Pedal Recomendation
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Pedal Recomendation
I've started commuting and don't want to lug my cycling shoes along. I'm looking for a lightweight pedal that I can ride in running shoes but can also clip into when I want that won't break the bank. What are y'all using?
#2
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I stopped commuting upon retirement,
but there are several offerings of combination clipless on one side and regular shoe platform on the opposite side

and with spongy midsole trainers a pedal like crank brothers mallet surrounds the clipless with a platform
usable because the sole will give way over the bars of the clipless function..
recently seen..
https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/double-shot-1
but there are several offerings of combination clipless on one side and regular shoe platform on the opposite side

and with spongy midsole trainers a pedal like crank brothers mallet surrounds the clipless with a platform
usable because the sole will give way over the bars of the clipless function..
recently seen..
https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/double-shot-1

Last edited by fietsbob; 06-14-18 at 02:25 PM.
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There are pedals that offer clipless on one side and flat on the other side. I wasn't a fan of them myself, because with the pair I had one-sided meant you had to look down and flip the pedal over every time you needed to get onto the pedal no matter which style you rode. I've read that higher quality versions are weight so one side is always up, but that still means flipping them over for the other side.
I personally went with flat pedals with pins and five ten shoes and stopped using clipless entirely. There's a lot of debate over whether clipless might be a hair faster, and in racing a hair is pretty important, but I'm mostly commuting and riding for fun so gaining 30 seconds won't even make up for the time I spent changing shoes (for commuting) or the just the general inconvenience.
I personally went with flat pedals with pins and five ten shoes and stopped using clipless entirely. There's a lot of debate over whether clipless might be a hair faster, and in racing a hair is pretty important, but I'm mostly commuting and riding for fun so gaining 30 seconds won't even make up for the time I spent changing shoes (for commuting) or the just the general inconvenience.
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I got a pair of clipless/flat pedals for my previous bike that has been repurposed for errands on weekends. I find that walking in cycling shoes isn't a problem. But there are plenty of choices for these dual sides pedals.
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Most of my riding is commuting/errands/utility riding.
I ride almost exclusively with SPD shoes.
Some SPD shoes are very stiff (Lake). Others are much more casual. I have a pair of Specialized shoes that walk like tennis shoes, but unfortunately the plastic subsole broke apart.
I can still ride it, but it is my primary unclip shoe, and I've deemed it no longer safe.
I ride almost exclusively with SPD shoes.
Some SPD shoes are very stiff (Lake). Others are much more casual. I have a pair of Specialized shoes that walk like tennis shoes, but unfortunately the plastic subsole broke apart.

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I think I’m finished with my latest clipless phase but while it lasted I just went ahead and did full clipless and kept regular shoes at work.
#7
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I personally went with flat pedals with pins and five ten shoes and stopped using clipless entirely. There's a lot of debate over whether clipless might be a hair faster, and in racing a hair is pretty important, but I'm mostly commuting and riding for fun so gaining 30 seconds won't even make up for the time I spent changing shoes (for commuting) or the just the general inconvenience.
On the mountain bike I do notice the difference - I get bounced off the pedals riding through rough sections at times. Maybe if I spring for some 5.10 shoes that would be less of an issue.
I'm not sure I'll go back to clipless on my road bike even after I recover from the injury.
#8
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I am using the iSSi Flash pedal and have really been enjoying it... I was a toeclip and straps holdout for years but I have to admit, I like this system better. SPD shoes are OK for walking but they also sell a half clip half platform version called the Flip.
Here is the Flash:
https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flash
And the Flip:
https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flip
Here is the Flash:
https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flash
And the Flip:
https://rideissi.com/pedals/issi-flip
#9
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with a pedal wrench it's not too time consuming to change pedals , at home..
but of course MKS EZY pedals have a QR you leave one part on the crank arms , & swap out the other..
but of course MKS EZY pedals have a QR you leave one part on the crank arms , & swap out the other..
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i vote for pinned pedals exclusively. recently replaced my mks lambdas with some pinned pedals and i cant believe how good they grip.
https://www.amazon.com/MEETLOCKS-Alu...aring+platform
i know this isnt exactly what you asked for but they are terrific so far.
https://www.amazon.com/MEETLOCKS-Alu...aring+platform
i know this isnt exactly what you asked for but they are terrific so far.
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Tioga D-Spyders with mini toe clips (strapless). Pin up each side like you want and wear whatever shoes you like.
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Yeah, I had the same issue at first with Chrome shoes in that my foot wasn't totally secure on the pedal. I switched to 5.10's and they never ever move without unweighting the foot first. I'm considering removing a few pins from the pedal to make it easier to readjust my foot position. 5.10 shoes are rock solid for grip.
Last edited by PaulRivers; 06-12-18 at 03:07 PM.
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i vote for pinned pedals exclusively. recently replaced my mks lambdas with some pinned pedals and i cant believe how good they grip.
https://www.amazon.com/MEETLOCKS-Alu...aring+platform
i know this isnt exactly what you asked for but they are terrific so far.
https://www.amazon.com/MEETLOCKS-Alu...aring+platform
i know this isnt exactly what you asked for but they are terrific so far.
#15
LET'S ROLL
MKS EZY with removable/quick release function.
Able to swap between clipless(SPD) and platforms.
Can share pedals between multiple bikes:

