[Closed] Recommendations for flat/SPD pedals

combos are terrible
you'll end up not clipped in when you want to be, and clipped in when you don't
unless youre commuting, then its kinda ok
commit one way or the other

it's for the gravel bike. Clipped in for roads and easy b-ways then flat side for when I hit really steep or rough ground

Shimano A530 might be OK, if you can find a new pair:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-a530-spd-single-sided-touring-pedals

I have some used ones that I took off a bike that I bought, but have never tried them.

will work on a gravel bike (IMHO) ive got some Xpedo Ambix on mine, although i end up on the flat side more often than not

i've been thinking eh500's but mostly so I don't always have to wear clip shoes if I just want to go for a quick spin.

if you are wearing spd shoes and expecting them feel more secure on the flat side then expect to be disappointed.

I've had terrible combo pedals in the past, but now have Time Link and love them. They predictably always land cleat side up, which suits me as 99% of my riding is clipped in, and it's just a quick flick to go into normal flat mode. Grip in flat mode is not great though (not a problem for me as I only tend to use that when nipping to the shops)

In general though, as some have said above, a ride is either clipped in or flat for me.

I've got a similar scenario as OP, I ride gravel and turbo trainer on clips, however when nipping to the shops or gym most days I don't want to have to wear clips. My gf also uses my bike on the turbo and doesn't ride clips so I'm currently changing back and forth flat pedals every day which is a pain.

After looking into it, apparently the shimano deore xt pd-t8000 are far better than eh500's for the flat pedal side. You can easily remove the reflectors with 1 screw if needed, but I'm planning on buying them soon. The flat side has good looking pins and a concave shape.

Not sure I see the point, unless you have double sided shoes also

Combo (flip-flop) pedals are for when you want to use the same bike for proper riding and also nipping to the shops in trainers. They're not at all for unclipping mid-corner.

SPD pedals that have a platform (those Crank Bros ones were popular a while back?) sort of address than problem.

A530s are decent - looks to be some on Ebay. Easy enough to flip them and if you land on either permutation of wrong shoe+side then you can manage for a couple of pedal strokes while you flip it over.

Only issue is they are a bit slippy when wet on the flat side, but if you're only going to use the flat for going to shops etc then not a big issue.

Big fan of M647 pedals here - utterly neglected but they survive. But they've been around forever - have they ever been improved? I don't really ever consciously and deliberately use them unclipped other than if I was re-mounting in the middle of a super-nadge section.

On my hardtail I'll happily wear normal trainers with M647's for short local trips / jobs.

@kraken2345 - did you get the XT T8000 pedals?

I'm a big fan of the Nukeproof horizon spd as they have a big platform you can pedal on not clipped in and clips too, but we're all different :/

James

+1 for the XT T8000 - got a pair on my Cotic Soda - excellent clipped in or with trainers

combo pedals are crap. TIME ATAC MX2 is a cheap light choice.

Going against 'they are crap' I have flats on my HT and CB Mallet's on my Kenevo. Had them in my Capra before that and on my Enduro before that.

I love them, but I don't wear typically rigid cycling shoes - usually Spesh 2fo's

If I want to nip to the shops/pub in normal trainers I can

Xt trekking. Not cheap but good at both.

I’m a big fan of the Nukeproof horizon spd

I run these on both my bikes with Specialized 2FOs. I wouldn't go for a proper ride in normal shoes on them, but they'd be fine for a couple of k's.

thanks guys XT T8000 ordered