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HI all, Currently running Shimano M520s on the commuter but would like the option of just riding in normal shoes for local errands and stuff.
Does STW have any pedal recommendations? Ideally SPD and platform both sides, to reduce clipping-in faff.
Ta
I used these for years - no complaints at all in the commuting use-case:
Platform adapters here for use on a bike with standard spds on and I want to bimble in normal shoes. Very cheap and easy. Only issue is that it's only one sided (I guess you could buy two pairs I suppose). Trick I found was disengaging them with your hand was a faff - much easier to do it with your foot at the end of the ride.
Pedals with SPD both sides and a support cage are absolute crap for normal pedalling. The SPD mech sticks up and into your shoe far enough that it is uncomfortable. Best shimano pedal is the XT T8000 trekking SPD. Its SPD one side and platform the other. The platform is decent though unlike any of the other shimano offerings.
XT T8000 trekking SPD
I found those slippery as hell. It was like the worst of both worlds - a one sided spd for spd riding and a platform that I'd slip off at the first sign of rain/wet feet.
My wife uses these
I’ve only used them on the flat side when I’ve been playing on her bike but they work well, especially if it’s your commuter/town option.
+1 on XT trekking - ridden in trainers, rafting sandals and normal shoes - never slipped once.
I've got the XT ones and, whilst I wouldn't do a lengthy ride on them, absolutely no problem cycling a couple of miles for the commute or to the pub/shop etc. I suspect the main factor is how grippy your shoe - I've never slipped off them!Pedals with SPD both sides and a support cage are absolute crap for normal pedalling.
I prefer this setup to having a one-sided pedal for when I [I]am[/I] wearing SPDs... not coming from a roadie background I have no experience with 1-sided pedals 😃
I use the Funn Mamba S double-siders, they're pretty good and work as a normal pinned pedal with my 5:10s when I need them to.
I've got my old PD-M636 on my Fixed Pub/town bike:
I either use them with trainer style SPD shoes or regular waffle soled Vans...
Plenty of cage, the binding makes them a bit lumpy under a soft soled shoe but they're good enough for getting about. They're near indestructible well worth a punt if you spot a cheap pair on eBay...
I've got Shimano PD-M424 pedals on my On-One for just this reason - sometimes I ride in normal shoes to the pub, or when out with my daughter & these aren't too bad as a platform option for just riding along.
You can still feel the SPD through them a bit, so I wouldn't wanna be using them all day in normal shoes, but for a couple of hours they're no problem.
i just ride the spd pedals (cageless ones)
I've got some crank bros double shot pedals that have one side with an Spd clip and one side a platform pedal. they're good for putting on a utility bike or something for knocking about on that you might also go further on. I had mine on my old cotic escapade that I used to put on the back of the camper for holidays. I could go for a long ride with clipless shoes on or just pedal to the shops or beach in flip flops if needed without changing the pedals.
As a wild card entry - how about normal SPDs with some pocket pedal covers?
PD-XT T8000 here. Got them on almost all of my bikes now. If I were relying on being able to grip the pins on the correct side in order to make some huge jump then I wouldn't be using them but I don't do that stuff and it's very rare that I don't get the correct side of the pedal first time when I need it. love them
Xt trekking again, the first version didn't have pins, the latest do.
Another vote for the xt trekking pedal.
Used the for years on my commuter bike.
324s are fine. You can file them to sharpen the points on the flat side. Use them on the recumbent since everyone wants a go. Learnt to ride off road clipless with them and switched to double sided when confidence improved. Ive never killed a pair either.
Another vote for the Sonder Jekyll from Alpkit.
Bloody hell, thanks all for your input! I’ll have a read and digest.
Ta
Xt trekking are great for me for exactly this use case.
I use the DMR Versa which is a Vault on one side (super grippy flat pedal) and SPD on the other.
Expensive but very grippy on the flat side.
those Sonder Jekyll look great and £45, non in stock :0(
will be going on my gravel if they come back in