Agreed. The 324 pedals are an ok option if you really want that "sneaker one day, bike shoe the next" flexibility, but like Elisdad mentioned the side you want seems to never be the side facing up which makes them cumbersome to learn on. They aren't counterweighted, and if they were, the spindle doesn't spin freely enough to guarantee they'd flip the correct side each and every time.

PLUS they're based on the 505/515 binding mechanism, which is sticky and uninspired -- not a great pedal to learn on. Once you got the clipless thing down -- well, then they're tolerable. But I still curse at my 324s every ride.

I'd say, if you really want to put up with it, they'll work. If you want to learn clipless, go whole hog and stick with your C-Dale units or a decent entry-level pedal such as the Shimano 520. If you want an inexpensive yet sticky platform option for off-road use check out the Weyless options that Supergo sells -- your feet will stick like glue if you don't mind the occasional shin or Achilles tendon tattoo.