First clipless pedal suggestions?
 

I've decided to put clipless pedals on one of my fixed gears. I'm trying to keep the cost of the pedals to around $50 or less. From doing some research it seems like the most recommended pedals are either the Shimano M520, Candybeater Candy, or Time ATAC Aliums. Should I just get whichever pedals I can find cheaper, or are their clear advantages to certain pedals? If it matters, I will most likely be using either Chrome or DZR shoes with the pedals.

I've used Shimano M520 SPD pedals for decades, and like them a lot. I use them on my road bikes, cross bike and mtn bike, or any situation where I need to walk or run in my shoes. You can get them for well under your $50 budget and they will last for a very long time. I see no downside to getting them.

One thing I meant to mention in my original post is that I have a history of having slight knee issues. Nothing major, but after years of running and riding bikes they ache a bit every so often. I've read that ATAC pedals are easier on the knees. Any truth to that?

Maybe because the ATACs offer float and the SPDs don't ? I've never needed pedals with float and don't have knee problems, so the SPDs are fine for me. Nonetheless, my knees do get sore from time to time, but it's never severe and always goes away.

I ride Eggbeaters. Very simple in and out. I have bad knees and these pedals don't bother me, actually cycling altogether doesn't hurt my knees it's everything else in the world that does. I had a pair of SPDs first but like the Eggbeaters better.

SPD's offer some amount of float. I have a dodgy knee and have no issues from using them for years.
I would second the M-520 suggestion, cheap and reliable, name brand so cleats will always be easily available.

I've used SPD's for a few years now, like them a lot.
I said "used" because when my shoes wore out, I
decided to try Speedplays since my other shoes
are road Sidi's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFyXxrqWbPA

Nope. They also limit how much you can adjust your foot position because the cleat has four huge teeth that gouge your shoe.

Some find that less float is better for their knees. But float is forgiving if you can't adjust everything just right (which can be difficult). You won't know until you try something. And I too would recommend you try the Shimano -- it's cheap, it's reliable, and if it works for you, you have something to stick with.

I use SPD's as well, and if you look around, the M540 can be found for less than $50. I tried the Eggbeaters and they were horrible by comparison, I ditched them cheap.

There are also two different cleats you can use with them, the 51' and 56's. The wife loves her 56's whereas I like the 51's.

the Candy Eggbeaters are annoying but the plain Eggbeater 1's are great once you adjust to them, simple easy and lots of float. I have ridden Shimano M424's and I think they are great...probably my next pedal.

People are predicable..

Egg beaters are great but to loose and riding in street shoes on them is "interesting"

Time is expensive and over rated IMHO and limit your shoes

If I were you I'd just go get some LX/STX SPD's some vans style shoes and call it good

If you must be roadie get some entry level looks and what ever shoes are in sale.

i can't ride ATACs cuz i need lateral cleat adjustment.
but I LOVE HOW ATACS FEEL.

when i do ride two bolt cleats, they're eggbeaters, and i hate them. so loose, so sad.

+1 for m520's

I love my Eggbeater Candys, as well as a set of discontinued Quattros, and I don't find them loose at all. People I know who complain about looseness with them tend to have horrible pedal strokes, especially when sprinting or when tired. Their feet flap all over the place, so they tend to need a more secure pedal. I spent several years on Speedplay Frogs, so the Candys feel like bear traps to me.

Personally I would avoid the eggbeaters. I tried them out way back, when I was still riding SPDs and I found that, while they are lovely pedals and give you nice float, that float means it's extremely easy to clip out when you don't mean to. It's probably not an issue on a geared bike, but on a bike where you're relying on pulling back on the pedals to slow or skid, it's too easy to pop out.

Try out the Shimanos. I still have a pair of 737s that are rock solid and I rode them for years. Great pedals.

Nashbar often has Shimano pedals really cheap. Right now m520Ls are $26.99, m540s are $43.99 etc. My first pair was the m780s ($72.99) and have put several hundred miles on them with no issues. You basically forget about them once you get the hang of it.

+1 on my end too. I also found a used pair at the LBS for 9 bucks so can't beat that.