Ok, I am thinking about taking the plunge and trying clipless pedals. What would you recommend for a beginner setup? I have been looking at the Shimano PD-M520L and the Crank Brothers Candy 1/2
Any recommendations would be appreciated, Thanks

Chance

I recommend the 520's. that's what I started with and they are a really good deal quality and price wise.

Shimano offers a nice array of clipless pedals (and shoes) and they work well. One consideration that influenced my decision was that their SPD line is compatible with the stationary bikes at my gym. My low cost Shimano pedals, matched with a Specialized shoe, is a great combination for me.

+1

I have been using Shimano A530 SPD clipless/platforms since I bought my Giant Cypress. They work great and if I want to slip up to the store or somewhere , I can wear any shoe I want! I just bought another set for my folder or Raleigh road bike.
I started with the "single release" cleat that came with the pedals but some bought the multi release ones. They release more naturally and are best for beginners IMHO. A530 SPD retail in Canada around $95.

Been using the PD 530s for a week myself, first venture into clipless. It's made the transition much easier than I thought. I'm using the single release cleats with them adjusted way loose. I thought I'd go for the multi release as a beginner but my LBS guy talked me out of it and he was right, for me at least. Highly recommended. I got Specialized Tahoe's for my road bike and appreciate being able to walk without a big hump from the cleats underneath my foot.

I'm new to clipless pedals too, I chose the A540.

Can't go wrong. I have this setup on my hybrid and cyclocross.

SPD yes. Candy's never. And by never, I mean until the end of time.

A good first aid kit and cell phone just in case you need additional help.My 5 cents (inflation).

As this is in the hybrid forum I would recommend the A520 as it gives you the option of clipping in or riding with the flat side even if you have cleats on your shoe. I have the M540 on my hybrid, mountain and road bike but have been riding clipless for 10 years.
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-A52...imano+PD-a520L

As others have suggested, Shimano PD-A530. Best of both world. For a quick ride use the platform side of the pedal and for some serious biking, clip in. One other thing to recommend is if you are planning on Shinamo SPD clipless pedals: spend another $15 or so in the SH56 cleats. The default cleats that Shimano enclosed is SH51. The SH56 is multi-angle release which means you can clip off much easier. That combine with a lowest release tension will get you going clipless in no time.

Ok so throw out the crank Bro.

Is there a difference in the m540 vs the m520's?

i went with a pair of Wellgo from amazon ... one side clipless the other not ... they look similar to the stock pedals that came on my trek ... four rides and only fell once ...
WPD-M-17C

Aluminum body on the 540 saves a little weight (20gr). Both have steel axles and adjustable tension. I think the 520's are a better value.

Go with Shimano SPD's. I have Shimano SPD's on 4 of my road bikes, clips on 3 road bikes and Look pedals on 1 bike. One good thing about SPD pedals is that you can get bike shoes that have rubber soles and since the cleats are small and usually recessed in the shoe sole you can walk in them when off the bike. My Look pedals are on my road shoes and are large and stick up from the sole. I may as well be wearing my ice skates. They are slick as hell. I haven't fallen yet walking in them but have come close. Of the 4 Shimano pedals on my road bikes only one of them are true road pedals the others are mountain bike pedals. That is pretty common to have mountain bike pedals on road bikes. I have not purchased any SPD pedals for myself, they have been on the used bikes I have purchased.

+1. Been using them from day 1 on my daily commute and they were very easy to get used to. Can't comment as to if these are the best, but the cleat/platform combination is hands down a winner. Make sure you check that the cleats are properly attached on the shoe every now and then -- one of them got loose on me the other day and I couldn't uncleat easily.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Well just ordered the Shimano A530 SPD clipless/platforms and some Giro Carbides MTB shoes!! Cant wait to get them in to try them out!

Nice choice.

A few more cents worth, based strictly on what I happen to like and not like.

1. I like my feet never ever ever coming off the pedal until I want my feet off the pedal. That means clipless.
2. I like to be able to walk in bike shoes or sandals. That means SPD.
3. I do not like ever having to hunt for where to clip in. That means dedicated clipless pedals.
4. I like the idea of clipless one side and platform the other side. But in reality I only really ever ride clipless.
5. If anybody wants a set of those hybrid pedals from Shimano for the price of shipping, PM me.

What do you recommend for the cleats for a beginner? Single release or multi release?

I have both (started out with SH51, then switched to SH56). The difference is very minor (at least to me) but SH56 does come off somewhat easier. It certainly would help, IMO. But there is nothing wrong with the single release cleats (in my case SH51). I think someone has suggested keeping the tension on the pedals to its minimum, which I did. And for the few times I did get into trouble, I was able to unclip and got my feet on the ground before toppling over! Even at minimum tension (with PD-A530), you can still put all power in throughout the entire stroke without the cleats coming off. The other thing is to remember you're clipped in! I made sure I unclip a few seconds before coming to a stop and avoid the panic when you've lost forward motion and the cleats won't release!

(I think) I still have the mutli-release cleats on my shoes, but I have increased the tension on my pedals because I began popping out of the pedals all of sudden.

I got the Shimano PD-A530. I give them my highest possible recommendation. That they can be used as clip-in or simply stand-on is worthwhile, and they are reasonably light.