Quote Originally Posted by gabriellesca View Post
The pedals I'm looking at have clips on both sides (Shimano M520 Easy) - but some of you have mentioned having the platform on one and the clip on the other so you can be unclipped and pedal if you need to. Is this a better beginner pedal? The bike guy said its easier to clip in if both sides have the clips - but I'm most nervous about clipping out. A friend of mine said that she would often unclip way in advance and then pedal unclipped - is there a way to rest your foot on the pedal without clipping in?
If you use 'mountain' shoes where the cleat is recessed and the shoe has tread, yes. I find it very difficult at best with the road shoes with slick bottoms.

I would go for the M520 or M540. I think you would find it more annoying to be trying to flip the pedal over to the right side when you want to clip in. Also keep in mind that the pedals are adjustable as to the tension it takes to release. I'd start with them set at their easiest setting, then as you get used to it tighten them up. The 540 at the easiest setting, all I have to do is yank my foot up and it comes right out.

Also get the multi-directional release cleats to start. You can switch to the single release later, but the multi-directional is much easier IMO. I switched to the single release by accident after using the other cleats for years, and actually fell three times during my bike ride because my foot wasn't unclipping like I was used to.