Pedals: SPD on one side, normal on the other
 

I have a pair of Shimano PDM324 pedals, with an SPD on one side and a platform on the other. I want to replace them with something a little lighter and more sporty. But I do occasionally use my bike without my cleats.

My old pedals are these, Shimano PDM324:
http://shop.simpel.ch/shop/pimages/PD-M324.jpg

I am looking at these newer Shimano A520 models, which look like they might have a platform on the other side.
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photo.../SH-PDA520.gif

Does anyone know if the reverse side of this pedal is friendly to normal shoes? Are there other SPD pedals out there which are both sporty and usable with regular shoes? They don't have to be comfy with normal shoes, just servicable for a short ride.

Thanks!

I don't know the answer to your question, but I have an alternate solution you may want to look into.

Nashbar has a "sneaker adapter"

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

There may be other alternatives as well. This could keep you from compromising on your pedal for an occasional ride in street shoes.

The answer depends upon how comfortable you need them to be.

I have both of the pedals you showed - the 324s are on my old city bike. They were great for learning to ride clipless.

But the 520s, which I really like, are not flat on the reverse. The axle sticks out above the rest of the platform 1 cm +/-. And the rest of it isn't exactly flat either - it kinda' tapers down a little at each end. When starting in my SPD shoes, I can easily use the reverse side until I can flip it and clip in, even when standing, but I would not suggest it for long.

I've got a set of Wellgo WPD-95B multi-function pedals, which I'm quite happy with. The platform side works well, and it's easy to clip in and out of the SPD side. I've been using them for about 2 months now... no issues.

DISCLAIMER: So far this is the only set of clipless pedals I've owned, so I can't really compare it to the alternatives. It may be worth a look anyway. :)