Originally Posted by foxden
Making the transition to clipless and have read many posts on this forum. A single sided pedal (SPD) with a platform on on side (Shimano A-520) has the advantage of being able to be used with either clipless or regular shoes. Some posters indicate that it is harder with these single side to clip in since the clip side may not alway be upwards. Shimano also makes many double side SPD pedals but then of course you sacrifice the ability to use with plain shoes.
Overall for a beginner getting use to clipless what's the best approach, single or double sided pedals?
The A-520 doesn't work with ordinary shoes. You'd easily slip off it. I think it's one sided just to make it light. I believe there are some pedals that are platform on one side and clipless on the other - I'll look for a link or someone else may be able to post one; or, you can buy a flat platform adaptor that can clip into the pedals when you need to use them like platforms.
(EDIT: see post #5).