Looking for a new pedal
 

Ok, first the current stats. I ride a Trek 520 and currently use Shimano 324 pedals.
http://bike.shimano.com/media/images...9830550915.jpg

I like SPDs because of the small cleats and ability to walk normally with the shoes. However, I have decided I want a pedal that has clips on both sides and still has the large platform pedal size. The only other options I'm seeing from Shimano are the 545 and 424.

http://bike.shimano.com/media/images...9830553731.jpghttp://bike.shimano.com/media/images...9830553725.jpg

However, for some reason, I don't like the look of these pedals, especially on a road bike. They look too bulky.


I'd really like something that's like my 324, but has clips on both sides. Are there any other options out there I'm missing? Or.....are there any other cleats that are easy to walk on like SPD cleats? Egg beaters maybe (I don't know what the cleat looks like)?

Any thoughts to help a poor bruddah out?

I am going through the exact same process. I bought these pedals -- the first time I've gone clipless -- last weekend when I bought my new Cdale Synapse Alloy 4. I am so happy I invested in clipless pedals and shoes but I too regret getting the one-sided version.

I have been doing okay at practicing/learning to clip in, but I can't help but feel it'd be easier with double-sided pedals. To second KingTermite's question: for people who have switched from one- to two-sided pedals, are the double-sided ones easier to get into, and do you prefer them overall?

Should I just accept the fact that for the hypothetical trips around town to buy a gallon of milk, I'll be wearing my shoes/cleats and not my tennis shoes?

Take a look at the different Crank Bros. options. I use both the Candy's and Quatros. Love them. Easy to clip in and out. Small cleat like the SPD.

Crankbrother Mallets are two sided with a huge platform and a small cleat.

But if you've got MTB shoes, you might as well get something with a smaller platform and just wear the shoes even for small trips. (and if you don't mind doing that, the CB Candy pedals would be my recommendation since they still have a platform)

Crank brothers mallets and acids have bigger platforms. They all have 4-sided entry. Very easy to get into.

Nice...I like the look of this pedal.
http://www.crankbrothers.com/templat...alletc_wht.jpg

I did a search on mallet cleat. Is this the cleat for that pedal?
http://bikemag.com/gear/cleats.jpg


Looks similar to my SPD and should fit into my MTB shoe just fine.

Usually cleats come with the pedals so I wouldn't worry about fitting them to the shoe, unless your shoe is spd compatible ONLY. :)

That's why I ask. I know the cleat is removable in the shoe, but wasn't sure if "any" cleat could fit or not. I know road cleats look waaaay different and I'm guessing wouldn't fit in. I just wanted to be sure there would be no problem fitting them into my shoe.

I use crank bros. eggbeater pedals with MTB shoes and they work just fine. I could walk a mile in the shoes, the cleats barely touch the ground.

Very excellent....I knew I could count on my commuting comrades for great advice. :beer:

Thanks peoples.

Unless somebody chimes in with some super awesomeness, that CrankBro mallet looks like my new pedal.

The crank bros cleats work with SPD compatible shoes.

I tried the candy pedals for this purpose. I have no idea what that platform is for, but it doesn't give you a street shoe option. I find the shimano to be easier to use than the eggbeater, but both are of superior quality to the handful of others I've tried.

I ride and like the 324. I find that mine usually hang with the clip pointing slightly up and to the rear. It kind of "defaults" for easily access to the clip side. When I'm wearing street shoes, I have gotten into the habit of dragging the bottom of my shoe along the edge, then back, which flips it to the cage side.

The nice thing about the 324 is that even if you miss the clip, the platform is a good pedaling surface that is usable til you are up to speed and traffic is filtering around you normally. You can flip the pedal when it is more convenient later.

I recommend you give them a few days to see if you get more used to the one-sided design. these pedals are pretty expensive to buy over and over again (but slightly-used pedals do get decent prices on ebay)

Once you try or buy something else, be sure you post your opinion here so others can learn from it too :D

Cheers

Mine do not seem to default in that position. They are all over the place in terms of position, and when I commute it just gives me a "weird" and uncomfortable feeling to be clipped in on one side and not the other. That's why I want to get one with clips on both sides because I *never* ride in street shoes, I'm always in my bike shoes if I ride.

And...I've ridden with these pedals for about 1 1/2 - 2 years, so I'm quite used to them. I don't dislike them, I just want to be clipped on both sides.

My housemate just got those and she's really digging them.

I have used both single- and double-sided pedals extensively. Basically, I find the one-sided combo pedals have many advantages over the double-sided kind, and few disadvantages. After a few weeks practice, I was able to clip into my Shimano 324 knockoff pedals almost effortlessly, regardless of which way they're facing. I almost never miss double-sided pedals.

... And the ability to use ordinary shoes occasionally is the huge advantage of the combo pedals. Sometimes I go out to dinner or movies with my girlfriend, and wear dress shoes or walking shoes while riding my bike. Sometimes I run a quick errand at lunchtime, or ride my bike around the block. Much more convenient!

Good to know as I just ordered a pair this afternoon. :)

I have used M324s on my road bike for years and picked up a used set for my MTB when I got it this year. The road ones always hang the same way(flat side faces forwards) making getting in and out a no brainer. The ones on the MTB(which look a little worn) do not spin as freely so locate randomly. I assume pulling them appart for a service will fix this, when I get the time.