SPD pedals or platforms

TychoCaine

I used to do a lot of road miles, but since I got a real job, family, mortgage etc., I've turned into a fat b$%&ard, so it's about time I got back on the bike. I'm easing into it, but I *need* to get some clipless pedals ASAP. I used to use Look pedals back in the day, and I just can't handle platforms, even now. I want to use the bike for commuting, and runs to the shop in addition to racking up the miles, so I won't be wearing cleats 100% of the time. Shimano PD-M424s look to be the ideal compromise. A plastic cage pedal, with a double sided MTB style SPD mechanism in the middle. The SPD hardware just pushes out of the way when you're wearing your favourite trainers. They are a bit big and clunky though.

Way back when I used to have these adapters that were basically a platform with toeclips that had a Look cleat in the bottom. I'd just clip them in when I wasn't using my Sidis. I can't find them anywhere anymore. Does anyone know where I can get something like it? Even ones that are just a plain platform (with no toeclips) will do. I've not bought the pedals yet, so anything that's Look or SPD compatible will do.

Gary

Mucco

This is the fella'
http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763012&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302041034&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181426&bmUID=1154721267126

TychoCaine

Yeah, but it's two single sided pedals. You gotta kick it 'round when you need the platform side. The PD-M424 I suggested is better because it's double sided. See http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/catalog/cycle/products/component.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441763013 They're both big and clunky compared to a standard Look or SPD, so I was hoping for something more flexible, like a clip-in platform for a standard small, light clipless pedal.

Mucco

I thought that's what you wanted.
I had the other pedals, they're OK for non-spd use, though you do still feel the mechanism through the soles of your shoes. Not too bad, they're fine for town-use.
I find 959s very good, though a bit pricey. I got all my pairs second hand.

C

mockerydawg

In all honesty the PD-M424 doesnt give much grip to a normal runner. No caged spd pedals do. The spd unit does not just sink under foot, it moves a little but you will still be resting on it.
Its designed for dh, where if your foot comes out of the cleat you still have a platform to hold your balance on, but the idea is you clip back in quickly without slipping off the pedal. The cage is metal also, but the teeth are too blunt to give a confident stable platform without being clipped in.
You'd be far better using a good flat pedal with runners, like http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3177.
If however you want to keep the cleats, I'd use these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4733. They have a larger body then the Shimano, and offer better grip than equvilant Shimano offering when using standard shoes.
On a personal note, I have used Shimano cleats since 1997, and thought they were brilliant until I used started using the Times this year. It took a while to get used to, but I find the Time's a whole heap better for everything than the Shimano were.