oboeguy

A couple of years ago when I purchased my first folder as a commuter, I got some SPD clones from Performance at some ridiculous low price (like $25, tops). I was a little skeptical of SPD clone pedals, coming from more than ten years of classic LOOK pedals, but I figured that at that price, they were pretty much disposable. 27 months later, the pedals have lasted longer than the shoes I got to go with them but... the bearings are starting the crunch.

It's clearly not financially sensible to get them serviced so it's time for, yes, an upgrade! I'm sold on the small platform and easy (un)clipping BUT, I'm restricted to pedals that are compatible b/c we now have two other bikes at home that require the same cleat. Oh and while we're at it, a compatible pair of road pedals would be nice too so I can use my fancy Lake winter shoes on both bikes in the winter. Suggestions?

pinerider

I have about 5 sets of SPD's - 2 Shimano, 3 Wellgos, 1 VP. I find the Wellgos as good as the Shimanos, cheaper, and they take a beating too. I use them for mountain biking, as well as daily commuting most of the winter ( I use platforms when it's really cold). I've had a couple wear out, but just one side, with double sided pedals you can keep on pedallin'.

matthew_deaner

I also have SPD winter cycling boots, and switch out look road pedals for SPD pedals in the winter on my road bike. I use SPD year around on my commuter and tandem.

It's pretty hard to go wrong with the Shimano PD-M520, which can be had for $33 with cleats from probikekit.com. This pedal is double-sided, and engineered for use on mountain bikes, but works fine on commuter bikes too. The pedal is user-rebuildable (with the purchase of a PD-40 pedal tool) and lasts a long time. I have a pair on my Surly LHT commuter and my tandem.

For "road" style SPD pedals, I like the SPD A-520. They look like road pedals, have better cornering clearance than the M-520s, and the platform surrounding the cleat distributes force nicely. They are more pricey than the M-520s though... about $45+shipping from e-bay.

Phantoj

beware - not all SPDS are compatible with each other. There are at least two different SPD cleats. My wellgo- clones and my newer "mud-shedding" shimanos do not play well together.

oboeguy

Indeed, that is a concern. Thanks for all the replies so far; keep 'em coming!