Long life SPDs

bike-a-swan

Ok, I'm a long time fan of m520s for cheapness and reliability. However, I now seem to be wearing through them at an increasing rate on my high mileage mtb. I can't be absolutely sure, as my pedals migrate around different bikes, but I'm pretty sure this pair have only been on since march and they've already started to develop a knock (I've worn out a pair of grips in that time, in all fairness). I can service them but they never seem to be as nice after I open them up.

So, to my point (at last) I'm looking for some advice on what the best life/cost/weight (emphasis on the first two) balance is on the spd range- 520, 530, xt, xtr? something else I've forgotten?

Cheers

nicklouse

what is wearing?

bike-a-swan

Bearings, slight knock shown up in the latest set. Previous pairs have been really rather loose before being consigned to the great workshop bin in the sky.

hobbitsharley

i have still got my Time Atacs from at least 2000 and there still going strong

.blitz

If you really want something you can fit-and-forget, XTR SPDs are worth every penny. In fact the whole experience is worth the money - the spindles don't flex, the bearings are silky smooth and the cleats engage no matter what. They just run and run and run.

XT SPDs are similar but not quite as good. I have XTR SPDs on one bike and XTs on another the difference is noticeable.

benpinnick

+1 XTR (in trail version)

anjs

i have my eye on the new xt trail ones if they every arrive in this country

bails87

I've got some of the XT trail ones, I think they came from Leisure Lakes (B'day pressie!) they took a week or so to arrive as they had to be ordered in, but you can get them.

Otherwise try one of the german sites.

.blitz

anjs wrote:

i have my eye on the new xt trail ones if they every arrive in this country

Loads on bike24.com. 68 euros inc delivery by DHL arrived in three days.

anjs

oh now temped but have a load of CRC vouchers to use

anjs

oh now temped but have a load of CRC vouchers to use

omegas

Unscrew the retaining nut, pull spindle shaft out , slap a load of grease on the bearings every 6 months or 5000 miles and the bearings will last a lifetime. Same with any Shimano spd pedals.

diy

I have XT SPDs and I have, gone through 4 chains and 3 cassettes, 2 sets of chainrings and a set of wheel bearings and a full set of frame bearings but the XT SPD bearings are still as new.

bike-a-swan

Cheers guys, food for thought. Omega, I can and have serviced them, unlike hubs I never seem to be able to get them 'just so' afterwards and as I seem to be getting through them faster these days I was hoping to avoid doing it to often.

As for xtr, it is pretty tempting- haven't had any xtr kit for a while and I have heard good things. I think i'd go for the race version- I've got a set of m530s and I'm not sure they'd be appropriate for the bike I'm looking at. Something to think about.

Cheers!

.blitz

bike-a-swan wrote:

I think i'd go for the race version

You won't regret it they are most excellent.

stubs

The XTR trail pedals are brilliant buttery smooth bearings easy in and out look the dogs danglies whats not to like. Got mine off canyon http://www.canyon.com/_uk/accessories/articles.html?ac=Z05_01 with postage cost £96 though that does depend on the exchange rate took 3 days to arrive.

Was a bit nervous about them havent used SPD for a few years been using Time ATACs but 1st time out and it was like I had been using them for years. Left hand pedal has already had a big pedal to rockstep interface that would have wiped out a cheapo pedal, it has a gouge in the anodising but thats all.

anjs

Yes broke in the end and paid just of 55 for some nice new XT trail ones