Originally Posted by
Leo1903
I've now had a chance to search out the models that my local bike shops carry and there are two models that I will likely choose from. One is the Shimano PD-M324 and the other also by Shimano is PD-A530. The PD-M324 is 520g and has a rougher (more tooth) edge on the platform, so guessing that ones foot will stay more secure when using regular shoes than with the PD-A530. I will probably be using my casual shoes on rides more that 50% of the time. The PD-A530s looks a little nicer but is also more costly...about $110 vs. $79 for the PD-324.
I mostly do city riding/commuting on my cyclecross bike, as well as occasional casual rides on some rougher terrain. Which model is better for clipping-in on the fly and which would be the better pick for my type of riding in general?
Much appreciated.
Leo
I've only used the A530s so I can't comment on the 324s other than I know I guy that has them and is happy with them.
I was able to get the A530s new on Ebay for about $79 about a month ago. The package with a little roughed up but who cares. As far as how they work I have no real complaints. I was used to riding on more toothy cages so the smoother platform of the A530 was a concern for me. I've ridden on them in the rain several times now with both casual and bike shoes. While I've had so problems with slipping at all, I'm still not as confident that they grip my shoes as well as a toothier pedal would. My confidence may grow in time.
Sometimes you end up on the wrong side of the pedal. If you do it's not hard to flip or to just pedal on the wrong side for awhile. I wouldn't want to pedal for miles and miles that way but for a few blocks it's not a big deal. So far I've used bike shoes about 85% of the time. Having the platform available has come in handy occasionally but I have to tell you it feels weird using the platform after riding most of the time clipped in.
Having the platform/clipless combo means you give up the convenience of dual sided pedals. There are at least couple of times daily that the I end on the platform side of the pedal when I wanted the other side. It is a minor inconvenience but it's relatively frequent. The plus side side of this type of pedal, of course, is that you can use a regular shoe. In your case that sounds like that will be a common need so I think it makes sense.
For me, I'm on the fence as to whether or not it was the right choice. It's rare that I'd need to bike somewhere that my mountain shoes would be inappropriate. I keep a set of nicer shoes at work so that's not a problem. Even with bike shoes though, it's nice to have the platform side once in awhile. Last week I turned my ankle on Wednesday and had a long group ride on Thursday. On my way home my legs were tired and with a weakened ankle I found it hard to clip in and out while riding through town, so I just rode on the platform.