Pedal Connundrum

partyboy1101

I've recently bought my first mtb but already am frustrated by the lack of control afforded by the crap pedals (I'm used to clips and straps on my road bike - old skool!!!).

Initially I was looking at Crank Brothers Egg Beaters (because the look cooler than Shimano spd's), when my mate suggested that I should consider mallets, which will give a better platform for thos tricky technical sections, particularly as I'm getting used to my new ride.

Went in to my LBS today who suggested that all the Crank Bros pedals have bearing issues and that I'd be better of considering Shimano M545's or Time Z's if I really wanted a clipless pedal with a decent platform.

Having given it further thought, am I just being a big girl and should I just buy a non-platform pedal or which of the above (Crank, Time or Shimano) are regarded as the best pedals.

Oh bugger, just spotted some Look Quart in a magazine and they look nice too!!!!!! Oh what shall I buy? Any advice will be welcomed.

Andy B

Shimano are a good beginners SPD pedal, as they have adjustable release tension.

M424's are worth a look, only ~£30, they're a more basic version of the M545's

The Spiderman

I started off with m424s.Good to learn on,becauase you have added stability and a platform if your feet don't find the cleats straight away.
Once you get used to spds,though I now find the non platform versions easier to clip in and out of,becuase there is less interference from the platform.Work better in mud too.

(If you are using non platform spds get a stiffer shoe,though.)

M424s work OK,but I am on my second set,as the palstic bits fall apart after a while.They are cheap though and good to learn on.

My XTR 970 pedals however are brilliant.

forgotrafe

I went for Shimano M540 SPDs. My mate went for Crank Bros Candies. We're both total newbies when it comes to clipless (cleated) pedals/shoes.

All I can say is I've got on much better with mine. My brother has the same as me and he too has got on fine. I think the adjustable tension is great.

HTH

Rafe

artillerydave

I would echo the Shimano sentiments also, started with a set of 424's (goog) and have since moved on to 647 DX (excellent) as i like the feel of a platform having big feet!! brother in law had crankbrothers which were frankly crap and swapped out for a set of DX's also.

ride_whenever

i used cheap shimano ones and smarties before my knees gave up on spds, mainly due to rowing. The shimano ones were far far easier to get on with and much more serviceable. I now am back on flats because i like jumping and pising around.

terra

Time Z's. Shimano pedals have too many little fiddly bits which eventually work loose or drop out, eggbeaters need regular maintainance or they seize up and/or slide off the axle.

I've used Time Z's for years, no fiddling required and only replaced them when the wire which engages the cleats has worn away. (Approx 3,000 miles)