Originally posted by bg4533
Can clipless pedals be ridden with normal shoes without too much of a problem? I have been looking into them, but many of my rides are just 1 or 2 mile trips that would make special shoes a pain.
There are models of SPD pedals that have the clip-in mechanism on one side and a plain platform on the other. A lot of touring cyclists like them for their flexibility in day-time touring, then short shop runs after setting up camp. Do a searchon the Shimano site to find the model numbers.
The Time Atacs offer a platform with the same double-sided ratrap arrangement. But neither the road nor MTB versions would be suitable for riding without appropriate shoes and cleats.
For your purposes, clips and straps may still be the ideal way to go. You get the ability to ride straight away in whatever shoes you have, but also you improve the efficiency of your ride.
And if you are happy with nothing but standard platform pedals, go for it.
FWIW
R