Shimano SPD question (about the platform)
 

I've been reading all the threads here on going clipless and the Shimano SPD is appealing to me because I can still ride in my running shoes to work on days where I run also. My question is, are the Platforms on something like the A530 going to compare to the stock pedal on my 7.3 FX ?

I would hope they would be more comfortable and at least as comfy

They are rather small. I like wide pedals and that's the reason I'm not going back to SPDs.

Not sure how big the stock pedals are on the trek, but since an SPD cleat is just under 1.5 inches wide, those pedals can't be any bigger than about 3 inches square.

You know, you could always just go with platform pedals.

I put those on my new commuter, and ... they're great!

Any shoes, including sandals once the heat hits ... and, to my surprise, I don't feel any energy is being wasted.

Maybe clipless isn't all we think it is, especially for commutes.

I'm looking into platform pedals also. Was just curious. I have a very hilly 9 mile commute home and would like to be as efficient as possible. I'm using the trip as a workout also.

the Shimano's seems like they could be best of both worlds

I have the M324 pedals. The platform side is the same size as the pedals that came with my Aurora but is actually more grippy.

you can see pics of it in my clipless thread
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Went-Clipless..

Don't mess with the A530s. It has a platform, but its rather small and looks like its not intended to be used very much.


If you really think you will be using the platform side. Go with M324 pedals...
http://www.bikegear.be/winkel/images...O_SPD_M324.jpg

or equivalent pedals from Nashbar.com.

I use M324s on my touring bike...the platform side feels and grips like a real platform pedal.

Well, I have the A530s. The platform is 3 3/4 inches long by about 3 inches wide. It has kind of an oblong shape to it rather than being a true rectangle. I've ridden to work using my running shoes several times and it's not a problem. I've never once found myself wishing for a larger platform.

Having platform on one side and spd on the other is a mixed blessing. As I've gotten more adept at using them I grown to like them more but having SPD on both sides would mean easier entry if you're using clipless shoes most of the time anyway.

Something like the A530 might be a good solution in your situation but FWIW I keep a pair of running shoes at work.

Personally I like the M424's because you can clip in on both sides and the platform is a comparable size to regular sized platform only pedals. In regular shoes I get good distribution around the platform. I do feel the clip in the center but thats it, to me it is not uncomfortable or bothersome.

http://media.rei.com/media/m/1057340.jpg

just picked up a pair of these & love 'em to death

I started commuting on platforms over many hills for 13mi ea way. I switched to clipless last year and easily cut 5+ minutes off my ride with less effort on the hills, 10 if I push it.

really depends on how you ride

+1

I haven't used them, but this system claims to let you switch pedals easily and quickly - if it's true it's certainly the best solution - MKS EZY Pedal System:
http://thehubbikecoop.blogspot.com/2...-gadgetry.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YjojQJRsAG...mks%2Bped3.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YjojQJRsAG...mks%2Bped1.jpg

I have a pair of those. Check your shoes as not compatible with all of them. The 661 SPD sandals have the SPD cleats recessed enough so the sandal sole is very tight against the cage when clipped in. This eliminates ALL float and makes unclipping difficult.

The A530 platform is longer and narrower than most platform pedals but works well for me. I prefer it to the M324 but have 3 bikes with A530s installed and 2 with the M324s.

They're plenty big enough for me. I have a 4 mile ride to school, so I don't bother with clipless on commutes. I'm shoe size 9.5 (US) if that matters. They're at least as comfortable as stock pedals. It is a bit annoying when you start up after a light on the wrong side, but you get used to it and don't think about it after a bit.
Also the metal platform is slippery in the rain.

I'd buy again though, really depends on your case.

Can't get much of a bigger platform than this:
http://www.crankbrothers.com/pedals_mallet.php