SPD to egg beaters ... should I switch?
 

I bought a used bike with Shimano PD-M959 on it.

I was thinking of switching to egg beaters as they would work with my SPD shoes (given I change the cleats).

I was thinking of getting Crank Brothers Egg Beater MXR Pedals as they are $50, lighter, and I am a fan of scrambled eggs.

Should I go for the upgrade, or is it worthwhile to have my expensive Shimano pedals on?

Thanks a bunch.

Sure. Why not. I did just that very thing. I did it purely for looks. I did ride a set before purchasing to ensure I would like them. The Shimanos have more of a platform and I wanted to be sure it wasn't going to be an issue. It wasn't. The only "advantage" might be better engagement and release in muddy or snowy conditions. I never had a big problem with my low end Shimano pedals in this area as I don't typically march about on foot. On the few occasions were I need to put down a foot in slop, I use my toe, heel or foot edge.

I have ridden both, and much prefer egg beaters--- and at only $50/set for their low end or sale models, that is only twice the price of cleat refills. It makes it easy to outfit the rain bike, the commuter, and everything in Eggbeaters.

Hmmmm ... are my PD-M959 worth selling in their used condition?

Although I'm a huge fan of Egg Beaters, while reading your question I didn't see any reason for you to switch. How are the Shimano pedals not satisfying your needs?

One of the biggest reasons people go from Shimmis to Egg Beaters (or Times) are issues with getting your cleat in and out of the pedal in muddy conditions. Shimano pedals are prone to gumming up. The Egg Beaters and Times (and Frogs I'm told, but I think they're a knee surgery waiting to happen) clear mud much better.

The other major reason people switch to Egg Beaters is that they are the lightest pedals out there (though I could care less as I ride Mallets).

If you're riding in the desert and you're not concerned about weight, your Shimano pedals are fine. Furthermore, the MXR is not an "upgrade". It's Crank Brothers' cheapo pedal that is not serviceable. The Chromes are the minimum of what you should be looking at to "upgrade".

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...cm_cat=1069410
http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_product.php?pid=19
http://www.bestwebbuys.com/bikes/sea...=i-srch-search

egg beater (depending on which one) is cheaper
good for muddy condition, 4 side entry

spd is good for multi release

I have used them both...I like eggbeater more...

hmmm, i dont find my self riding in the mud

i guess if i cannot get the top of the line eggbeaters then i should not bother

I have had both and I prefer the Crank Bros pedal. I find it more intuitive to get in and out of them at a moments notice. I think they are safer in a pinch. I have the Candy and Acid models. I am thinking about getting the Egg Beaters for my road bike since they are more appropriate to them, lighter and whatnot. Crank Bros pedals are also easier to install. You don't need a special wrench. Just the right sized Allen wrench.

I have eggbeaters. I like riding them. Entry and exit is super easy. But I have broken 3, and if I break another one I am switching to ATACs. Maybe the quality has improved with the newer generation?

stick with the SPDs.

that is my opinion. half will agree, half will disagree. your BEST choice is to ride both, maybe try time ATAC, try platforms, and after you ride all different pedals, choose the one YOU like best and ride that, and don't worry what other people tell you to do, because it's YOUR ride...

The only things with Crank Brothers pedals are if you strike a rock with the bottom of the pedal - it will always disengage. Also, the brass cleats wear pretty fast...so, if you see yourself unintentionally unclipping on climbs, unclipping while just spinning, etc. - its time to fork out another $20 in new cleats.

Usually do to theclipping mechanism breaking from said rock strike. They are not called crack brothers for a reason.

Other Considerations
 

I've been using Crank Bros pedals for over six years. Before that I used SPDs but found that their tendency to "pack up" - in my case pick up toothpicks from logs and branches - became too much hassle.

I have hit rocks with my candy's causing the pedal to release, but never cracked one. What I have found as compared to other pedals is that the bearings wear out relatively quickly. I think it's because one of the load bearing bearings is a bushing (say that three times fast). You can buy a rebuild kit for cheap and restore them, which I've done twice on two pairs.

ONE POINT. If you are prone to pushing your limits and come into physical contact with your pedals now and then, I strongly recommend switching to the candys. I have taken a standard "bare" eggbeater to the shin a few times, and the kneecap once - they HURT! I mean, "get off the bike and sit down for a few minutes" HURT. Some local riders call them leggbeaters. Most recently I switched to the new Candy 3 because it has "real" bearings at both ends. It costs over twice what the old plastic model costs, so I hope it's worth it. Already I've taken one of them to my shin, and it was a much more noticeable pain than the previous model. It got blood on my sock, which I can't recall happening with the old ones. It was over quickly though, so no worries :thumb:

Hopefully helpful,

Scott C.

the Mallet and you can jump on the bike with your sponge sole trainers too.
Now with traction pins, to grip shoe sole when not clipped in on the scary sections.

Zombie Thread
 

Talk about your Zombie threads. I posted above 5 years ago. But let me give you my take since my glowing Crank Brothers love. It's turned to disgust.

My Mallet pedals broke MULTIPLE time. Silly me, I thought Crank Brothers would correct a design flaw. Ultimately, I ended up with a separated shoulder due to Crank Brothers' shoddy workmanship. I experienced similar problems with their "superior skewers" and found their multi-tools to strip allen bolts due to poor precision.

Great concept, poor execution, great bling, nice packaging. Ultimately, their customer service went downhill as well after a set of Acid pedals spun themselves right off the spindle due to their junk seals. That is Crank Brothers. Run, run far away!!!!!