Mountain Biking - clipless pedals... spd?

hi... when i bought mi bike it came with clipless pedals but because i have no shoes for them i switched to plataforms, now im thinking in buying the shoes for it (hope me a merry christmas...) and i looked for the 661 launch... some reviews and comments says that they´re good but how about the pedals? spd are good they work or something is wrong with them? because they are the cheapest ones i hace seen and i think the might suck or something. thanks

spd's are great in my opinion, thats what i have.. and i love them, some other pedals like Crank bro's egg beaters come unclipped sometimes if you hit a rock with the bottom of the pedal. i got some shimano shoes that are made for SPD's ill find out the name of them for you and get back to you.

After you get over the bruises and run out of sticky plasters, you'll find that spd's work. I currently have the cheapest shimano pedals, ( 515's) and they work. I honestly cannot ride a bike, any bike, unless it has spd's fitted. My feet will not stay on the pedals, the pedals keep twisting, and for some reason, The trainers get ripped and torn aswell.

Spd's take a bit of getting used to, but they work. With regard to shoes, If you are worried as to whether Spd's are for you, buy the cheapest pair you can get. You will then have a spare pair for the winter when your proper pair haven't dried out.

all the guys at my local bike shop use SPD's. SPD's are prefered around here, ALOT of people use them... both the kids i ride with use them... ther awsome, i would sugest using them if you have them... if not then buy a set thats in your price range

SPD's, or "Spuds", are just fine for many peoples needs. They are cheap, widely diffused, and the cleats are interchangeable (two different pedals, same shoe). Racers and cyclocrossers will want something that doesn't jam in mud. The options for release tension and the typical 4 degrees of float are perfect for normal, non racer types. Also, the fact that they get clogged in mud makes you want to stay clipped in, hence riding more, hence not walking so much.

I've been riding Shimano SPD 520's for a few years. It's a great, basic, no frills pedal. Easy to enter/exit, adjustable tension, decent mud clearing (although I have yet to experience much mud), solid feel...all for about $40.

Some complain about the weight. They're not a fancy pedal, just a pedal system that works.

See also www.mtbr.com for rider reviews of products.

ok... about pedals thanks for your opinions.... but know i want to know if any of you knows something abouth this shoes... the 611 launch... theyre skate style, and works for clipless... im not racing xc so i guess i don´t need a pair of highly expensive sidi or somethink alike... also mi price range has its top in about 60 or 70 bucks...
see ya...

I would recommend something with a nice, stiff sole. That is about the only criteria that you really need to worry about. Other things to look for are personal, such as comfort, fit, insulation and ventilation, and quality. I use Lake MX80, and they work perfectly for me.

ok... about pedals thanks for your opinions.... but know i want to know if any of you knows something abouth this shoes... the 611 launch... theyre skate style, and works for clipless... im not racing xc so i guess i don´t need a pair of highly expensive sidi or somethink alike... also mi price range has its top in about 60 or 70 bucks...
see ya...

I've got a pair of the 661 Launch shoes. They are super comfortable and well constructed. They are like a super-cushy skate shoe with a fairly stiff plastic (in the middle; rubber on the bottom) sole for biking. Can be used with clipless cleats or just as a freeride shoe. They seem to run pretty true to size; my size metric 45's are just about right for my USA 10 1/2 feet. These shoes are not as stiff as hard-core cycling shoes (good or bad; depending on what you are looking for) and (thankfully!) not near as narrow as a lot of cycling shoes tend to be.

I use SPD...now that I've finally gotten used to the placement on my foot I like them alot. It took me about a week to figure out exactly how on my foot I wanted them positioned though.

I'll be the lone voice of dissent then. Personally I can't stand SPD's. I much prefer my Time Control Z's






Take note SuBHuMaN12356 I mentioned something I like:D

What is better about them raiyn? just curious

What is better about them raiyn? just curious
They're easier to get in and out of, don't get gunked up with mud, have better float characteristics, and FEEL better. At least in MY experience.

If you want the low down on how they work here's a link (http://www.timesportusa.com/Z_technology.html#platform) I've been spoiled by Time's ATAC system I'd put them on a road bike given the chance.

SPDs depend on the pedals alot. I have two sets of Codas that are totally crap and impossible to engage on. I switched to eggbeaters, much, much better.

SPDs depend on the pedals alot. I have two sets of Codas that are totally crap and impossible to engage on. I switched to eggbeaters, much, much better.
Therin lies the danger of using a branded product name (SPD) as a generic name. All SPD's are clipless but not all clipless are SPD's

Actually the Coda pedals are Shimano knock-offs... they use a replica of the Shimano cleats. Oddly, they're usually more expensive than the Shimanos. I had a set on my old bike and now have the PDM-520's on this bike and was able to use the same cleats that I had from my old pedals.

