Clipless Pedals? Recommendations Appreciated!

[Catikin12]

So... I know there are a ton of threads on here regrading clipess riding (because I've read a TON), but I wanted to just get everyone's opinion about types.
What are your favorite pedals and why?
Also, is there a certain kind of pedal that's easier for a beginner and why/why not? Thanks!!!

[Chicken Little]

I have always used Crank Bros. I know a bunch of people don't like em', but they always work for me. Road or trail, doesn't matter. But I've also passed a bunch of riders, uphill, in my Birks and flat pedals on a 28 lb. 80's Schwinn. Draw your own conclusions.

[emily_in_nc]

Speedplay Frogs or Crank Brothers Candies. Although with the later, I had to cut away a bit of the tread on my one pair of mtb shoes that had a lot of tread. I used to use Speedplay X-series pedals and road shoes, but after getting used to the walkability of "mountain" shoes, I'll likely never go back. I wear Keen Commuter sandals on my Bike Friday (which is a road bike) with Candy SL pedals. They come in cool colors too, if that matters. Frogs don't come in colors but are superbly easy to get into and out of.

[roguedog]

I've got SPDs (Shimano 520 or 540).

Positives
I like that they're double sided so I don't have to find the clip in side.
I like that the shoes allow me to walk around pretty comfortably. When I commuted, sometimes I'd forgot I had 'em on until hours later!
They're cheaper than full on road pedals.
I like their durability. Their built to take the abuse of mtn bike riding! Note: I've not had road pedals so this is just my perception.


Negatives
A bit heavier
You don't have as much surface area and thus might find it less comfortable thought I've never had a problem.
Less surface area also means not as efficient in power transfer likely.

[jyyanks]

I'm a beginner and just started riding clipless last month. Like you, I read tons of thread about Shimano's, Speedplays, Candies, Look Keos and even Time pedals. I ended up going with Shimano SPD's, specifically -- Shimano M 530's.

These are the ones I got

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-DEORE-...s=shimano+m530

I like them because they are dual sides so I don't have to look down and try to find which side to clip on. They also have a small platform so if I don't click right away, I don't have trouble pedaling. They are very easy to get in and out of and I like that my mountain bike shoes are easy to walk in. I would totally recommend them for beginners. The Shimano 520's and 540's are also recommended but the reason I went with the 530's is because of the little platform.

[sookiesue]

I love my Speedplay Frogs! I was very wary about going clipless and I find these incredibly easy to use. Best of luck to you in your search!
S

[tealtreak]

I've got SPDs (Shimano 520 or 540).

Positives
I like that they're double sided so I don't have to find the clip in side.
I like that the shoes allow me to walk around pretty comfortably. When I commuted, sometimes I'd forgot I had 'em on until hours later!
They're cheaper than full on road pedals.
I like their durability. Their built to take the abuse of mtn bike riding! Note: I've not had road pedals so this is just my perception.


Negatives
A bit heavier
You don't have as much surface area and thus might find it less comfortable thought I've never had a problem.
Less surface area also means not as efficient in power transfer likely.

second vote for spds,....I got them because my local Luna clinic recommended them for starting- love them, don't anticipate changing.

[TigerMom]

I've got SPDs (Shimano 520 or 540).

Positives
I like that they're double sided so I don't have to find the clip in side.
I like that the shoes allow me to walk around pretty comfortably. When I commuted, sometimes I'd forgot I had 'em on until hours later!
They're cheaper than full on road pedals.
I like their durability. Their built to take the abuse of mtn bike riding! Note: I've not had road pedals so this is just my perception.


Negatives
A bit heavier
You don't have as much surface area and thus might find it less comfortable thought I've never had a problem.
Less surface area also means not as efficient in power transfer likely.

I am a big believer in MTB or Touring shoes because I don't feel like slapping cleat covers on/off road shoes every time I walk into a bathroom.

I also have the Shimano M530's because I was a big chicken and worried that I might never go fully clipless. Plus, the big dual sided platforms give me tons of time to clip in while pedaling. I am glad that I started out with these.

But, now that I have been going clipless, I am starting to wish for the speedplay frogs from my road bike because a lot of TE members like them for their float and ease of clipping in/out and they are much lighter than my huge
Shimano M530s.
___________________________________________________________________
2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[Catikin12]

Thank you SO much to everyone's replies!
Basically, it kind of sounds like there's a lot that has to do with just personal preference.
So I think that I'll probably just try using the ones that my bike came with for now and then revisit this thread for the recommendations if I find that the pedals don't "agree" with me
But I think if I do decide to get different pedals, the dual sided ones sound pretty nice!
FYI: I have the Shimano SPD-SL pedals on there now.
Thank you again- this forum is absolutely wonderful!!!