I have the Shimano 324s on one bike and Shimano A530s on another. The A530, like the 324, has a platform on one side and a SPD cleat on the other. The A530 appears to have better ground clearance and better looks IMO. The look is similar to the A520 but with the full platform feature which the A520 does not have.

There is no such thing as best. It is a matter of preference. I have used eggbeaters, various shimano pedals, and look keos. I can say that look keos aren't exactly my favorite to commute in but they are still nice pedals.

+1 on the Shimano A530

I looked at the Crank Brothers pedals, but the smarty cleats were to wide. I'd have to carve out the sides to get proper clearance.

Like someone said earlier, the A530 has a platform side that I use with regular shoes.

Another upside of sticking with MTB style is that there lots of options for shoes, even sandals!

I'm still riding on Onza HO's.

A happy Eggbeater rider, on my road bike (which is also my commuter) and my MTB.

I previously had Speedplays -- great pedals, but no good for walking in. Not good at all.

So I ditched those, got Eggs and MTB shoes, which I use for all my rides. Works well on the commute.

I'm looking for a SPD that has a reflector along the side of the pedal. Are there any out there**********???

^^ The closest I can think of off the top of my head would be adding reflective tape to a bigger pedal like a Mallet (its cleats fit the SPD-type 2-hole shoe mounts, so it's sorta SPD compatible -- you wouldn't need to get new shoes...).

Shimano 324s.

better yet, put a stripe of reflective tape down the edges and side of the crank arm.

When I was getting clipless, I wanted to get a Crank Bros. Eggbeater or Mallet or something, but the salesperson seemed to think I'd be happier with the Shimano 520 SPD. Can't say I'm disappointed, really. I'd sometimes prefer a bit of a platform for the odd non-commuting ride with the kids, but I either wear the shoes or just deal with the tiny surface.

Another +1 for the A530s - I've got them on my commuter. I've got a set of A520s on my road bike, and the platform side of the A530s is much more comfortable for when I'm taking a quick jaunt out with regular shoes on.

I love my Forte Campus pedals from Performance. 1 side platform, the other clipless. I've paired them with Specialized tahoe MTB shoes that are laced. They look great and don't click when walking through the marble floors in the office. The one-side pedals are great at stop lights when I need to mash but not worry about clipping in. Its also great if my bike and shoes are not in the same location.

Another shimano user here, I use their touring pedals..........nice and comfy for commuting, and weren't too pricey. Mountain shoes, Shimano M75 's I think.

Thank you everyone for your input. I'm gonna make a trip to a local bike shop to check out some of the pedals mentioned.

I use 324 clones. As for reflectors:

+

another vote for TIME Atac...i like the Zs, platform w/2-sided clip in...always on sale too. i've had bad experience with SPD and heard many stories of eggbeaters exploding.

also another vote for mtn/commuter shoes, not roadie shoes...not practical and frequently not safe.

I loved those! I still have 3 or 4 sets in my parts drawer. Stopped using them when I couldn't get the cleats. Damn!

I would suggest the Shimano M520. Although I like the idea of supporting someone other than Shimano...Curse you Shimano!...it's hard to beat the price and quality. $24 from here

For commuting Shimano M424s https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...pless%20Pedals