Originally Posted by
ninjamunky
I'm just starting with clipless and was wanting to get some Shimano A530 pedals for my fixed gear because I don't want to ride clipless all the time. But after my first ride using the M520 pedals it seems like a pedal that is platform on one side and spd on the other would be awkward, especially for someone just starting out with clipless.
Does anyone here have any experience with a pedal like the A530?
I ride the A530's on my touring bike for the reason you described--wanting the option to ride the bike casually around town with whatever shoe, but then clipping in for longer rides. They're a great, versatile pedal in that regard.
For riding fixed, though, I do enjoy having a double sided pedal and not having to think about it. I rode with Shimano A520's for a while, but would get annoyed in traffic when clipping out and trying to clip back in again. It's not the biggest deal, really, but since I already had a pair of M520's I switched back and haven't regretted it. Something about cranks spinning and clipping in with ease just makes it worth it.
My advice: grab a pair of A530's and find out for yourself. You can always switch back to your M520's if you want. Wellgo also makes a fairly popular platform/SPD pedal, too (big fan of the oil port for maintenance):
Wellgo R120B Sealed Bearing Road Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles