Mountain Biking - Pedal decision: Shimano 540 vs. Eggbeater SL

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Akak
12-08-04, 10:22 AM
Deciding between two pedals, neither of which I've used. My last pedals were old, obsolete Kore G.A.S.S and before that were Onza HO's.

Advantages of the Shimano 540s:
- Anecdotally easier to clip in
- Cheaper

Advantages of Eggbeater SL's
- Lighter
- Cool factor

I've been riding clipless for 8+ years on road and off road so I'm not worried about the learning curve. What about durability? Any other advantages/disadvantages I'm missing?

T I A

Surferbruce
12-08-04, 10:26 AM
i find the 2 sided shimano pedals sometimes hard to engage. i have some candy sl's that i really like a lot. very easy in and out.
Akak
12-08-04, 01:30 PM
I went with the Crank Bros. Eggbeater SL's. They got great reviews from mtbr.com and are lighter, simpler, and appear to clean mud better. I love the look, too.

I was concerned about the durability but the stainless version seems to be pretty solid from what I've read.

-Stretch-
12-08-04, 02:40 PM
dude get the sl's...this is probably like the 20th time ive said this but i own a pair, and they are sweet...easy entry/exit...they are solid too, smacked a few rocks and curbs with barely a scratch, also there isnt a better mud shedding pedal..and i hear spds are bothersome sometimes..
seely
12-08-04, 03:33 PM
Did you actually say that a 540 is easier to clip into? There is NO pedal easier to clip into than Eggbeaters... SPD's are some of the worst.

Your cleats will wear out faster on the Eggs, but the pedals are rebuildable. I usually go through a pair of cleats every season. I have the original 1st year stainless ones on my roadbike now, and after about 5-8,000mi (at least) they are just starting to show some wear. I have the new Mallet C's on my mountainbike and after about 1,500mi they are still stiff as new.