Hello all, new member, first post. I purchased a Trek Verve 1 in early September ('13). I'm 41 and had surgery in April, and wanted to get back in shape after putting on a few extra pounds.

After just over two months, the odometer is up to 834 miles. We're fortunate to have a lengthy rail-trail path (Wheeling WV - Wellsburg WV) here and most of those miles have been logged on that path. Most of my rides are from 25 to 50 miles -- depending on how much time and daylight I have to ride (though, with a headlight, I push the daylight issue more often than not). I rode the tread off the stock rear tire (Bontrager H5 700x35), recently replaced it with a Bontrager Hard Case Race Lite (700x32). It was a minor pain to mount -- A LOT easier than mounting a Hoosier race tire, though (that's the other hobby, dirt-track stockcar).

Besides the local trail, I made a two-day out-and-back trip on a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage -- 60 miles from Ohiopyle PA to Frostburg MD and back the next day. Amazing ride, look forward to riding the entire GAP/C&O trail (Pittsburgh to DC).

Question: Looking to go from stock platform pedals to clipless SPD types. Still want to maintain platform functionality, possibly like the "two sided" platform/clipless pedals. Would appreciate any opinions on what pedals/shoes have worked for others without breaking the bank.

Anyway, thanks for the read, thanks in advance for any advice, glad to be here.