I use DZR shoes (GMT-8) with shimano double-sided mountain pedals (M 520L). I commute six miles to school with them on a Kona Paddywagon at 70 gear inches.




I went from platforms and street shoes to this, and the difference was huge. Clipping in and out is super easy. I had never used clipless prior to this and I had it down after one ride. I never have to look down to clip in with the double sided pedals. Definitely go for double sided over the ones with platforms on one side. It's easier to just clip right in than to use the platform side and then have to flip the pedal to clip in.

The shoes are stiff enough to make a big improvement in feel. Even when I wear them on bikes with platform pedals they feel better than street shoes. They are still comfortable enough to walk in all day long, though I wouldn't wear them to go jogging or anything. The cleats are recessed enough that I never have any problems with scratching floors or clicking on tile. They do, however, grind slightly on concrete. It's not that big of a deal for me though.

I have always stayed clipped in when I mean to, and can skid if I feel like (though I almost never do).

I would highly recommend this combination, but there is one criticism to make. These cleats and pedals have a pretty small amount of float, so expect to spend some time getting the cleats into the perfect spot. As I had never adjusted clipless cleats before getting these pedals, my knees were very unhappy for a few weeks while I got everything dialed in.