Choice of pedals?

Monty Zoncolan

Hi, i'd appreciate the sage advice of the forum.

I've just acquired a Wilier La Triestina. My first proper road bike.

I need to get some pedals for it, with the only real criteria being that they are appropriate to the bike in terms of quality, weight and so on - so not ridiculously expensive and light but nor should they be crap and heavy - and also that ideally they are Shimano SPD compatible, as that is the type of pedal I have on my existing mountain bike and thus my cycling shoe cleats.

In the fullness of time I may buy road shoes but not in the foreseeable future as the MTB shoes are decent and should be fine.

Any suggestions?

Anonymous

There are 2 main types which seem to be doing the rounds, Shimano M520s and Shimano A520s. Both are SPD compatible, but one is flat on the other side, one is double sided.

Both very affordable and should serve the purpose without any issues. I think the A520 might provide a bit more support as the shoe can rest on the pedal as well as be clipped into the spd - possibly an advantage for longer rides.

I used to have SPDs but didnt like the fact that in their age, the shoe cleat started to feel a bit loose inside the pedal and rattle around, so recently bought some SPD-SLs, which give a very reassuring connection to the pedal and feel really nice.

If you don't stick with SPDs, I got the Shimano Ultegra ones for 59 (pricematched to bikeinn.com) but the Shimano 105s are also very good. The Look Keos come in at a good price, and are meant to offer something halfway between ultegra and 105 quality. I was really nervous about clipping in (twisting out was never really going to be an issue!) and although sometimes I miss, it's actually quite easy, and I am still improving at it now!

marcusjb

The already mentioned M520s are a great pedal for the money (I use them on my fixie commuter).

If you're really worried about weight, the M540s are about £15-20 more a pair and are 30g lighter.

I have M770s on my audax bike and I have no idea what the difference between them and the 540s are (they look identical, weigh the same etc.) - other than another £20 a pair! Felt robbed when I then looked at the spec on the 540s!

Operationally, I couldn't tell you any difference between the 520s on the fixed and 770s on the audax bike - both are very easy to get in and out of and I've never had any problems with the size of the platform.

So, if money is tight - go for the 520s - they are spot on.

If you've a little more cash floating around, save 30g and get the 540s.

Don't bother with the 770s - I am sure there is a difference (probably bearings) - but they're not worth the extra money in my opinion (and that comes from someone who's using them!).

Finally, if you are mega rich, the M980 (XTR) pedals are about 40g lighter then the 540/770 - but are rather spendy.

keef66

I have the M540s on my road bike cos like you, I already had the mtb shoes / cleats.

I think they look just fine, weight's OK, and performance is stomp and go, as I'm sure you're used to.

Just put M520s on my son's rescued steel Peugeot where weight isn't an issue.

solboy

What you need are Shimano A600 pedals. They are Ultegra, light and the best looking SPD pedal you can get for a road bike. Had mine a year and they are great although they do scratch easily.

At the Ribble price its a no brainer really.

ride_whenever

I'd go for the xt trail pedal, better bearings and sealing than the lower ones. A small cage to support your feet.

Monty Zoncolan

Thanks for all those suggestions. I'll check out the types indicated and make a choice based on that.