Originally Posted by
moochems
I used to ride very similar pedals. If I ever buy clipless again they will be clipless on both sides. By being platform on one side, and cleated on the other, the pedals end up being insufficient as either style of pedal. Frankly, they suck as clipless and suck as platforms.
Platform pedals are extremely comfortable for my ~18 mile round trip commute. Also, on colder days I can wear warmer shoes with no consequence.
If you go clipless, get something dual sided and ride only clipless. N+1 so you have a setup with platforms and clipless if you want both options. If n=1 I would stick with platforms, or if you prefer cliplesss. The compromise of platform/clipless pedals are worse at both.
My experience is the exact opposite. I like my Shimano hybrid pedals; they allow me to ride either clipless or non, and I find them easy and convenient to use. Where you call it the worst of both worlds, I call it the best.
As far as the OP goes, I went clipless this spring after using platform pedals most of my adult life. My attitude was that clipless pedals were only for racing and I didn't need them; but now I like riding clipless so much that I'll never go back. Weather it's a trip to the store or a ride to the next town, I wear SPD shoes on the bike.