Actually the Coda pedals are Shimano knock-offs... they use a replica of the Shimano cleats. Oddly, they're usually more expensive than the Shimanos. I had a set on my old bike and now have the PDM-520's on this bike and was able to use the same cleats that I had from my old pedals.
CODA parts are a ripoff no matter how thinly you slice it - not surprising considering their source.

After you get over the bruises and run out of sticky plasters, you'll find that spd's work. I currently have the cheapest shimano pedals, ( 515's) and they work. I honestly cannot ride a bike, any bike, unless it has spd's fitted. My feet will not stay on the pedals, the pedals keep twisting, and for some reason, The trainers get ripped and torn aswell.

Spd's take a bit of getting used to, but they work. With regard to shoes, If you are worried as to whether Spd's are for you, buy the cheapest pair you can get. You will then have a spare pair for the winter when your proper pair haven't dried out.

they have one lower, the 505, which happens to be my pedal of choice. No frills whatsoever, but they keep your feet on like superglue...even on the most ******** possible places to ride, you end up feeling like the bike is an extension of you as opposed to something you have to keep your balance on.

Either way, can't go wrong with SPDs, however I would reccomend to stay with shimano SPDs or some other name brand...I have generic SPD pedals, and for the most part, those DO suck...I basically relegated them to roadbike use since I just can't use them offroad with any confidence, but they do work fine for roadbiking. Plus my M505s were either 20 or 30 bucks, forgot which...so it's not like they are hella expensive or anyhting.

they have one lower, the 505, which happens to be my pedal of choice. No frills whatsoever, but they keep your feet on like superglue...even on the most ******** possible places to ride, you end up feeling like the bike is an extension of you as opposed to something you have to keep your balance on.

Either way, can't go wrong with SPDs, however I would reccomend to stay with shimano SPDs or some other name brand...I have generic SPD pedals, and for the most part, those DO suck...I basically relegated them to roadbike use since I just can't use them offroad with any confidence, but they do work fine for roadbiking. Plus my M505s were either 20 or 30 bucks, forgot which...so it's not like they are hella expensive or anyhting.

A lot of bikes up to several thousand $$$'s spec M505's as stock.

Since you know a lot about spd's I wonder what shoe you would recommend for me.......i want a recessed touring shoe......i am about to kill myself walking on concrete at the gym..what would you recommend?

I like my specialized taho's they're comfy enough to take a stroll in or walk around the mall, and the cleat is recessed. They're cheap like 60 bucks too

yep, many expensive bikes do, doesnt mean it's not bottom end though. However in this case, you get far more than you pay for. It lacks adjustable float, your stuck at 4 degrees, but that is one tough and smooth pedal.

It's considered an OEM part, not meant for retail..they dont even come in a box when you get them from the warehouse. M515 is their low end retail part.

I like my 505's :-D

im with raiyn, my crank bros pedals are awesome, i have yet to pop out of them when i didnt want to, and they are wicked easy to get into....great mud sheding too...

once I get some money to just randomy blow on pedals I might try some crank bros there was a set on performance bike for 40 bucks w/ the 20% discount.

i definately say go for it, they are worth paying 40$ for i bought my stainless steel ones for 90, and they are great...

yep, many expensive bikes do, doesnt mean it's not bottom end though. It's considered an OEM part, not meant for retail..they dont even come in a box when you get them from the warehouse. M515 is their low end retail part.

Yup! Just noting it. :D

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19238&subcategory_ID=5240#
my mistake...56 bucks w/ discount. Do you all think they're worth getting?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16362&subcategory_ID=5240#

I like the look of these, they look like a pedal that you can still clip into...any feedback? They seem pretty sweet, if I ever got 115 bucks for pedals I'll check em out, or those 350 dollar ti eggbeaters :D bahahahaha

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16362&subcategory_ID=5240#

I like the look of these, they look like a pedal that you can still clip into...any feedback?
Those are the one's I use PWRD. I gave plenty of info further up the thread.

For the bike I'm building, I'm planning on using the pedals off my old bike until I decide which ones I want. They are Kore G.A.S.S. pedals which I see are no longer produced. I only used them for a couple rides and really wasn't happy with them. VERY hard to clip into and the release was inconsistent. Anyone know what happened to Kore pedals?

I've done a bit of research on mtbreview.com on pedals. The Cook Candy C's look like a good, light, simple pedal and they are super cheap on performance.com right now. However, they got absolutely panned on mtbr. Many say they break easily and are hard to clip into. Any other thoughts on these?

if you do get be sure to use the 20% code by the 20th that's in hot deals :D

Quick note on 505's vs 515's. My cross bike has 505's, mtb 515's, I feel the 515 are much much much better. There looks to be no seals (or very poor ones) on the 505's axle, mine are leaking grease. The 515s seem to have much smoother bearing operation. Finally the ingress/egress of the 515s is much easier.

