hole cleat, which worked on most of the pedals I had. Also, my first pair of clipless shoes were entry-priced sneaker-like MTB shoes, which did feel flexy and gave me hot spots after half an hour (at least while I was using small pedals like Quattros or Eggbeaters; not a problem on Mallets, though). I also got some stiff MTB shoes that felt just like the road shoes.

Last summer, I built up a road bike, and decided to try dedicated road pedals on it (Time RXS in my case). They're good, they work very well -- but once clipped in, they're fundamentally just as functional as the CB pedals were. Plus, in the same stiff road shoes, they don't feel any more or less stable or prone to hot spots.

FWIW.

mustachiod

time for a noob question::: what's the difference between M520 for $55 at REI and the PD-M520L for $33 at Amazon?

fatslowbiker

Actually, good question. Not really sure. Honestly, I just googled for the cheapest SPD pedals because I knew that I purchased the cheapest ones I could find. I bought them at an LBS so they were probably a bit more than you can find online.

fatslowbiker

I had some hotspots until I got a pair of stiffer shoes. The hotspots went away completely--only that meant that I didn't have a dire need to get new pedals! I've only had the looks for a few days, so I'm sure that clipping in will become easier, but the double sided entry was nice.

milkbaby

+1... The SPD-SL type pedals have a big and sturdy enough platform that you could pedal on them in regular shoes if need be. Otherwise, you could get a dual-purpose SPD/Platform pedal, where one side uses SPD cleats and the other side is a flat platform -- I have these on my commuter.

baj32161

Greetings,

I have been riding on SPD (MTB) pedals since I went clipless 5 years ago and I have never had any ofr the negative issues of which are spoken here. I am a diabetic with some foot issues and I have never experienced hot foot or any undue soreness.....not even when I first started. I have not been tempted to make the switch over to road pedals. I think the important thing is that you select a good pair of shoes with a good stiff sole. There are plenty out there and some are quite reasonable. I would also suggest that you avoid the cheaper knockoff pedals (especially if you are a bigger ...6'1", 210lb....rider like me) and go with some good Shimano or Crank Brothers pedals. All clipless pedals as far as I know have adjustable tension so engaging and disengaging should not be an issue. Just remember to practice clicking in and out before riding out in traffic.....and have fun.

Cheers,

Brian J.

bartholomew mic

I started on MTB pedals used them for about 6 months,until a friend let me use his shimano 105 pedals.I then bought a proper pair of road shoes and the new at the time look keo max pedal. Honestly the road pedals are much better.Wider lighter I feel I can get a lot more power down,but its when you climb up a steep hill that I feel the real difference.

There is no way I would now use MTB pedals,well if I took up mountain biking I suppose I would.

cooleric1234

Did you have very stiff soled MTB shoes?

BarracksSi

Yup. It's all about the shoes. Whenever someone asks me about clipless pedals, I ask what shoes they want to wear.

There are more choices of shoes that can work with MTB pedals and their 2-hole cleats. But, for outright stiffness, there's not much difference at all between these:

Carbon Unit

I have used Shimano SPD-SL, SPDs, Look and Speedplay. I started with SPD-SL and had a hard time getting in and out of them. I switched to Speedplay Light Action pedals and love them. Getting in and out of the LA pedals couldn't be easier, just step down and you will hear a click and your in.

I have used SPDs and Look Classic cleats in my spin classes. The SPDs were harder to clip in for me than Look but easier to get of. I have only done two classes with the Look pedals and I like them for the spin classes. They are easy to get in but it takes a lot of effort to get out. Maybe they will get better as they break in.

Al1943

Speedplay X series.

kenji666

Look Keo Classic

wants185s

+1 with the MTB sole and crank brothers egg beaters. Easy in easy out and if you miss you can still pedal unclipped. Plus light and cheap. Fantastic!

DGozinya

REI is usually not the best for price...but you can walk back and hand them the pedals no questions asked if you're not happy. And don't forget that if they aren't on sale, you'll get 10% back if you're a member.

ciocc_cat

There's always good ol' toe clips and straps(if you're not already using them). They work with almost any shoe - just keep the straps loose when riding in the Quarter. Who dat? We dat!

dawnron1

+2

I have these same pedals on a Kona full suspension mountain bike and my new Specialized Roubaix. They aren't particularly light, but I weigh 260lbs and I don't race so I could really care less about the extra grams of weight . If you'rej ust wanting a quick ride around the block you can ride in tennis shoes with the platform side, plus they are practically bulletproof and easy to adjust. Both pairs were set from the factory in the middle tension setting with is perfect for me and they've never needed adjusting.

I for one prefer MTB shoes as I do a fair amount of walking while loading/unloading our bikes, etc. I just bought a pair of new Specialized MTB shoes and love 'em.