Discussion in another thread has lead to this question. I didn't want to hijack the other thread.

I have been riding with a Shimano SPD MTB pedal with a platform on one side and cleat on the other. I am going to change to a different pedal because I often struggle to get clipped in when the pedal is flipped with the cleat down and the platform up.

My shoes can support either the SPD MTB or the SPD Road cleat. Why would you choose one over the other? With my shoes, walkability is not a factor because even with the MTB cleat I have to do that funny heel down walk. I don't have MTB shoes so the cleat is not recessed.

I have read that road pedals provide a wider surface for pedaling and this makes them better for on road riding. I never ride anywhere other than the road or asphalt bike trails. My current pedals provide a wide surface because they have the wide cage to support the flat surface on one side. I know there are MTB pedals with this ability even when they have the cleats on both sides. I also know that Road pedals are one sided, but my grandson says his road pedals are always right side up.

Since I am buying new pedals and the pedals will come with cleats and since my shoes can use either, I am wondering why it would be better to get one over the other. I don't think weight is an issue either since I am not racing.

So, is there a benefit of one over the other if I don't care about weight and my shoes don't recess the MTB cleat?

Thanks.