Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 44
From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Shimano A520 or A530 pedals
I know that many of you use Shimano A520 pedals because their platform area around the cleat engagement area offers some of the support of traditional road pedals while using a recessed cleat better for walking.
Although I believe my Look pedals are far superior to any SPD or similar MTB type pedal system for pure road riding, I want to use a more walkable system on my Salsa Casseroll because of the type of riding I will do on it. Commuting, sightseeing, light touring etc. I have been using the same Crank Bros. Candy pedals that I use on my offroad bikes, but would like to try something with more contact area for my feet.
I was about to order the A520 pedals when I noticed the A530 which has a better platform on the flip side for riding without cleats. I like that idea, but I can't tell if the SPD side has as much or more contact area compared to the A520. Has anyone used both models and have an opinion on their relative shoe support?