I've heard good things about the CB line of pedals: Easy to clip in, good amount of float, easy to clip out.
FWIW, I've used SPD pedals for around 17 years. Actually, the same pair of Shimano M545 pedals that I bought back in college. And I'm putting some Nashbar house-brand SPDs on my ss/fg project, and their SPD/Platform combos on my utility bike. I've never had a problem with SPD pedals.
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"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.