yeah, it seems that many people find SPD/platform combo pedals to be a "worst of both worlds" compromise, but i always bring them up in these kinds of threads because WAY too many people always turn this never ending clipless vs. platforms debate into an either/or false dichotomy.

there is a 3rd way that doesn't force you to choose between clipless and platforms. you CAN have your cake and eat it too!

now, many people don't seem to like the 3rd option compromise of combo pedals, but after nearly a decade of riding with them on all of my bikes, i would never want any other kind of pedal on my bikes. they give me maximum versatility and, with 8 years of daily use with them under my belt, i simply never have any issues with finding the correct side of the pedal. i rarely clip out as it is when i ride (i'm a fairly proficient track-stander), but when i do, my foot just "knows" what to do all by itself, no input from my conscious mind is required.

combo pedals really are a beautiful solution to the this age-old debate in my opinion, but many people really seem to dislike them.

maybe some people don't give them enough of a chance?

maybe some people have less natural foot dexterity than others?

maybe some people aren't as prone to fence-sitting as i am?

i find them so ridiculously easy to use that i sometimes struggle to understand why so many seem to dislike them so much.