Giving up on SPDs

[Skierchickie]

If you don't like them, ditch them! However, I really don't see how toe clips are in any way easier. I always found them to be a pain in the ***. How on earth can you get into them starting up this 30% grade you mentioned?

My own experience: My first SPDs came on my previous MTB. They were lower-line Shimanos, and absolute death traps! I knew I would die with those, and was ready to go back to toe clips. DH & I replaced both of ours with some cheapie Nashbar ones, which were great. My current MTB came with Shimano M520 pedals, and they have been wonderful. ALWAYS there when I need them - I never have to hunt. Always pop right out when I have half and instant to think to do it. I did, however, break an ankle a year ago today sailing forward off the bike when it stopped on a dime and I didn't. No time to think - to even realize what was happening. It was a straight up & forward motion - I didn't have a chance. That was when I switched to the multi-directional cleats, and haven't had a problem since.

If you really have to be able to pull up AND wear street shoes, I'm not sure you have a lot of options. I suspect the combo-type aren't likely to be the upper-level pedal (just thinking of the night & day difference between my old pedal and my current ones).

Maybe what you REALLY need is to add a road bike to the stable! Then you could have good clipless on the MTB and whatever you need on the other bike.

I like my 520s well enough that I put them on my touring bike, and got some shoes that look more like normal sneakers (similar to what Irulan posted) that I can walk around in. I say get some good quality clipless pedals that you can use both ways (i.e. with shoes that will clip in, yet you can walk around in).