I'm needing some new pedals for my commuter and can't decide between the Shimano [url= https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-m324-spd-pedals-oe-EV192333 ]M324[/url] or [url= https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-a530-touring-pedals-oe-EV192334 ]A530[/url].
Anyone here have any experiences of them or is there something else worth going for?
Thanks
Proper spds and leaving your normal shoes at work.
M324 has a bigger surface area and is better to pedal unclipped. The A530 flat side is very much an emergency pedal platform, it lacks grip and I'd not want to ride it for any length of time.
In truth, I think they're both a big compromise, I'd just buy some SPD's or some flats depending on what you'll use most.
I have tried xt version of the m324 on my commuter/tourer.
It works good as both an spd and a flat.
Very easy to get the right side. Very easy to ride through complex road situations on the flat side and flick over at Slater situation.
My commuter / paper round bike has the flip sided ones.
You are always trying to get in to the wrong side...or stand on the clip side...
I used to be 'in the office' all day so proper spd's were fine but now I often have to pop out to meetings etc once at work where spd's aren't suitable to wear so combination pedals are a must (although a compromise).
I quite like the A530 pedals. Fine for commuting a few miles in boots or wellies or trainers etc. Grip is not too bad, can be a bit slippery in the wet, depends on your shoes.
I find they usually 'stick' one way round. ie you spin them round to the correct way at the start of the ride, then they stay like that, even if you have to stop and put a foot down.
I have the M324s on my commuter. They are excellent. I use them because sometimes I ride it on proper long rides when I wear my SPDs, and sometimes I am riding a couple of miles in London in work clobber. And I have to say it's great not needing to change shoes or pedals.
They feel as good as SPDs on the SPD side, and like normal pedals on the normal side. I have no issues getting the right side either. They hang just right so that I can step on and get the SPD side, or flip the pedal forward to get the cage side. The flip motion is exactly the same as I used to do to get into toe clips, so if you have experience there it helps 🙂
I've used both, like the OP, I often need to pop out to a meeting or visit booted and (not exactly) suited.
Prefer the A530, think they are a little lighter. Grip on the flat side is not great whichever pedal. Also found the M324 rusted after a while. No issues really with getting the wrong side of the pedal.
I bought some a530s and don't like them really. Seem to be the worst of both worlds since the side you want is always underneath.
Aren't there flat pedals with spd bit on each side? Sure I've seen something.
There's some XT touring ones with a decent pinned side, Ive got the m324 and they are ok for riding to the pub but not grippy enough for off road.
[url= https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-deore-xt-t8000-trekking-pedal-EV292915?esvt=52850-GOUKE2001062&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-1145146-1&esvcrea=166222662930&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvtg=pla-300815614935&esvo=EV292915-NA-BLK&esvaid=50080&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7OPcvuq52AIVVbsbCh3h4gEHEAQYBCABEgIdx_D_BwE ]https://www.evanscycles.com/shimano-deore-xt-t8000-trekking-pedal-EV292915?esvt=52850-GOUKE2001062&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-1145146-1&esvcrea=166222662930&esvplace=&esvd=m&esvtg=pla-300815614935&esvo=EV292915-NA-BLK&esvaid=50080&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7OPcvuq52AIVVbsbCh3h4gEHEAQYBCABEgIdx_D_BwE[/url]
This thread and the fact I am now the owner of a much more versatile bike made me look again at these pedals last night. I really like the look of the XT ones, ze Germans are selling them for about £20 less than you can get them in the UK.
Still more than I've ever spent on a set of pedals though so it's not happening. Might give the A530s a look though, I'd be happy using the new Hack for more pootling and some flats would make it much better when it's not bashing out 20 mile commutes.
I'll add in another option. I have some cheap plastic add on platforms that clip into one side of a SPD pedal. Not easy to take on and off so more of a install and leave on but converted some pedals I already had. Good enough for popping to shops, out with bike trailer etc.
These look about the same
Proper spds and leaving your normal shoes at work.
Where I say flat pedals and don't bother with SPD. 🙂
Commuting is not a race. It makes bugger all difference.
Mallets, obvz
I have tried a few variations on this theme.
The A530 flat side is very much an emergency pedal platform, it lacks grip and I'd not want to ride it for any length of time.
Agree with this, but they are still what's on my commuter at the moment. I actually find them very easy to clip into and I only need the flat side once in a blue moon.
I've had the M324 before, but have managed to kill the bearings fairly quickly. They aren't much grippier on the flat side (in normal shoes) than the A530s.
I did buy some lifeline ones from wiggle which had a plastic flat side - they had a better grip on the flat side, but again, the bearings were made of cheese.
I've used both of the ones in the OP.
Both not as good as the XT T8000 with pins. Plus the XT has built in reflectors too.
I use them on the roadish bike, distance commute on the spd side and use the flats when popping to the pub.
They always fall the same way so easy to pick flat or spd.
Those funn ones look great, didn't know they did them.
My recent Shimano pedals experience isn't great, killed several sets of XTR and Saint. They used to be indistructabubble up to a few years ago.
Has this been suggested before? - use whatever pedal/shoe combination you like to commute in and leave your “work” shoes at work, where they belong.
The op has errands to run during the day and short meetings, hence not wanting to swap shoes for these.
I was wondering the other day if there could be some quick release pedals made, attach just the pedal spindle to the crank and have either a spd or a flat pedal that slides on and locks into place, then release,slide off and put the other type on. If the flats were made from plastic they could be light and just pop them in a bag. I'd buy a set if they made them. Not sure if it would work in reality but was just a thought!
have some cheap plastic add on platforms that clip into one side of a SPD pedal. Not easy to take on and off so more of a install and leave on but converted some pedals I already had. Good enough for popping to shops,
You mean the reflector holders ? Lethal in the damp. Wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy
Can I add another option to the list; Wellgo r120b.
These are favourably reviewed it seems.
I have a pair however have yet to use the SPD side. They seem well made and the side you want will stay facing up once you've rotated it there.
I've got a set of DMR V-twins, brand new in the box for sale at £80 if interested, a lovely blue colour. Platform and spd
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/eurobike-2016-dmr-introduces-v-twin-clipless-pedal/ ]DMR VTWIN[/url]
blueflamespecial - Member
Can I add another option to the list; Wellgo r120b.
Been using these for a couple of years after a recommendation on here.
Can't fault them for commuting and touring.
Alpkit's also have something suitable https://www.alpkit.com/explore/pedals
As an adult I can decide when I should ride home in my work shoes or not but thanks for helping.
Thanks for all the responses. In the end I went for the A530's and so far they have been great. They are are lighter than I thought and the grip on the flat side is really good (although I have only tried this side in the dry).
Hi
A530's here too.
There is also the option to have a compromise shoe, I have a pair of Exustar Stelvio's which are smart enough for most meetings, nice black leather shoe with a recessed cleat. Might replace them with a pair of Quoc Pham's later this year.
These look good if you’re feeling flush https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/components-c9/pedals-c82/d1-pedals-p17495