I'm currently running shimano m 520 pedals on my Trek. Unfortunately, this is my only set of clip ins and I must swap them between my Trek and Specialized MTB. It's not a big deal, it just worries me I'm going to strip out the crank arm threads. So what I need from you people is some feedback on the different spd style pedals. USAZorro recommended the A-520 but, before I drop any money I'd like to hear so other feedback. The M-520s tend to give me a bit of a hotspot but, that could be the shoes (specialized MTB shoes) and I have a different pair of "touring" shoes that I plan to use strictly for road use. Lets here some opinions

A 520's are great. Sleek and solid platform.

Maybe try the touring shoes with the pedals you currently have to isolate where the discomfort is coming from first? I'll second the recommendation of 520's though if that turns out not to be your problem.

I'm currently using different SPD pedals (M520, M324, M424, and some Wellgos) on all of my daily riders and use Sidi Dominators and Sidi Dragon 2 shoes. No issues to speak of with any of the pedals or the shoes.

On my road bikes I use the A520s and like their minimalist look.



Nashbar has them on sale at $58 (normally $80) plus another 15% off if ordered by Friday.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...5_10000_200435

Here they are on my '83 Paramount.

I've become a huge fan of Eggbeaters. In the process of converting all of my bikes. I suffer no hotspots or any other issues. But that could just be me or my shoes. I don't know. I've been riding clipless for close to 20 years and never have experienced hotspots so I might not be a good judge of that. But they clip in and clip out very easily in all conditions, give a good amount of float and are extremely simple and minimalist in their design and construction.

I have no idea what these are (I don't use clipless) but came on my Ciocc and I rode them with normal shoes for about 20 miles with no issues. They are out right now and if you want them, they are yours (I have no cleats and no use for those) they are Nashbar brand :

The A520s will help with the hot spot issue to an extent. I agree with the suggestion to try the touring shoes with the M520s to see if they are an issue.

+1 to Crank Bros Eggbeaters - they're light and durable, plus the four-sided entry makes for easy clipping.

I get hotspots with a520's. Don't get them using the same shoes on the pedals they replaced: M505's. Still could be a shoe issue, of course, as the Lake MX100's I use have a relatively soft sole. However, I also get hotspots with my rigid plastic soled road shoes and delta cleats. YMMV.

Yeah, that's definitely a bonus. Was on the a520's today and was forced to stop on a very steep hill. Clipping back in is always an adventure with one sided pedals. But it's worse with my old look pedals in these situations. (I would have gone down hill a bit and turned around, but this is a very narrow utility road with lots of sticks, leaves and other debris, so it would have been hard to make a safe u-turn at such a tight radius.)

I like the Wellgo Pro, a lot like the 520's, but has a longer spindle. Just as light, and a lot cheaper.

Hot spots aren't necessarily due to pedal style. Cleat position (farther back tends to alleviate heat), shoe construction, and seat height (raise slightly) have as much, or more to do with it.

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to swap cleats to my new shoes and see how they do with my current pedals. E, I'll be in touch and we need to ride.