Wanted to get some input on pedal issues

I have started riding road miles again last year; and think I want to go to clipless pedals this year. Am leaning toward Eggbeaters, or Eggbeater Candy SL.

Wondering about a few things

1. I'm pretty sure I will want to do some short trips without getting the shoes on, clipping in, etc. What are some good ways to deal with that issue?

2. General opinion on pedal choices

Any other suggestions, ideas appreciated.

I like frogs and would recommend them but there are no platform adapter options that allow reasonable street shoe use. I am not real big on platform adapters because of the additional stack height involved. Street shoes do not work with frogs! That's me...you might find an eggbeater with a platform adapter to be the best all purpose solution. I have not heard anyone speak ill of eggbeaters...they seem to be very well regarded. that being said, maybe a platform with powergrips would work for you or one of the double sided shimano pedals...platform on one side and clippless on the other?

Candy's that or Shimano / spd type with the test ride platforms on one side

Since ya gotta put some kind of shoe on for most trips out of your yard, then get some shoes that are comfortable to walk in. My solution is to use SPD compatible sandals (the shimanos) I wear them even when not cycling.

Al

I think the Winwood SPD platform adapters will work as the mounting hole pattern is the same. I believe there is enough clearance in the cleatbox to allow it. I'm not sure though and maybe a little trimming would need to be done. Of course the free-float might be a bit weird.

Performance campus. SPD on one side. Platform on the other. Relatively cheap and it works.

Crank brothers, i cant say enough about these pedals i own (Candy SL). Enough platform to go with sneakers, i do it every day. It doenst give you hotspots or anything, since you have somewhere to put your feet on, and its light compared to other pedals at that cost. You can get them under 65 bucks on ebay!

Here's a good thread you should go through:
https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/91212-newbie-when-get-clipless.html

BTW: I wanted the same kind of thing and ended up with M324 SPD Shimano pedals Flat on on side.

I use Time ATACS and a Specialized MTB shoe. On the road.

I commute everyday to work one mile with either sneakers or boots and no problems.

I take winter rides in non SPD boots for long distances: no problems.

I have done centuries in the MTB shoes: no problems.

I have waked home over 5 miles in the Specialized shoes, no problems, maybe not the most comfortable footwear for walking, but doable.

There are versions of the Crank Brothers and the Shimano SPD with a "cage" around the binding mechanism; the Quatro from Crank Bros and some of the mountain SPD pedals from Shimano. The dual-surface SPD's offer a real platform on one side. Probably the most cost-effective solution is the Shimano 324 (SPD/platform combo) with cycling shoes that are stiff enough for long distance comfort. A tip--how easy a cycling shoe is to walk in is very much NOT important. The two functions are mutually exclusive.

I have Candy SL on both my single and tandem bike and love them. I had tried other road pedals (747 & Coombe) but didn't like them nearly as well. As a matter of fact I didn't ride clipless for a couple of years after giving up on the 747's. I like the fact that you have small platform on the Candy and don't need to clip in right away. I just use cheap Performance mountain bike shoes, had to cut out a little tread to make them work better but that was it. When I first did start on the pedals, I put my bike on the trainer and practiced clipping in and out for about 20 minutes, they were a little stiff at first but my husband had put a little oil on them and they loosened right up. I have had NO trouble with them at all, don't ever feel like I could get hung up in them. You can always check out Mountainbikereview.com and look under Pedals and they have a list of just about all of them and people put in their comments, it's a very helpful site.

i've got the stainless versions of both the candy and the eggbeater. if you nned to ride it without bike shoes get the candys. if not, i'd get the eggbeater.

Wow - some really good info, and great thread from earlier. Thanks for comments - and keep em coming.

Scot

Scott,
Try some of the inexpensive SPD's mentioned in the previous posts. The ones with SPD on one side and a standard quill/platform type on the other. This will allow you to do what you percieve you want to do. Jump on the bike with any shoe/sandal for a short trip or put on a cycling shoe for a day ride. Yes you can ride with some of the others but they are more expensive and do not provide the support and grip that a platform/quill pedal will when used with assorted shoes including the feared flip flop. You are just starting out, you may well graduate to other pedals in the future but for you current stated needs this IMO is the way to go.

Yep, the SPD 324s are handy. For an exclusive bike ride, you're set with clipless. For a spontainious ride to the store, neighborhood, around the block, any shoe will do. I like em cause my neighbor and I ride up to the hills where we park the bikes and run trails.