Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I usually use clipless (SPD) on pedals that are one side SPD and one side platform. I want the platform side for when I am wearing regular shoes around the campsite and want to go to the grocery store or the pub or other short trip. I also wear regular shoes (hiking shoes) if I am on very difficult terrain and might have to get my feet on the ground very quickly. I have been on some roads where there were more cobbles than gravel, on those roads I really liked the platform side.
A few years ago I wrote up an comparison of A530 pedals and M324 pedals at this link:
Comparing Shimano M324 and A530 Pedals
There are a few other pedals that work with both kinds of shoes, but I was only familiar with the two that I compared......
We have both the Shimano A530 and two sets of the M324. I have a strong preference for the dual platform w/ SPD pedals. Wear SPD mtn shoes w/ some flexibility for walking and carry a pair of lightweight barefoot design trail runners or Vibram Five Fingers for use off bike.
I actually prefer the following two dual platform pedals more than the Shimano models above. The M324 are a bit heavy and mtn bike focussed and I find the A530's slippery on the platform side when wet.
Origin8 Dual Sports are very nice on my Bianchi Volpe. Small, lightweight, very grippy on the platform side.
We have two sets of the Exustar E-PM811. Smooth sealed bearings, nice wide grippy platform, best pedals to ride barefoot or in sandals.
