SHIMANO PD-EH500 dual-sided SPD pedals

Shimano’s PD-EH500 is the pedal for a bike that gets ridden in two different ways, and it is the best seller here for that reason.

What the manufacturer publishes

One side SPD, the other side flat. A light binding making frequent entry and exit easier. Better grip on the flat side in wet conditions. A double-sided pedal, stated as good for city and touring use, with the cleat set included.

Why the dual face is the right answer for a commuter

Clipless pedals are more efficient and more secure. They also require cycling shoes, which is a problem when the trip is to a shop, or when it is a work day and you did not plan to cycle.

A pedal with a flat face on one side removes the choice. The bike works either way, and you decide on the day.

The light binding

A commute involves stopping — at every junction, every set of lights. A pedal with a low release effort makes that unremarkable rather than something to think about each time. Shimano specifying a light binding for this pedal is a deliberate choice for the use.

The metal platform

Better grip in the wet than a plastic face, which matters when the flat side is the one you are using in ordinary shoes in rain.

The shoes

Two-bolt SPD, which recess into a walkable sole. You can walk into a building in them, which three-bolt road shoes make awkward.