I've managed to wear out another set of pedals. The last two cheapo SPD-clones from Performance haven't lasted two years each, and that's not using them every day either. The first set had the bearings grind down and this time the spring on my plant foot (i.e. the one clipped out at intersections) is shot. I may go the easy way and get another set of the same, but I'm curious if BF has any suggestions for a more durable pedal? Cleat compatibility is mandatory here as three of our four bikes have this particular kind of cleat (apparently Wellgo?) and the fourth bike has a backup set that is also compatible (usually has Look Keos). Two sided required, too, thanks.

If the cleats are not truly SPD and Shimano pedal compatible then any pedals you get that fit them are likely to be from the same actual maker you currently have and will suffer the same fate.

Ah but both pedals came to different ends. I didn't make it clear that they were different models. Performance changed things up a bit between the first and second set. What I linked is what I have, though. Also, there may be a higher-end version with better parts. Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

I bought a pair of barely-used Shimano M520s for about $25. I'd suggest keeping an eye out on eBay.

In my experience, the name brand pedals are well worth the extra money. I have wasted far too much on the clones and won't bother going that way again. Plus, as noted above, a little patience can net you some lightly used M520s for about what you'd pay for the clones.

Indeed, but they won't be compatible with the pedals on the other bikes in the stable (said pedals aren't as heavily used as are those on my commuter). Three sets of cheapos that may never need to be replaced because they're used much less makes some sense, no?

Edit: or are they? Are M520s compatible?

M520s are SPDs so the SPD cleats they come with should work in "SPD Compatible" pedals from other manufacturers (I know I've got a pair SPD compatible cleats from an off brand of pedals on one pair of shoes and they work fine on the M520s, A520s and M505s I've got).

Oboe,
the cleats for your cheapo clones work just fine on the Shimano pedals.
I would move on from the warehouse pedals before you get hurt. I've had two spindle failures with the performance/nashbar pedals, better to spend the extra $25 and get something that will last.

My shimano bottom level spd's are on 5 years use and still working with heavy use. I keep wanting to try the higher level pedals but they just won't break and can't justify replacement until then. I think mine were $45 new and well worth it. The performance brand I had on a spare bike just never felt right and were replaced with shimano.

I had the same experience with cheapo Performance brand SPD pedals. The first set literally set fell apart as I was riding one day and would no longer hold the cleat. With the second set (at least it was a free replacement) my foot would occasionally come out without warning. Obviously, this is very dangerous when climbing out of the saddle or going over rough patches. I just purchased Shimano Deore XT pedals on sale at Performance. What a difference quality makes. I'll never skimp on pedals again.

Thanks for all the advice, BF. Genuine Shimano it is!

https://www.google.com/products?q=shi...l=en&scoring=p

Shimano M520, starting on Page 3, I see them starting at $26 new. Nice little pedals. serviceable bearings.

The Shimano A520 pedals last much longer than the Wellgo ones. The Wellgo cleats dont clip and unclip quite as easily in the A520s as the shimano cleats.