I have a pair of Pearl Izumi shoes and can verify their quality. Unfortunately, their sizing is waaaay off. A standard size 12 will usually fit me comfortably and sometimes (depending on brand) might fit a little big. 13's are always too big. I had to go with PI size 48 for a decent fit. I cannot recommend strongly enough you try them on before buying, unless you're cool with shipping/returning to find your size.


-Kedosto

I just picked up some Crank Brothers double shots. Flat on one side, clipless on the other. for when you just feel like running down the road with your kids in flip flops.

The platform design negates the "4-sided entry" feature but they are great for exactly what you describe...

I agree, or the slightly cheaper one which is identical basically, the Spd M520. But I recommend you get the SH-56 Multi Release cleats to go with your shoes, these will allow you to clip out by twisting your foot or rolling it. Rolling is a natural reaction when you are freaked out because you stopped suddenly. I know this from experience. You yank your foot up and it rolls sideways.

I will say this. If there is any chance that in the future you may have more than one bike that you ride regularly...try to get a pedal (or pedal/cleat format) that will be always be supported. That way you can have pedals on all the bikes with the same format, and you don't need to have a separate pair of shoes/cleats for each bike. I generally have 4 or 5 bikes that I will use on a regular basis. Many many years ago when I decide to go clipless...LOOK was one of just a few clipless pedal manufacturers and that's what I went with. If I'd get another bike, or have to replace pedals, I went with LOOK, or an off-brand with the same cleat format. Then LOOK changed their pedal/cleat format. They discontinued the Delta format and changed to their Keo format. The two are not interchangeable. Fortunately other manufacturers began producing them. But if they hadn't I would have had to replace all my pedals.

Dan

Yup, the M520s are amazing. I have thousands of miles on mine have never had an issue, but even if they did break replacement would be very cheap. IMO, the only reason to go for something more expensive would be to save weight.

I am also a fan of the M520/540s, but not of the multi-release cleats. The last thing I want during a panic stop is my foot coming out unexpectedly. I much prefer to remain attached unless I make an intentional, specific movement of my foot.

Why not combi pedals? When training I clip in, and for cycling in town normal shoes!

Wiggle | Shimano A530 SPD Single Sided Touring Pedals | Clip-In Pedals

Cheers

I was looking for something to buy with an REI gift card today and saw that T400 pedals are on clearance at REI for $39. But then I found the same thing for $14 at Jenson USA.

PD-M540s is the way to go

I didn't know what I wanted for a pedal so I had the shop just put on some platform pedals for now. I ride a lot around town and have to stop somewhat often - I was wondering if the best solution is the hybrid pedal...

I bought the bike for fitness riding and general purpose. I'll do some longer rides over the summer, but most of the time it'll be 10 miles around town or on trails.

I'm worried that I'm going to get in trouble with clipless if I can't release my foot quickly enough.

The speedplay pedals look like a good option, but I'm more inclined to go with hybrid - thoughts?

I have two pedals atm:

1 road pedal : it's easy to clip in once you got a bit of experience and i believe the performance is maxed out

1 dual sided pedal : very useful if you do shorter rides as well to get some food or whatever since you can use normal shoes, flip flops in holidays, etc..

and you still have a cleat side for more serious rides + with mtb cleats you can manage to get shoes with cleats in which you can walk around not looking like an idiot .

Compared to the dual MTB sided pedals I think the performance is better on mine since the pedal is a bit bigger and therefor the power transfer should be better

Speedplay Frogs. I can't say enough about these pedals and how awesome they are.

Frogs are double-sided and much easier than regular SPD pedals to clip in and out of. Plus, Frogs enhance "Fredly Qualities" of the cyclist if you use them on road bikes.

I bought the shimano PD-A520 SPD as my first clipless pedals. They are a bit larger so I can also use regular shoes whenever I need to.
Clipping in and out is very easy and reliable. They are also cheap and look good.