Pedal types for commuting.

manick0de said:

What's the most popular form of pedals for commuting? (not really a long ride to work)

I've been using clipless and while this is the best choice for riding it's a pain carrying a pair of shoes around (no I can't leave them at work).

Don't like flats.

Used cage's for the first time the otherday and what a pain in the [censored] that was. Spent more time using the underside. The pedals tend to hang upside down and getting in the cage as a hassle.

Just curious as to what others use?

I usually use clipless, with shoe-change option no problem. I've got a permanent locker in the gym just next to the office and yes i'm lucky enough to just keep a change of shoes around the office. Usually I'm lazy and just keep cycling shoes on all day as i'm not exactly walking far at my desk. Not the best idea though.
I tried cages / toe-only clips and quickly gave up on them, they'd hang upside down and scrape on the floor etc.

I also use the flat+clip 2-sideds which I prefer in bad-weather; The hastle of flipping them doesn't bother me any more compared to the benefit of regular shoe useage option and riding un-clipped.
Thats what i've stuck on the bike that I'm using here in my 2month stay in Redmond, where it's just starting to rain..

Just a psychological thing really.. if it LOOKS slippery (even though clips are still perfectly safe!) it just puts my mind at rest to not be clipped in, e.g. in the start-stop conditions at junctions, and when hopping on and off 'sidewalks'.

The other more compelling situation to use them is in excessively WINDY conditions, when being blown off course whilst clipped in anywhere near traffic feels decidedly like playing russian-roulette. ( 'cyclists roulette'? )

You can't ride on platform-less pedals unclipped? I unclip from my eggbeaters and let the pedal settle near where the arch of my foot begins. I also have a pair of Mallet C's that I use on my cyclocross/commuter bike (my go-anywhere bike).

As far as shoes, I wear my Shimano sandals all day. You get used to the stiffness, and they look and walk like normal shoes. (no waddling)

As far as Flats, get a pair of 700x25C tires and 18-23c tubes. Buy a Mr.Tuffy liner meant for 26x1.5(gray). Tuffy liners always come too long, so the 26x1.5 actually handles the 700c circumference and the extra width gives bead-to-bead protection. The smaller tube gos into the stuffed 25c tire more easily then a 25c tube will. For extra protection you can get a regular 700x23C liner(orange) and put it in ontop of the gray liner. Be sure to cut it to length so there is no overlap. You can kiss suppleness good bye, but this design is damn-near flatproof.

if there's no need for you to ride super fast, and the ride isn't too long, there's nothing wrong with riding with jogging shoes and loose/moderate straps and clips. I actually enjoy doing the occasional ride like this on short commutes (less than 20km), especially in it's a busy area where I'm stopping all the time and putting my foot down.

I do a 50km commute and wear look style clipless pedals & shoes.
At work I have a locker and leaver towel, pair of shoes in their. It is a simple matter to change across. However I also have to wear orthotics in my normal shoes, so I need to remember to take them with me otherwise I am wearing my insoles from my cycle shoes