Mountain Biking - Shimano M520 or Crank Brothers MXR Pedals

I'm getting into riding trails and I'm looking into getting clipless pedals for my mountain bike. I'm looking at either Shimano M520 (http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=d1013) or Crank Brothers MXR (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=108&subcategory=1078&brand=&sku=20785&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20ATB%20Clipless%20Pedals) Pedals since the price is right. Which would you go with? Is one going to be a better value over the other?

I have Crankbothers in one form or another on every one of my bikes.

Apples and oranges. Both are good. Both are different. Everyone has a preference, but there is no right answer.

Yeah, but he is asking for an opinion. Both are great, but I love crankbrothers.

Yeah, but he is asking for an opinion...

Well... I love the Shimano. Always works. Good for rough trail rides and stable enough for 100 mile road rides. Never had a problem clipping in or out. Never had to clean or service the pedals and any of my bikes. One benefit of the Shimano is adjustable release tension- loose, tight, or in between.

I have "heard" but not personally experienced that the beaters will get more loose after 1,000 miles or so and not be able to be tightened back up. The beaters look cooler and people will always ask you how you can stand on them... you'll get pretty funny reactions from non-bikers.

I have "heard" but not personally experienced that the beaters will get more loose after 1,000 miles or so and not be able to be tightened back up.


I think the reason for this is that they didn't replace the cleat. The cleats on crankbros are made of brass and so they wear down instead of the actual pedal. You should replace them anually or the pedals might start to feel loose. Both pedals are good, i've had the 520s and now ride Eggbeater SL's and i have to say that i prefer the easy engage and release of the Beaters. Even though you can't tighten the eggbeaters i have never fallen out.