I've had them for about a week and they are mounted on my road bike. You can ride them with or without shoes as there are no pins or spikes. I have big feet and the fit is like no pedal I've used before, especially barefooted which is an unexpected treat. The "nothing over the spindle" is not a concern. I was originally attracted to them because I have to ride flat pedals for a while and I didn't want anything that would remove flesh if I slipped. With the rounded corners and no pins they looked like they would work. I'm glad that I bought them.