... have enough of a platform for me to stick them on my CX and be able to use them as flats when commuting?
Or is there a better clipless pedal with a bit of a platform that can perform both tasks better?
Suggestions gratefully received, including Crank Bros.
Nope to the first question, no more comfortable than using m520s etc. I wouldn't bother. Unsure on the second question.
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/which-flat-style-clipless-pedal-crankbros-nukeproof-saint/
Lots of pics and thought in here - not much though was one conclusion
Nope, I have a pair and they're utterly useless.
Like any flat/clipless hybrid they're crap compared to flats (and most people would only be using the 'flat' feature when you REALLY want your feet to stick to the pedals and be confidence inspiring, not perched on your heels so the metal cleat isn't skidding about on the metal pedal. Except in the 530's case the platform doesn't even pretend to have any grip.
Then as a clipless pedal they're useless as you have to get your foot in with millimetric precision otherwise you end up stood on the 'cage' not clipped in.
Shimano do an XT trekking pedal which is flat on one side and SPD on the other, it's labeled as click'r which just means it has lower release tension but if you dial it in past half way it feels about the same as low-ish tension on regular SPD's. Just make use you buy a set of normal cleats to replace the multi release ones they come with.
My commuting solution is 540's and Specialized cadet shoes, which are basically trainers with an SPD cleat, the cleats recessed enough that I can walk around without noticing it.
I was looking into this and concluded I'd be best off leaving whatever pedals I wanted for commuting on the bike and switching them for weekend rides.
The compromise solutions seem more annoying than a 2 minute job once or twice a week.
the cages are only for extra stability when clipped in - if you want to use flat and clip on the same bike you need the half and half ones like the M324
OP - no. The cage makes it a bit easier to clip in compared to the M520 for example but it doesn't really function as a support
I use the same setup as TINAS, but with m520 pedals.
The spesh cadet shoes are very very good for commuting/walking round in
The xt trekking or the m324 would do this job although the actually his pins for grip.anything with a duel sided spd with a cage round it will suck due to the sod part sticking out pushing your foot up off the pin