Shimano Pedal upgrade

shinsplint

I'm considering upgrading my Shimano R540 pedals to 105.

Question is, is there much difference? I confess that this is my summer bike with primarily Dura-Ace kit. I've just never been a believer that pedals will make much of a difference, but maybe its time to find out.

Some may say I should have at least Ultegra, but what are your thoughts?

team47b

ShinSplint wrote:

I'm considering upgrading my Shimano R540 pedals to 105.

Question is, is there much difference? I confess that this is my summer bike with primarily Dura-Ace kit. I've just never been a believer that pedals will make much of a difference, but maybe its time to find out.

Some may say I should have at least Ultegra, but what are your thoughts?

As I understand it the 105's have some shiny metal bits that don't scratch as much as plastic and so last longer.

This is only my opinion and I have not let any facts or personal knowledge get in the way of this opinion

ugo.santalucia

ShinSplint wrote:

I'm considering upgrading my Shimano R540 pedals to 105.

Question is, is there much difference? I confess that this is my summer bike with primarily Dura-Ace kit. I've just never been a believer that pedals will make much of a difference, but maybe its time to find out.

Some may say I should have at least Ultegra, but what are your thoughts?

I think your approach is correct, there is virtually no difference and I would stay with the 540s until they die... it's 40-50 pounds you can invest better... that said, as pedals come with new cleats and cleats alone cost nearly 20 pounds... given the right offer I would upgrade once your cleats are worn

shinsplint

ugo.santalucia wrote:

ShinSplint wrote:

I'm considering upgrading my Shimano R540 pedals to 105.

Question is, is there much difference? I confess that this is my summer bike with primarily Dura-Ace kit. I've just never been a believer that pedals will make much of a difference, but maybe its time to find out.

Some may say I should have at least Ultegra, but what are your thoughts?

I think your approach is correct, there is virtually no difference and I would stay with the 540s until they die... it's 40-50 pounds you can invest better... that said, as pedals come with new cleats and cleats alone cost nearly 20 pounds... given the right offer I would upgrade once your cleats are worn

Thanks for your help. To be fair, both my exisiting pedals and cleats are worn, so i'll be buying again anyway. Only slight issue is, the 105s I believe come with the yellow cleats, which im not fussed on - prefer the none-float red version... dilemma ! haha

alphacharlie

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... PD5700.htm

I have just taken delivery of some 105's, the bike I bought on Saturday has 540's fitted but as I didnt have cleats and was reluctant to pay £18 just for cleats I went for the above at £34 or so. My first time on a road bike in years but used to the non SL spd's on my MTB and Hybrid so will get them fitted and set up later.
Cheers
AC

Butterd2

alphacharlie wrote:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Road+Parts/Transmission/Pedals+-+Road/Shimano+105+5700+SPD-SL+Pedals_PD5700.htm

I have just taken delivery of some 105's, the bike I bought on Saturday has 540's fitted but as I didnt have cleats and was reluctant to pay £18 just for cleats I went for the above at £34 or so. My first time on a road bike in years but used to the non SL spd's on my MTB and Hybrid so will get them fitted and set up later.
Cheers
AC

Got some of those myself recently after 20 years of SPD's have to admit on the road bike the SL does feel more stable even if it is more of a faff getting clipped in.