Tycho Brahe 

Need to buy pedals and looking to get "simple" Shimano pedals since I never had any problems. Will I be better off with other brands? Who knows, but that is not the question.

Looking at the Shimano R540, 105 and Ultegra. The lighter the pedal, the bigger the cost. Are there any other differences? With items like the shifters/cassette/etc, there is more than just weight, but pedals? Ultegra is not that much more than 105, but is 15 grams worth the extra $9?

CrowSeph

My advice is: Buy a random pedals of those two , they both are nothing special. And when you can or you want to make a little upgrade you can focus to any extreme lightweight pedals such as the awsome keywin (i have the keywin crm titanium).
Here the stats from another site (i don't know is posting links is allowed or not , so i post only the details).
I can confirm the declared weigh is legit


[TABLE="align: center"]
[TR="class: entry, bgcolor: #E7E7E7"]
[TD]Keywin
[/TD]
[TD] CRM Ti
[/TD]
[TD]2005[/TD]
[TD]192 g[/TD]
[TD]192 g[/TD]
[TD]±0,00%[/TD]
[TD]w/out cleats, Titanium axle
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

dtrain

Pass on the r540, unless this is a rain/back-up bike.

6800 (and 15g) is only $9 bucks more? Do that...

johnny99

Don't know about these specific models, but more expensive pedals often have better bearings. Cheap bearings can require more frequent service and still don't last as long as better quality bearings.

mooder

There is somewhat a large difference from R540 to R550. The 540 looks cheap and the 550 look much more like the 105 and ultegra. The 540 is said to use rapidly but still has a very good value considering they come with cleat for cheap. I went with the 550 because it's nearly identical to the higher end models.
550, 105 and ultegra have the same bearing from what I've read.

andr0id

There are some very minor bearing, spindle and lock ring differences between the Ultegra and 105 pedals.

The 105 parts are a tiny bit clunkier. You'd never notice if you don't compare them side by side. I've never had problems with any of the bearings in any of these models. I think it would be hard to wear them out. You might be able to trash them if you soaked your bike in salt water.

ltxi

I suspect there's sweet spot, like with 105 groupsets. But don't really know wrt clipless. I ride Shimano 340 with toe clips and straps. And Shimano Saint flat pedals on my Townie cruiser.

FLvector

With only $10 difference between 105 and Ultegra, I'd go Ultegra. 25g lighter for the weight weenies.

Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles

Danny01

Don't get the 540. It lacks the metal plate that deters wear and tear. If the price difference between 105 and Ultegra is only $9, I'd get either the 550 or Ultegra for the same reason I never buy a medium drink. I have both the 550 and 6800 Ultegra pedals. The 550 pedals get scuffed more easily. The Ultegra looks and feels (the crisp clipping in/out, and smooth bearing) new for longer.

JerrySTL

There are 4 versions of the Speedplay X pedals. The X1 has a titanium spindle. The X2 is stainless steel. The X3 is Chrome-Moly and so is the X5.

As you may guess, the X1 is the lightest while the X5 is the heaviest.

• X/5 Chrome-Moly pedals per pair - 220g
• X/2 Stainless pedals per pair - 198g
• X/1 Titanium pedals per pair - 150g

Besides the weight, there are other differences. The X1 has a 180 lb weight limit.
The X1 and X2 have better bearings than the X3 and X5. The last two have a cartridge bearing.
The X5 has a much earlier release and a little less float, but still much more than most pedals.
The X3 is no longer in production. I believe that they had some problems with them and replaced that model with a better X5.

rms13

R540 also has a much narrower platform than R550, 105, Ultegra. I had R540 and went to new carbon 105 and the wider platform is enough of reason to pay extra for me.

dr_lha

I also have 550 and Ultegra pedals and agree with the above. The 550s work great but are more prone to damage, due to being made of inferior materials.

StanSeven

Pedals are something to buy from the cheapest source you can find. If you aren't in a rush you can find sales for D/A that are close to regular prices of 105. Same applies with pretty much the entire range of manufacturers and models.

mcours2006

Don't bother with the 550's either. The mechanism that holds the clip, which is under spring tension all the time, is a pin in the 550, as opposed to a bolt/screw in the 105's and higher. Why is this significant, you ask. Because that pin has a tendency to come loose, and when it does come loose in the middle of a ride it does not clip in at all. I have a pair sitting in my parts drawer. I've tried to put some superglue in the slot in hopes of holding the pin in place, but haven't tested it out on a ride.

My bikes now have 105's.

Spend the extra money to get the 5800 or 6800's.

Tycho Brahe 

Thanks everyone. Was not looking for which pedals to buy, just if there are any differences besides weight. Of course, the material would be different, since the weight differences are attributed to it.

Was not interested in the 540/550, just wanted to point out other Shimano road pedals. Undecided between the 105 and Ultegra and was curious if I would get more besides weight. At a $10 difference, I rather have 15 more grams and a $10 bottle of wine at home!

dr_lha

Here's the thing, I have never regretted buying the best. You won't miss that $10.

CafeVelo

A lot of pedals get better springs with higher price points. If you're particularly strong this matters but most would never need such a pedal

timmbo

The carbon 105's are awesome for the price and are very reasonably priced online. On my new bike I purchased Dura-Ace but I had a great deal I could not pass up and on top of it I wanted the blue (less float) cleats. The 105's are fantastic and extremely durable.

jtaylor996

Ultegra $86 at ribble. Shut up and buy it already.

Shimano Clipless SPD-SL 6800 Ultegra Carbon Pedals - Pedals - Ribble Cycles

Tycho Brahe 

Sadly I need the pedals next week unless I decide to use mountain bike pedals for the first month of my new bike and then switch over to road pedals when I get a proper fitting (I like to get a feel for the bike first).

dr_lha

Or don't. Apparently Ribble's website and ordering system is a huge sh*tshow right now.

jtaylor996

Really? I haven't ordered anything from them in a few months...