SPD's: platform or not to platform

Welsh_Tom
Welsh_Tom Posts: 571
edited June 2012 in MTB buying advice
Thinking its time to give spd's a go.
Been riding 1 and a bit years.
Running wego's MG1 atm they are great but with the low bb on my bike climing is a bit of a git for rock hits.

My feet are good at staying on down hill, but i do get the odd bump off now and again, think the sticky rubber on the sole is starting to go off as its happening more now then it was. Maybe dryer trails dont help this.

My riding is RED trail centers with some local big hills. Enjoy playing on the local DH trail also.

So the Spd's

Shimano M520 Clipless SPD Pedals
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3759

Shimano M424 Clipless SPD Pedals
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7808

Shimano M530 MTB SPD Trail Pedals
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67249

Are the ones i been looking at, But this months MBUK give a good review for

Crank Brothers Candy 2 Pedals - Limited Edition
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71337

Time Z Freeride Pedals
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4739

Thanks for the help guys

Comments

  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 5,120
    I really like the Time Freeride pedals, feel just like flats but you're attached to them and they are easy to clip in and out of. Very heavy though. Time do another platform one that uses a plastic body instead which is lighter but also more expensive and I know a few people who rate them. Not tried any of the Shimano trail pedals though so can't compare.
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    I didn't like the M424's, the plastic cage brakes easily from rock strikes and provides minimal support. I settled on M520's and love them, easy to clip in/out, clear mud easily and they're cheap. The trail pedals are better built than the M424's but as I said, IMO the cage gives no support. For dh, the pedals tension can be set really low so it's easier to clip out. This increases the risk of you unclipping mid air if you do jumps though.

    I can't really comment on the other 2 pedals other than there's a lot of people that don't like the float on CB pedals, and the cleat mechanism is different.
  • Welsh_Tom
    Welsh_Tom Posts: 571
    Will any shoe fit them all?

    I do like the look of the Freerides. how big are they i wonted something smaller then my mg1 so i can maybe miss rocks a bit better :P
  • Greer_
    Greer_ Posts: 1,716
    Yep, the cleats come with the pedals and bolt onto any compatible shoe.
  • peter413
    peter413 Posts: 5,120
    Welsh_Tom wrote:
    Will any shoe fit them all?

    I do like the look of the Freerides. how big are they i wonted something smaller then my mg1 so i can maybe miss rocks a bit better :P

    They are thicker (I think most clipless pedals are) but narrower than the MG1's. They are tough as old boots though, mine have taken some good impacts and no damage.