there's a video out there telling you how to modify the m424's (or M545's) so that the spindle cap doesn't fall off and render the pedals useless. apparently it's a common issue that they havent bothered to fix. also, the cages don't seem to give you any extra support. I even talked to a bike mechanic who said they're really only there to protect the pedals. and he also told me to stay away from the m424 because the plastic cages are pretty fragile against rocks. Either he was reading the same reviews I was, or he actually has experience on the pedals. either way, the reviews helped me steer clear of the m424 in favor of m530