Shimano Clipless Pedals

IDave

I'm looking at getting some clipless pedals and it seems like the Shimano M520 is a great entry level choice.

Does anyone know what the difference between the M520 and the M540 is, and if it's worth paying the extra?

I can see from the spec that the M540 is lighter, but anything else?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m540-pedals

poah

consider the time atac pedals. bit more expensive but have more float and not affect by mud as much as the shimano type

craker

I've got a set of each and I'm hard pushed to tell the difference. I expect the bearings are better on the 540s. They're setup differently too, do the 540s have a more positive engagement? (I think they do).

520s - cheap as chips, perfectly good system IMO.

ilovedirt

M520s are great, personally I wouldn't consider anything other than shimano as they leave very little to be desired, and most other people run them, which means you can try your mates bikes out etc. without swapping shoes

WindyG

The 540's are lighter but also easier to service no special tools needed just a spanner

ilovedirt

Oh by the way, I run m530s, and they're awesome. The cage makes finding the pedal when clipping in so much easier.

Mad_Malx

WindyG wrote:

The 540's are lighter but also easier to service no special tools needed just a spanner

Is it actually worth servicing the 520s ? Mine have lasted 5 years year round commuting, plus some muddy XC, with nothing more than dripping lube in.

peter413

Mad_Malx wrote:

WindyG wrote:

The 540's are lighter but also easier to service no special tools needed just a spanner

Is it actually worth servicing the 520s ? Mine have lasted 5 years year round commuting, plus some muddy XC, with nothing more than dripping lube in.

Depends if they develop movement or are too tight. One of my brand new XT trails had been adjusted too tight so they didn't spin smoothly so I had to service them straight away. It's super easy to do on all the pedals though and the special tool for the cheaper pedals only costs about £2 and is fairly easy to find.

I'd personally spend the extra because IME the more expensive SPD's have a nicer feeling mechanism.

WindyG

I have 520's on the commuter and 540's on the road and MTB's.
I've never bothered to service the 520's and they have been through all sorts of crap and have been on all the bikes at some point :-)
The 540's I got to save a little bit of weight and the ease of servicing as you don't even have to take the pedal off I just leave the spindle on the bike. I havn't really noticed any difference when using them to be honest.

rockmonkeysc

I have the M520 and M540. I really can't tell the difference. Both are two years old, never had any maintenance and still run smooth.
I would buy the M520

felix.london

ilovedirt wrote:

Oh by the way, I run m530s, and they're awesome. The cage makes finding the pedal when clipping in so much easier.

This ^^

...but then I went to the dark side and tried CB Mallet 2's and much preferred them - easier to clip in and out (which obviously can be good and bad depending on the situation)

...and now after always riding clipped-in in one form or another (yes including toe straps!) I'm on flats and I'm generally enjoying my riding more as a result

19dm82

Just got some of these free with new bike. Also the cleats and plastic clip in things to make them like a flat peddle. All no good to me as use flat peddles. Put them straight on eBay.

cooldad

The clip in things are not to make them into flat pedals, they are so you can have a quick test ride without needing cleats. You can't really ride with them, and most people throw them away.

19dm82

cooldad wrote:

The clip in things are not to make them into flat pedals, they are so you can have a quick test ride without needing cleats. You can't really ride with them, and most people throw them away.

Cheers. Every days a school day.

Chunkers1980

19dm82 wrote:

cooldad wrote:

The clip in things are not to make them into flat pedals, they are so you can have a quick test ride without needing cleats. You can't really ride with them, and most people throw them away.

Cheers. Every day's a school day.

FTFY as it's a school day

19dm82

Chunkers1980 wrote:

19dm82 wrote:

cooldad wrote:

The clip in things are not to make them into flat pedals, they are so you can have a quick test ride without needing cleats. You can't really ride with them, and most people throw them away.

Cheers. Every day's a school day.

FTFY as it's a school day

FTFY?

cooldad

Fixed that for you.

Dandy Dan 69

I've got both on different bikes. Can't tell the difference performance wise, but the spindle on the m540 is tapered so when you look down it's more visually pleasant.

Yes, I consider that a quality