I want a pedal that has clips (spd compatible preferred but not required) and a platform with grip for winter boots. I've seen Crank-Bros has an eggbeater with a cage around it, and shimano has some with cages around them. Are these types of pedals my best bet? I want the clips for when its dry, and the platform for when its snowing. I have been okay getting unclipped so far, but its been scary enough that I want to go unclipped for the nasty days.

Use will be on a hybrid for commuting on plowed and sometimes unplowed roads, with no offroad use. Forgot to mention, want the price <$100

The Shimano pedals that have "some cages around the clips" are made to increase foot support, not to allow the use as platforms. IOW, if you try to use them as platforms, the clip will stick out.

IF you want something like what you suggest, you need pedals like the 324 (hope I get the number right) that have clips on one side, platform on the other.

One problem with such a setup is if you plan to use the clips in Winter. I suspect that the platform might prevent the snow from falling off the clip side.

Nashbar and Performance have knock off versions of the Shimano trap on 1 side/spd on the other pedals. I have the Performance version and they work just fine. I use them as you would, when it's icy and I'm concerned about going down clipped in. Also useful in traffic or just going to the store and not having to put on your spd shoes. Just make sure you have shoes with recessed cleats or you'll just slide around on the trap side. Or just wear boots on the bad days.

I know that nashbar has like the Rodeo, spd w/ a cage around it, but if you look at mtbr, all the reviews say because of the cage, you can't clip in right. Everyone has been having to cut down that cage.

Just letting you know :)

I use the Eggbeaters in the winter. Not only do they shred mud and stuff of that nature but they are also very good at getting rid of snow build-up etc in the connection point under the shoe.

I like them much better then the SPD pedals that I used to use. I use my pedals year around and all the time regardless of weather conditions.

~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com

My hybrid came with some sort of no name pedals that have a platform on one side and SPD clipless thingies on the other side.
Because I commute at night, and sometimes had trouble finding the clipless side in the dark, I got double-sided shimano clipless pedals, and not expensive ones, either.
In good weather I use the double-sided shimano's so I can easily clip in without looking or even thinking about it.
In the really rutted scary stuff, though, I put on the platform/clipless pedals, so if I start to fall, I don't have to worry about clipping out in time to catch myself.
So, I go back and forth between pedals depending on conditions.

Shimano PDM324. SPD on one side, cage on the other. $75 at Nashbar, maybe cheaper elsewhere. I use these on my commuter and have never had any problem with them. You do have to get the correct side up for the shoe-of-the-day.

Crank brothers Sl. Best buy you can get, got mine 70 bucks on ebay shipped. SPD compatible cleat, sheds mud, bomb proof, light.

I've used Crank Brothers Mallets since June; they have a nice big platform if you don't want to clip in. They've seen everything a Winnipeg winter can throw at them and have never complained. Under $100 too. I highly recommend them, they're bullet-proof.

Vision,
Where did you get your pedals? I'm pretty sure I'll be buying a set of Crank Brothers pedals from my LBS (got a couple of gift certificates that will cover 3/4 of the cost). Their price seems high ($132 for the egbeaters). I'd like some ammo to get them to lower their price.

Time ATAC. Cheap, almost indestructible, the cleat recesses in a MTB-style shoe, and they don't clog with snow or mud.

I bought my pedals at Olympia Cycle and Ski in Winnipeg (Portage Ave. outlet). I paid $115.00 (I said less than 100 in my previous post because DogBoy is in the States). I think the mallets are cheaper than the regular eggbeaters though.

Winnipeg has a limited number of LBS's because of its size and climate, so you don't really find any staggering deals here (I imagine the situation is similar in Saskatoon and Regina). The only place I find that has really good prices in Winnipeg is MEC. Unfortunately, they're more of a clothing store and have a limited selection of parts.

Since it's off-season I would definitely try and haggle though (before they know that you have gift certificates :D ).

You can usually get EggBeaters and thier brethren the Candys and Mallets on EBay for substatially less than any online retailer.

$50-60 plus $7-8 for shipping. PerformanceBike had the yellow Candys down to ~$54 recently.

The Mallets are real nice for winter riding although you can expect some difficulty clipping in if your wearing shoes with extremely deep lugs.

or ice.

eggbeaters are a nice idea but can get slippery with ice to the point you have to kick hell out of them to get in and don't seem to hold as tight as Times. Maybe that is good if their your first pair of clipless or if your coming from SPD and are accustomed to shoes that don't hold tight. eggbeater cleats i had wore out in under 5 months too. I like cleats that last 6 months or more.

I say crank brothers, i have the Candy's but they are probably not big enough of a platform for what you are looking for. Get the mallets. try to avoid the C because salt on the roads will eat it alive.

Keep your cleats and pedals clean and they'll last quite a bit longer

Sine the bike is a commuter, how about going with cages minus the strap? That would provide the in/out ease you want wearing boots in bad conditions, yet some stability in holding your shoe in dry weather too.

I second Time ATACs.

No maintenance required, I never had problems with snow or other clogging problems.

Works well with boots, sneakers whatever else when not wearing cleated shoes.

They have lasted forever too.

I have a pair of el-cheapo Wellgo pedals, with platform on one side and SPD on the other. I don't know how well SPD would work, as there are a number of reasons why I don't use them in the winter: the cleat is a heat sink, I want to be able to use my regular (warm) winter boots when riding and I don't want to be attached to the bike in slippery conditions. Also, I am a bit concerned of blocking the cleat when walking around in snowy conditions. All things considered I rather use the platform side of the pedal.

--J