Originally Posted by
chucky
So I made the switch to cleated pedals some time ago, but have never been completely happy. I like them in some situations (such as when I'm tired and doing a lot of coasting), but I prefer platforms in other situations (such as when I'm doing lots of accelerating and decelerating in heavy traffic). So I got single sided pedals that are platform on one side, but the problem is I always end up hitting the cleated side and I automatically end up clipped in and since I'm scrambling to hit the pedals and mashing in heavy traffic that's when the problem is worst (guaranteed I end up clipped in).
If you don't want to clip, don't wear a shoe with a cleat.
I often hit the clip side of my pedals, but it's only slightly uncomfortable for a few rotations, and then I'll flip it as soon as I get going. But if I'm wearing bike shoes, that means I want the clips.
Alternatively, at least with my pedals, with a bit of thought I can hit the flat side just by making sure I make contact at the front of the pedal. When the bike is at rest, the heavier clip side flips downwards, so as soon as I start, when my stabilising foot makes contact with the pedal, it's near the top of the rotation, and is about half flipped. My natural approach to the pedal (from years of toe-clips) is from the rear and hits the clip side, but if I plan and approach from the front, I get platform.