Much difference in the 520 and 530??

Not really. They all work about the same. I ride the M540 and it works really well. For something like the Roam, I might go with M324, but if you want two sided, they all work well.

I think I will go with these to see how I like it.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0a&s0=z00hkbzc

And I believe I'll go with these shoes...

Amazon.com: Louis Garneau Montana XT3 Mountain Bike Shoes (Black, 47) - Men's: Shoes

...unless someone can suggest otherwise.

They look pretty much identical to these Wellgo pedals I have used for years, which themselves are a copy of the Shimano M324.
https://www.amazon.com/Wellgo-WPD-95B.../B00E7UZK8GNot on my primary bike, but was using these for maybe 8 or 10 years. The only thing I don't like about these is, a couple of times I scratched up my shins on the sharp edges of the pedals.

I have a pair of Louis Garneau shoes I really like. It all comes down to whether they fit.

I hear they run a size smaller, is that true? I normally take a 12 so I will need a 13?

They don't go in American sizes. I usually take a 43 in cycling shoes and the Louis Garneau fits me pretty well. This is one thing I usually prefer to buy locally to check for fit. For me it is all about shoe width, as many brands run too narrow. I have a pair of LG and a pair of Bontrager shoes. The LG is more comfortable, but the Bontragers are stiffer.

Two options are good only if you can get your choice when you want it. These never worked for me....I had issues getting the proper side up.

Thanks,
Yan

Nylon soles are key. Carbon soles are too stiff and uncomfortable on long rides....they make my feet go numb.

Thanks,
Yan

When I used 1 sided clipless, flipping over the pedal with my foot was almost automatic.

I believe these have nylon soles!

I have pedals with the clip on one side and a platform on the the other. I am seriously thinking of changing them so both sides clip in. This is because I really don't see myself riding without clipping in and when I am riding I frequently have trouble getting clipped in because the clip side is heavier than the platform side so often the platform side is on top when I go to clip. It is a real pain and actually my feet want to slip right off of the platform side because my clip is metal and just slides off.

Are you using the Shimano pedals? In my case the clipless side is always up. I use an older Shimano Mountain Touring Shoe:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage

I keep my left foot clipped in all the time but sometimes leave the right foot on the platform side. I have not had an issue with clipping.

Yes. They are Shimano, but I don't remember the exact model. My bike is getting a basic maintenance check tomorrow and will be looking at pedals then and maybe different shoes. Pedals would probably cheaper to replace than shoes, but I think I would like to have shoes where the cleats are recessed for easier walking.

Just a note that specialized makes excellent clipless compatible Cadet shoes for ~$100 (the cleats are recessed but not much). I use the lighter weight Shimano PD-A530s with them adjusted to the lowest clip spring setting. Their platform is not going to tear up the soles of your shoes. If you bring the cleats with you, your LBS will fit the correct size shoe for you and install the cleats. Worth the few more $$ IMHO.

Amazon.com : Shimano PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal : Sports & Outdoors

Specialized Bicycle Components

My only gripe, as others have mentioned, is that sometimes its difficult to get the platform side up when you want to do so quickly and end up riding more on the insole until you can get things straightened out. I don't think clipless gives me enough of an advantage over platforms to be worth that hassle... but I'm still working on my pedaling technique.

I have the double sided shimano A520 spd's that i originally used on my hybrid. I took them off and put them on my road bike when I purchased that bike. Given the choice, I would rather ride clipped in however, I like the versatility of being able to wear tennis shoes, sandals etc when I am just goofing around.

Eventually, I will buy single purpose clip less pedals for the road bike and put the A520 spd's back on the hybrid. Clipping in and out becomes natural.

I won't bore you with the reasons why i like them better -- its not some esoteric or nuanced reason of improved performance or any other bloviated reason that I can think of.... , it is just a better feeling having the feet locked into a pedal.. ... it just feels good.

Keep an eye out closeout/clearance shoes. I got lucky twice with very reasonably priced Shimano shoes.

On second thought, I believe I'll go with these pedals. More expensive, but I like them better.

Amazon.com : Shimano Deore XT Trekking PD-T780 track pedel Trekking black : Bike Pedals : Sports & Outdoors

I need the versatility because I do two different types of riding. One... fast, furious and practically non-stop for exercise. Hence the clip side. The other type for touring and photography. which requires a lot of stopping and getting off the bike, where I'll need a platform side.