Which pedals

PhildB

Buying my first pedals, - going for SPDs as I want to be able to walk a little in them also.

Which out of these two?

I like the idea of the wider pedal, as it might give me a little more time to pedal before getting clipped in...

... however, will I notice the extra weight of the wider one?

These will be my first clipless pedals, so any advice will be much appreciated, as I have no experience. Many thanks

Or, if you can recommend anything better, that would be fantastic..

http://www.tweekscycles.com/components/ ... dals-black

http://www.tweekscycles.com/components/ ... dals-black

mfin

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/mtb-parts/transmission-gears/pedals-mtb/shimano-pedals/shimano-m540-spd-pedals.html

markhewitt1978

The M520 are fine and good value.

PhildB

Thanks.

Does anyone have any experience with the wider SPD as above? I like the idea of having a wider surface area as I might be clipping and unclipping often during my commute... just wondering if the extra weight will really make much difference or not?

Cheers

markhewitt1978

PhildB wrote:

Thanks.

Does anyone have any experience with the wider SPD as above? I like the idea of having a wider surface area as I might be clipping and unclipping often during my commute... just wondering if the extra weight will really make much difference or not?

Cheers

I'm not sure what the surface area has to do with clipping and unclipping? If anything it would be a hindrance to that.

PhildB

Having never used SPDs I have absolutely no idea, - I was just going from this review on amazon:

"Bought these as a replacement for some more expensive SPD pedals for my MTB. Bomb-proof, as I have had a number of rock strikes, but they are still going strong. The cage allows you a few extra seconds to find the cleat. The one downside is the weight. Not that noticeable when riding, but may be important to those who are looking to shave a few ounces from the total weight of their bike. For those people, I would look at the XT version."

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shimano-M530-Tr ... ls+-+Black

binkybike

I have the m540's mfin linked to, and they are essentially the same in the as the m520 except a bit lighter and better bearings (I think). They are perfect for commuting, my foot never slips off if I miss the engagement (unlike SPD-SL), which isn't very often once you get used to them.

I see absolutely no need the for the cage on the m530's but I will admit I have never actually used them, however if you go for them you won't notice the weight difference.


Edited for clarity

neal1984

I've got two pairs of the Shimano T400 Easy 'r' pedals. I honestly can't recommend them enough. So easy to clip in and out of and I don't have any issues clipping out by accident. They may not be the prettiest of pedals but look fine on the bike as they just blend in. An added benefit is the build in reflectors which add to night time visibility and keep you on the right side of the law. These are my first clip in pedals which I have been using over 1700 miles since January. I've not had any accidents or near misses when it comes to unclipping in time. I bought these as a intro to the clip in world and honestly dont see any reason to use anything else unless weight was an issue. (The do lighter ones called T700 but for the weight vs price diffrence I didn't bother.)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... tch__plid_

nickponty

+1 for the M520s. They were my first clipless pedal and they've been brilliant. Done a couple of thousand miles on them, have only relubed them once and they are completely faultless. Clipping in and out is a breeze, I can't see why a cage would help as if the sole of your shoe touched the cage before you clipped it, it would surely make clipping in harder? Also, it's perfectly possible to pedal on the M520s without being clipped in at all, which I had to do for 5 miles when a bolt came out my cleat. M520 all the way, easily the best £20 you can spend on a bike....

PhildB

Many thanks guys! Very interesting to read your posts.

I have just been reading the reviews of the M540..... - looks like a fabulous pedal.

That T400 click'R pedal looks great to be able to use with normal trainers also (if the need arose).... - although if you can do that anyway... - however, you can never have enough reflectors... - hmmmmm - decisions decisions!

Plenty of food for thought here, - thanks again...

neal1984

PhildB wrote:

Many thanks guys! Very interesting to read your posts.

That T400 click'R pedal looks great to be able to use with normal trainers also (if the need arose).... - although if you can do that anyway... - however, you can never have enough reflectors... - hmmmmm - decisions decisions!

I have cycled around 7 miles in trainer (left my shoes at work) and they were fine. I could just feel a small lump in the bottom of my foot. I almost didn't buy these as I thought they looked a bit cheap compared to others. Like I said i now have these on both of my bikes and love them. I tried my brothers M520's and found them really hard to get in and out of (I think I'm spoilled by the T400's). Each to their own though and I appretiate that the M520 is prob the most popular pedal due to its price point and reliability. T400 also comes in white if that floats your boat.

PhildB

These might be a pretty good option for me, - as there are times when I will probably cycle in trainers - plus the reflectors.... - only thing putting me off is, as you say, they look a bit cheap

Mind you, if I can still cycle with trainers with the 540s.... - hmmmm

markhewitt1978

You can for a short distance, e.g. up to traffic lights etc, I wouldn't recommend it for any longer than that.

nobrakes71

+1 for m520, have them in 2 bikes, good value for money. You would not notice any difference getting the more expensive shimanos.

marcusjb

540s for their near indestructibility

520s for a cost so laughably low now

Anything more than 540s just doesn't really make sense (though I have 770s on the audax bike, if they ever fail, I'd replace them with 540s as per the commuting bike).

Brown sauce

I have both these pedals. The 540's are really mtb pedals as the black front and back bits make it easier to get the right way if you're struggling on a muddy uphill. I have them on my mtb.

The 520's I have on my road bike and as there is less clipping in and out on the road they're good and obviously amazing value and lighter than the 540's