bikefor2

I'm using the Shimano PD-530 SPD pedal with my Keen cycling sandals. This set of pedals is 390g, so I would like to find something that I can still use with my Keens (recessed cleats so I can walk normally). I want the lightest thing on the planet that still has somewhat of a platform on it. I was looking at the Shimano Dura Ace PD-7900, but that doesn't look like it has recessed cleats that would fit in the sole of my Keens, or other closed-toed touring shoes that I have.

merlinextraligh

Shimano A600's have a platform, are spd compatible and would save you 100 grams

Eggbeater Candys would also be an option.

The Candy 11 is quite light, but also pricey.

bikefor2

I wonder if the smaller platform on the Candy 11 would still work well with softer soled shoes such as touring shoes and Keen sandals? Opinions?

2frmMI

I use Keen sandals with a520 pedals at 330g per pair. Not much savings over your 390g. The Keen sandals themselves are quite heavy, maybe try saving weight there instead? I am thinking about the Shimano sandals: are they lighter?

2frmMI

PDA 600's look good to me and will probably go that route as the 520's wear out.

Tom Spohn

I am using both a520's and a600's on our bikes. The weight difference is not noticed (at least to me). Both feel the same for entry and release. The a600's look nicer, but have an anodized finish that scratches easily if you are fumbling when starting up to get your shoe clicked in. I am probably the only one on this forum whith that problem! I have also found that the prices vary a lot with the on-line merchants so it pays to shop around.

cajoe

My pedal of choice right now is the Forte Carve MTB Pedal at Performance. Works great, 295g, usually on sale for forty bucks.

I road Crank Brothers Candys for a couple of years on my single then switched back to SPDs. For me the Candys were more finicky to click into even after fussing with the cleat height (via shims) to get proper tread clearance.

bikefor2

2frmMI, I wear the Keen sandals (even though they may be heavier) because I am allergic to many of the synthetic and foam materials used inside of athletic shoes and bike shoes. If bike shoes were still 100% leather inside and out I would consider something else, but most bike shoes are too pricey to mount cleats and ride with them a few days only to find that I'm allergic and I can't return them. As for the Shimano sandals, the last ones I looked at had open toes, yet the Keen sandles have your toes protected, and I like that.

2frmMI

Was at the LBS today checking out shoe options. Sales guy ended up telling me I can't do better than my Keens, even though they don't sell them!! They carry Specialized and Shimano. Bought some tires and gloves...

Chris_W

We're also using a mix of A520 and A600 pedals on our road bikes and tandem. We've had many pairs of A520s on many bikes, and have recommended them to many friends, and I've never seen a pair with a problem.

The A600s are about 30 grams lighter (about 100 grams lighter than your A530s), but as mentioned above the anodized surface does start to scratch/wear off with use, but that doesn't make them look too bad unless you're looking closely.

The body of one of our A600s did start to come loose during a tour last summer, a problem that I've never had with a A520. It still functioned fine, and loosely tightening it by hand a few times kept it going fine for a few hundred kms until I figured out how to solve the problem permanently, and they've never given any other trouble since. Therefore, if the price difference between the two is not too large then I would go for the A600s.

As well as weight, another drawback of your current A530 pedals is cornering clearance - that platform does stick out a bit too much for my liking.