MKS ESPRIT SUPERIOR PEDALS by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Able to swap between clipless(SPD) and platforms.
Can share pedals between multiple bikes:

MKS ESPRIT SUPERIOR PEDALS by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
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I use the Shimano PD-A530 pedals and rate them highly. All SPD clips are the same, it's the flat pedal side that makes the difference. I don't like using the bear cage pedals as I don't like leaving scars on my shin. The flat side of the A530 pedals have smooth edges but still grip really well.
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Maybe I got a fake product
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I put Shimano Click’r T-421 pedals on my wife’s bike. They’re SPD on one side, platform on the other. She likes ‘em because she has about a dozen different kinds of shoes she wants to wear on the bike. Apparently it’s a fashion thing. Personally, I don’t like two sided pedals. I’ve tried them several times but keep finding myself frustrated with fumbling around trying to find the correct side depending on the shoes I’m wearing. The pedals are predictably very high Shimano quality, just not for me.
-Kedosto
-Kedosto
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Maybe go old school with toe clip pedals? Just because you can?

Also, put a twist in the strap at the bottom in the middle of the pedal to ensure that the strap stays in place.
Or, you could go with a BMX stype pedal with pegs and the Wellgo sedal strap?

Also, put a twist in the strap at the bottom in the middle of the pedal to ensure that the strap stays in place.


Last edited by ptempel; 06-14-18 at 09:02 AM.
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These are not super cheap but I like the Shimano XT PD-T8000 pedals. Pinned platform on one side and spd on the other. I rode the Shimano PD-A530 for almost a year but I didn't like the smaller platform for regular shoes. I actually switch back to a platform until the XT PD-T8000's came out last year.
#21
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I use and like the Shimano A530's.
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#23
born again cyclist
I am HUGE fan of SPD/platform combo pedals.
yes, it's true, you really can have your cake and eat it too!
My favorite pedal of all time is the Forte Campus SPD/platform combo pedal.
I have them on my 3 main bikes that I commute with (my folder has folding pedals that it came with).
My oldest set of Forte Campus pedals is still going strong after nine years of riding! not bad for a $35 investment.
I also once tried a pair of Shimano A350's but i didn't like them as much (the platform side was a little too "slippery" for my tastes).
yes, it's true, you really can have your cake and eat it too!
My favorite pedal of all time is the Forte Campus SPD/platform combo pedal.
I have them on my 3 main bikes that I commute with (my folder has folding pedals that it came with).
My oldest set of Forte Campus pedals is still going strong after nine years of riding! not bad for a $35 investment.
I also once tried a pair of Shimano A350's but i didn't like them as much (the platform side was a little too "slippery" for my tastes).
Last edited by Steely Dan; 06-15-18 at 08:38 AM.
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I am HUGE fan of SPD/platform combo pedals. Yes, you really can have your cake and eat it too! My favorite pedal of all time is the Forte Campus combo pedal. I have them on my 3 main bikes that I commute with (my folder has folding pedals). My oldest set of Forte Campus pedals is still going strong after nine years of riding! not bad for a $35 investment.

Similar to what @fietsbob recommended. A friend of mine used a similar SPD combo pedal on his MTB. Can't beat the convenience of having both SPD and regular in one. Just curious, but which SPD shoes are you using with them (if any)?
#25
born again cyclist
i typically commute with a pair of shimano lace-up SPD shoes (i forget the model number). they have the recessed cleat wells so that i can walk around easily off bike, and they're more normal looking than the super-dorky race-inspired styling of most SPD shoes.
but the true beauty of a combo pedal is that i can ride them with any old shoe or sandal or boot or whatever that i choose to.
i'm a big fan of infinite flexibility!
but the true beauty of a combo pedal is that i can ride them with any old shoe or sandal or boot or whatever that i choose to.
i'm a big fan of infinite flexibility!