I tried a set of non-caged(normal) SPDs a while ago. That was an experiece I don't care to repeat. With the 454 cages I can ride with almost any position other than centered on the clip without problems. It depends on the shoe too. I use Cannondale 610s because the sole is more like a hiker shoe, allowing more tread area. A friend of mine has the Crank Bros. pedals and noted the same corrosion problem since PA is very salty. The roads are white when they suspect ice.