The new 520, 540, 959 design from Shimano is worlds better than their old design as used on the 505, 515, etc.

Manufacturers often spec cheap pedals because they expect us to swap them for the pedals we like. The 505, 515 and 520 are heavy and on the cheap side.

Imagine my surprise when my bike (which is rather expensive) came with 515s. Of course I was already using Crank Brothers pedal system, so I just put mine on (I have the Candy SL Eggbeater pedals).

The only negative I have about the Eggbeaters, is that the cleats wear rather fast (due to the generous float and resulting friction). I do about 1000 km on a pair of cleats - all XC riding. For me that is acceptable.

Eggbeaters are just brilliantly simple and they work.

You'd probably like the Mallet C's... you have this bad habit of unclipping and resting your foot on the platform of the pedal... well, the eggbeaters have absolutely no platform, they're just clips on spindles. The Mallet C's have a platform around the clip that you can rest your foot on.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16362&subcategory_ID=5240#

I like the look of these, they look like a pedal that you can still clip into...any feedback? They seem pretty sweet, if I ever got 115 bucks for pedals I'll check em out, or those 350 dollar ti eggbeaters :D bahahahaha

You can get the Time ATAC Z's for around $80. They're black instead of the machined silver Z Controls (like Raiyn has). There's no other difference except the finish.

You'd probably like the Mallet C's... you have this bad habit of unclipping and resting your foot on the platform of the pedal... well, the eggbeaters have absolutely no platform, they're just clips on spindles. The Mallet C's have a platform around the clip that you can rest your foot on.

Exactly why I like my 505s. Big enough that I can use street shoes if I just wnat to ride to the corner store and back..so long as your shoes have lugs on the bottom to grip the clipping mehcnaism, your good to go, although it's a bit awkward.

About the leakage, I have two pairs of them, and one pair does exhibit some leak, the other is perfectly clean. I guess it's just an inconsistency.

Shimano also makes a 535 or something that has a plastic cage around it and a 635 that has a metal cage. Similar to the Mallets. I was looking at them but they're big and bulky and I *never* ride unclipped and have no use for a platform of any sort. I'd probably love the Eggbeaters from what I can tell. I just have other stuff I want to spend my money on at the moment.

In my neighborhood Crank Bros and Speedplays are the norm.

SPDs are clog up with mud. No one in my area uses them. Egg Beaters are 100% immune to mud.

I'm running on Mallet-Cs as my first clipless. Clip in is a snap. Clip out works like everbody else. Pedalling without clipping in is a snap since the "beater" is almost recessed underneath the concave pedal surface. It's really the best of both worlds.

One thing that is unique about egg-beaters is that it's not possible to "overcome" the spring tension and pull out without the outward heel twist. Basically there is no spring tension. The shape of the cleat keeps you clipped in. The springs beater itself is like a Chinese finger trap. The harder you pull up, the tension gets placed on the springs.

I can imagine that slamming the pedal flat down against a rock could open up the beater. I guess if you ride rock gardens, that should be a consideration. Everyone I talk to has had no problems. If they had, I wouldn't have bought my mallets!!!!

Strapless !!!!

Clipless pedals are misnamed. The ALL have clips, you clip in and clip out. The clips are just built to grab a cleat instead of the front half of your shoe. What they lack are STRAPS!!!

STRAPLESS pedals!!!!!

I'm sure that's been discussed more times than anyone cares to count... on a side note, the $350 Eggbeater Ti pedals have a max rider weight of 185 lbs. While I'm certain they could handle more, Crank Bros. does not recommend it. I'm not entirely happy with my 520's but they'll do for now. I'm not worried about mud clogging at the moment since it's getting cold out and our only worthwhile trails are farther away than I'd like to ride in such weather. Anyone have any input on why the eggbeaters are better than the Candys? or are they better at all?

Old thread but for those who DO SEARCH for old material before posting new questions hopefully this can become an SPD review.

I started with 520s as that was what the LBS stocked and I opted to give them the business on my first ever clipless shoe/pedal purchase. I have grown to like them and can't pedal with platform anymore either so my trusty pedal wrench gets a lot of use with the 4 bikes I ride. I decided to pick up another pair cheap on eBay and they are, CHEAP. There were a new pair of 505s made in Malaysia. I did not take notice of the 520s place of mfg. Cheap in that the bearings are not smooth relative to the 520s. The 505s will stay in place as the crank is pedaled. The 520's spin freely. Honestly, since I am not trying to win the Tour de France it don't matter a lick. I was just surprised to see such a diffence.

Can someone explain the 505, 515, 520 product line? Pros and cons? Other models I should know about? I just assumed if it was Shimano factory new they would all be generally the same quality.

Thanks!

I'm with the Crankbrothers crowd.... After getting the mallets, I don't miss SPD at all.

I have 520's on both bikes and like them alot. As for shoes I love my Dominator 5's.