[punisher59]

I rode spd for over twelve years. Loved em but got jammed in and could not unlock just one time, after pulling a few pea sized stones out from under my skin and a few stitches I tried some platforms and 5.10 karvers, fell in love the first time out. Still use the spd on the road and concrete trails, but not in the woods anymore.

[Bubblehead10MM]

Has anyone tried the Pro TonLocks (Magnetic Pedals)?
ProTonLocks - Iller Enterprises L.L.C.

[zero3one]

+1 for SPD pedals. I have them on my MTB and although I wear a dedicated shoe for the system, I can still dismount and walk around with the shoes.

[CO_Yeti]

I agree with the Eggbeaters. I have the Candy's (basically the same) and I love them. I couldn't even begin to count how many rocks I've smashed them on. My only beef with them is that the bearings toasted fairly quickly. If you're really that concerned about not wanting to wear clipless shoes around after a ride, most of them have velcro straps so they go on/off quicker than regular shoes. As some have said, there are also more casual-style shoes out there from companies like FiveTen, SixSixOne, etc. You may just sound like a tap dancer. Clipless pedals, whichever ones you choose, have been a godsend for me. Makes climbing and technical areas soo much better.

[Bubblehead10MM]

Still haven't gone in with the cleats, but I think I found some slack in my technic today when I got my head out and realized that the back leg doesn't need to be dead weight for the front leg to lift on the down stroke. (dah)
I plan on shopping for pedals tomorrow, still so confused. lol

[chiliphil1]

I like the shimano spd pedals that have the big bodies so they kind of look like platforms. I came from the BMX world so I'm not too big on tiny little pedals. These days you can get any type of shoe you want, if I'm not planning on doing anything after riding I have a pair of shimano shoes I can wear, but if I do I have a pair of vans, that other than the clicking sound when you step no one would ever know they were not regular shoes. I must also say that my shimano dx platforms are awesome as well, and to me it makes riding more fun to not be clipped in, it makes the hills tougher but also I feel more confident if I can throw a foot out when I need to!

[Poolie]

Curious to see what I do about pedals on my soon to be new mountain bike. Last year when I got back into riding I resisted clipless pedals on my road bike because of all the fun (not) I had years ago with my MTB when I tried clipless pedals. I finally gave in and put a set of spd's on my road bike and have never looked back, love um. At least on the road you usually have a little advance warning for when you need to un-clip. Out on the trails, not so much.

Probably for the first time or two out I'll stick with platforms until I get my comfort level back up on a mountain bike. Only time will tell, but I imagine I'll have a set of spd's installed before long.

[CTD50]

I've ridden with PowerGrips before, about a decade ago; they were and ARE a good tool for the learning curve into clipless, BTW.... BUT, while using them, I had the crash that gave me my first broken bone from the bike, L wrist.

I use Time ATAC Aliums now, and will NEVER go back!

Originally Posted by RoadHollow

I've ridden on all them at some point . I love Times but to rich for my blood , Been on Egg Beaters now for several years and love them . Secure and stable and very easy to get ot of . Only down fall is that they are very sensitive to being clipped against rocks ,

ATAC Aliums are about $60/pair; too rich for your blood? Oh, wait -- EggBeaters, you must NEED lightweight stuff, huh? Aliums do have a bit of heft, it's irrelevant to me.....

[kevinGe]

Originally Posted by Brent

After trying all and I mean all the alternatives I quite honestly found the shimano SPD pedals do the best job as far as power transfer staying in place over rougher terrain and just over all riding comfort,I found the learning curve on them to be quite short and getting in and out becomes second nature very quickly.A wide selection of shoe are available even some models that are easy to walk around in at the bar after a ride.Good luck deciding and enjoy the ride.

I have to agree. I have been using the SPD pedals for a couple of years now on my XC bike and love them. I did upgrade my clips to a multi directional set which allows you to unclip at a moments notice from any direction. I still use flats on my DH bike with 5 Ten shoes. Good luck