when i bought my cross bike, i actually started out with the Stomp pedals (the ones i got were smaller than traditional platform pedals). thought i'd give it a try for a week. NOT a good idea. yeah, they have spikes and normally aren't any better than regular pedals. BUT when it's wet / raining, i found them very slippery. i lost my balance a few times, especially when i had to stop at a traffic light and then immediately start going uphill. i barely lasted 2 days with these monsters and went to get clipless.