Ok, being mainly a roadie 'til now, I've decided to go with some new pedals for my MTB. Only problem is I have never used clipless on an MTB before. I plan on getting the Sette Enduro shoes, and wanted to know what you guys think is a good entry-level pedal to start off with.

The Enduro shoes come with a package deal. For only an extra $20, you can get the Wellgo WAM-M3 pedals. These seem like operable pedals, but I'm not sure how good they are.

My other option is to pick up a set of Crank Brothers Smarty pedals for $40 when I buy the shoes. Twice as expensive, as the Wellgos, but known for being better pedals. Not sure exactly why, but I assume it has to do with ease of use, and function in muddy conditions. They are also a little lighter, not that that really matters at this point.

Anyway, which one do guys think would be good enough for starting off?

Wellgo WAM-M3



Crank Brothers Smarty




I'm really diggin' the Smarty's, but the cheapness of the Wellgos has me debating. It's hard to pass up $20 for a set of clipless pedals.

I prefer SPD style pedals so I'd go with the Wellgo pedals. But since you don't have any preferences, flip a coin.

A good bet would be the see if you could try out some buddy's bikes if they have either setups (assuming similar sized feet to borrow their shoes) or maybe at an LBS. That way you can feel the difference between the two systems.

Elements and eggbeaters.

personally I like crankbrothers, used to use shimano, but hate them with a passion since using eggbeaters.

I was considering the Element shoes, but decided on the Enduros, because I'm not going to be racing, just riding with friends at the local forest trail park (Banner Forest). Anyway, I'm thinking I can give the cheaper pedals a try, for the soul purpose of them being less expensive. if they don't work out, I can perhaps swap them over to a comfort bike later, along with the shoes. Then, upgrade to some better shoes/pedals, like the Elements with Egg Beaters.

Time atacs for the upgrade. Start with whatever is cheapest - the wellgos will work fine.

i have shimano M520s good pedal, it is all based on preference and how much bank you have.

The Wellgo's get lousy reviews. That is not well spent money:

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Pedal/product_124192.shtml

You should be able to find some new M520s (demand the cleats or you'll spend an extra $10) on Craigslist that someone took off their new bike for some more expensive pedals. They work.

I bought some Forte Carve pedals at Performance for $35 about a year ago. They fluctuate in price, but are that price in the latest print catalog. They are light at 295g and I've had no troubles with them whatsoever. Any issues with stuff bought at Performance are returnable at anytime. SPD compatible.

Shimano M520s $33 shipped:

https://probikekit.com/display.php?code=d1013

+1 on the 520s. Ive got a pair on my bike. Though if you do any amount of heavy mud riding, I'd opt for the Crank Bros since they are more open and easier to clean

Between the two, my choice would be the Crank Bro's. Consider Time ATAC's if you have the coin; the've been flawless for me (a bit on the heavy side but I don't race (much) anymore so I don't care).

++1 on the Shimano 520's. Relatively cheap, good construction, easy in, easy out and fairly good "mud clearing" capability. The Wellgos you show have that "hour glass" plate directly beneath the cleat and it's a place for crud to get trapped, which makes for difficult entry/exit from the the pedal. The 520s are more open and doesn't allow crud to get trapped. Plus 520s have adjustable release tension force so you can eject easier. $33 incl shipping is a dang good price for 520s.

Because of the Smarty's open design, I'd go for the Smartys instead of the Wellgos.

Well, I can't help but wonder, since a good number of you recommend the 520's, why not go for the next step up? I'm thinking if I'm going to spend $33, I might as well spend another $7, and get the Crank Brothers. So, basically, it's back to the Wellgo vs Crank Brothers.

One thing. In looking at the pics of the two pedals, it seems the Wellgos have a longer spindle, thus providing a larger Q factor, and more clearance of your foot from the crank. Or, is this just an optical illusion in the pics?


I think what's very important to remember, is that I just need a pedal that's functional and works good enough to start off. My intention is not to do major off roading and mudding and DH, etc. Basic XC trail riding, is the goal here. So, if in the future I will most likely upgrade to some serious shoes/pedals, what would be the problem with using the Wellgos for now?

I intend on putting together a town bike in the near future. I would think transferring the Wellgos with my Enduro shoes to such a bike, then upgrading to a more race oriented shoe and pedals for the MTB would seem like a better plan.

Although the argument for crud getting stuck in Wellgos may be a worthy argument for getting the Smatys to begin with. I'm still debating.


I hate this.

Technically, the 540's would be one step up. A "little" lighter, different spindle, and can be installed only with an 8 mm allen. I am also convinced that the 540's are made with superior bearings and will last longer (I don't have actual "evidence", but hey, this is BikeForums where opinion and anecdote rules).

Depends if you are a Shimano or Cranky Bros kinda person. One useful feature of the Shimano's is adjustable release tension. The rest of the discussion is like Ford vs. Chevy and I'm not going there.



Here are the 520's I will be installing on one of my other bikes soon:

I know the 540's are the next step up for Shimano. What I meant was, I was considering the Smarty's and Wellgos. If I was to spend close to $40 for 520's, I may as well give the Smarty's a try. Either way, thanks for all the suggestions.

One more item to consider is interchangability. Most of my ride buddies are using the 520s and we occasionally switch bikes, either on trail or for an entire ride. We don't have to swap out pedals to match our cleats. This is probably a secondary or tertiary concern so not a deal breaker either way. Otherwise, as Prob says, it becomes the Honda v. Toyota / Audi v. VW / Mopar v. Ford.

See also: https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/pedal/index_byname.shtml

FWIW, I vote for the Smarty's. I like the simplicity of that design.

I'm for Audi...

But VW owns Audi, so how can they compete, anyway?