I used to use MTB(SPD) pedals on all my bikes (Road, MTB, Touring)
until I started riding with a road group ride. We tend to get a little
competative on these rides sprinting town lines and racing to the top
of climbs. I had a few scary experiences with blowing out of my pedals
with my SPD pedals during town line sprints. SPD and MTP type pedals
tend to have less float and can release easier on the up-stroke than
road pedals. After nearly going down at 25mph+ on a sprint I decided to
get some road shoes and LOOK pedals. Since then I have never had an
issue with blowing out.

From the sounds of it you would do fine with an SPD-type MTB shoe and
pedals for both bikes. If you get into riding with a high testosterone
group ride then go for pair of road shoes and LOOK-type pedals.

-Ralph




On Oct 15, 6:42 am, Jim Higson wrote:
I'm looking to buy some clipless pedals for my mountain and road bikes. I
don't really want to buy two pairs of shoes or have to keep swapping cleats
over. I also want pedals that work with "walkable" shoes.

I'm thinking of just putting double-sided "mountain" type SPD pedals on both
bikes. They appeal because they're cheap and fit the requirements of only
needing one pair of shoes. Shimano's entry level M520 look OK, and the more
expensive models seems just to offer weight reduction, which I'm not all
that bothered about. Plus the double-sided thing sounds like a good idea
for the road as well as off it for getting in and out quickly at traffic
lights.

Will they cause any problems on the road bike? Really, I can't really see
there being all that much difference in the performance of pedals for
road/mountain use. I mostly do fairly fast riding at weekends, and some
light touring.

The only alternative I can find of road/mountain pedals that use the same
cleats is the Crank Bros ones. The egg beaters look very... interesting.
Maybe I'll try some one day.

On a related note, what makes the egg beaters "XC" pedals and not road
racing pedals? I'd have thought it'd road racers would take the reduced
weight version over the MTBers. What makes the nude egg beaters unsuited to
road cycling?

Thanks for any insight,
--
Jim