Shimano MT 520 Clipless Pedals.
06-25-07, 07:20 PM
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Shimano MT 520 Clipless Pedals.
Hello. Im looking to go clipless really soon because im tired of my feet slipping off platforms on roots and in mid climb. Ive been looking at these shimano 520's because i just want something midgrade. They were 50 bucks at my lbs. Is this a good pedal or do i need to look at someting else. Also might want some shoe suggestions for this pedal. Thanks.
06-25-07, 08:18 PM
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I have the 540's and have never had an issue. Easy in and out, rarely ever come out when I don't want to, and not terribly heavy. A fellow MTB'er has the 520's and he said he's gonna upgrade even though there is only a few grams wt difference. If you can find them and they aren't terribly expensive the I'd suggest the 540's any day of the week.
Edit: They will work with any SPD compatible shoe. Make sure you find something that fits your foot well, it's not really something someone can sugges to you. I have Addidas MTB shoes that feel okay but I wouldn't recommend them. Now I'm just too cheap to replace them.
Edit: They will work with any SPD compatible shoe. Make sure you find something that fits your foot well, it's not really something someone can sugges to you. I have Addidas MTB shoes that feel okay but I wouldn't recommend them. Now I'm just too cheap to replace them.
06-25-07, 09:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Tra!l !
Hello. Im looking to go clipless really soon because im tired of my feet slipping off platforms on roots and in mid climb. Ive been looking at these shimano 520's because i just want something midgrade. They were 50 bucks at my lbs. Is this a good pedal or do i need to look at someting else. Also might want some shoe suggestions for this pedal. Thanks.
I've been using the 520's for ~ 5 years. It's a very good, basic, rugged pedal. It's the pedal I recommend to those wanting to try clipless and those wanting a solid pedal.
Pluses: adjustable release tension, easy in, easy out, good positive feel, good mud shedding ability (mud pushes thru when enterring cleats), low cost, low maintenance, reliable...
Minuses: weight (but frankly, I'm about 10lbs over my "ideal" weight, so it's not a biggee with me).
06-26-07, 10:17 AM
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The 520s are a great pedal, particularly for first-timers. I run 540s on XC bike and the 520s on my commuter/family bike, and to be totally honest I can't tell the difference.
JJ
JJ
06-26-07, 11:10 AM
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JJ- I didn't figure there was much difference. Just a little bit of bearing upgrade I guess. But for a first set I would guess the 520's are fine too, just can't speak from personaly experience.
06-26-07, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky53s
JJ- I didn't figure there was much difference. Just a little bit of bearing upgrade I guess. But for a first set I would guess the 520's are fine too, just can't speak from personaly experience.
Otherwise the 520's are about the best deal in pedals around...Damn you, Shimano!
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
06-27-07, 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by cyccommute
The only real difference is that the 520's use a pedal wrench flat on the spindle and the 540's use an 8mm key to tighten them. I like the flats 'cause taking a pedal off on the back side of the crank with an allen wrench is a pain!
Otherwise the 520's are about the best deal in pedals around...Damn you, Shimano!
Otherwise the 520's are about the best deal in pedals around...Damn you, Shimano!
I was going to go with Eggbeaters for my XC bike, but the shop I was at walked me through them side-by-side, and when the sales guy heard I was already running 520s he reminded me that I could wear the same shoes for either bike. So I was sold and I'm really happy with both.
I have Quattros on my road bike, and they're far trickier to get into than the Shimanos. I have to deliberately click in with the Quattros, while I can just slap my foot down on the Shimanos and take off. And they're really quick to clip out of, too, which is great for the rocky/rooty trails we have around here.
JJ
