Single Sided Pedals? Any Opinions?

I really need a new pair of pedals for a bike i just bought. The pedals that were on it were fine when using my cycling shoes, but much too small to use with street shoes. I'm kind of looking for a compromise. I really haven't found a pair of single sided, road compatible pedals that I like, so I was looking at mountain bike clipless pedals. Crankbrothers Smartys to be specific. The platform looks bigger, so I could use a street shoe, when going around town and to school, but can throw on the cleats when I'm going for a long ride. I was just wondering if anybody had an opinion either way on the matter. I'm open to all suggestions.

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6 Comments »

UncleKen said:

I use the Shimano M324 on my hard-tail which doubles as my family bike for casual rides with the wife and kids. As Chuck said, they aren’t pretty, but I love them. The platform side does an acceptable job gripping my sneakers and the clipless side is reliably SPD.
It took a month or so for them to loosen up, but after that the platform side, being heavier, would rotate to the bottom leaving the clipless side facing up. It doesn’t take long to get used to making sure your feet land on the right side.
Shimano also has the A530. I can’t speak for how well they work since I haven’t tried them but they look sleeker.

# 14 February 2010 at 10:40 pm

Dial Tone said:

While the CB Smartys can function as ‘flat’ pedals, you still have little platform to pedal with and your shoes will slip of the pedal, mine did.
Check out the Crank Bros Mallets–these are designed for downhill use where the rider can unclip (either by choice or accident) and use the pedal as ‘flat platform’ pedals and reclip again.
Hope that helps and good luck

# 15 February 2010 at 3:03 am

Roberto said:

Well, the platform that the Candy and Smarty provide is just esthetically, in my opinion. I had the Candy (which are pretty similar to the smarty) and didn’t feel that the cage worked at all.
I really think that you should go for the eggbeaters (no cag, but less weight for the same function) or look at the other options in Crank Bros other options.
Maybe look at the Acid or Mallets if you want Crank Brothers. Shimano has their DX or 647 wich also provide a very good platform (they’re my pedals that I’ve liked the most).

# 15 February 2010 at 4:01 am

Silverbu said:

I think you’re looking for something like the pedals shown below. I’ve considered using them on my everyday bike, just never got around to ordering them. Maybe its time to put a bug in my son’s ear regarding Father’s Day.

# 15 February 2010 at 6:42 am

AntDU said:

Shimano make’s these SPDs. They seem to be exactly what you are loking for. They are on my HT and really can withstand the abuse – unlike the plastic platforms. I use my HT for round town riding and trails. MY FS a clipless only set-up.http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Pro…

# 15 February 2010 at 9:43 am

Anonymous said:

The Smarties are good pedals but still quite small and will never be particularly comfortable or secure when used with regular shoes. The Shimano M324 pedals are a guenuine single sided spd but are a little ugly on a road bike but one of the very few real options. The issue will always be that when you want to be clipped in you only have one side to use/find and vica versa when using flat shoes. Or you could use something like the Crank bros. Mallets, double sided clipless and big enough for use with flat shoes, but they are ugly on a road bike.
Weigh up the options and take your pick.

# 15 February 2010 at 2:33 pm