SPD pedals for a beginner

sheep911uk
sheep911uk Posts: 29
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
Are Shimano SPD PD-M520 pedals suitabe for a first time user on a road bike or would i be better off with a dual purpose pedals

Comments

  • Pseudonym
    Pseudonym Posts: 1,032
    the 520s are dual purpose pedals...
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    so one side is flat like a normal pedal?
  • Pseudonym
    Pseudonym Posts: 1,032
    sheep911uk wrote:
    so one side is flat like a normal pedal?

    no, I mean dual purpose as in road and MTB.
  • wombar
    wombar Posts: 119
    I think Pseudonym means they're double sided (i.e. you can clip in both sides).

    To answer your original question, yes those pedals are fine. Those are the exact pedals I have on my road bike, but I also have a mountain bike as well.

    I'd go with those to get you started, and if you feel the need to move onto the road specific pedals (i.e. only one side clips in) you can do so at a later date.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    sorry for my ignorance completely new to all this.
    Just wondering if i have bought the right pedals?
    Thanks for taking the time to answer
    Nick
  • cornerblock
    cornerblock Posts: 3,228
    Shimano A530 SPD have a flat side for normal footwear, and a clip in side too. They are good for getting used to clipless.
  • esspeebee
    esspeebee Posts: 174
    If you're new to clipless pedals, then a double-sided SPD pedal like the M520 is about as good as you can get -- whatever position it happens to be in, you can always clip in easily, and they're easier to get out of than road-style cleats. Run with those for a while, and then decide whether you want to change to something else. I'm still using them -- they're also much nicer for riding in a city, when you're stopping and starting several times on a ride.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Thank you for all the replies,does anyone know what cleats the pedals come with as standard,multi release or single release?
    Thanks
  • esspeebee
    esspeebee Posts: 174
    Mine came with single release. I'd recommend using them instead of the multi-release, even if you're not yet confident with them -- you'll get used to the twisting motion quickly enough, and once you do it transfers easily to just about any other pedal system.

    The multi release just means that the force required to yank it out in any direction is reduced, but that reduces the confidence you can have that your feet will stay attached if you're standing up on the pedals and pushing hard.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Thanks for all the replies
    its much appteciated
    Nick

Categories