More expensive pedals in the same "family", differences besides weight?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
More expensive pedals in the same "family", differences besides weight?
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?
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?
#2
On the crow's wings
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: South Italy
Posts: 744
Bikes: BMC SLR01; Cannondale Trail; Robur 1956 ; Tomasini 1976 ; Chiorda Condorino 1974 ; Frejus/Rola 1937 ; Specialized RockHopper 1990
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 195 Post(s)
Liked 107 Times
in
62 Posts
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]
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]
#3
L-I-V-I-N
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Stafford, OR
Posts: 4,801
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Pass on the r540, unless this is a rain/back-up bike.
6800 (and 15g) is only $9 bucks more? Do that...
6800 (and 15g) is only $9 bucks more? Do that...
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
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.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 224
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
550, 105 and ultegra have the same bearing from what I've read.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,522
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1422 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
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.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,719
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#8
Stand and Deliver
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa Bay
Posts: 3,340
Bikes: Cannondale R1000, Giant TCR Advanced, Giant TCR Advanced SL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
With only $10 difference between 105 and Ultegra, I'd go Ultegra. 25g lighter for the weight weenies.
Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles
Pedals | Chain Reaction Cycles
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Earth
Posts: 372
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 127 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
#10
Senior Member
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.
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.
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.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SoCal
Posts: 6,517
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
3 Posts
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.
550, 105 and ultegra have the same bearing from what I've read.
#12
Senior Member
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.
#13
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,505
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 997 Post(s)
Liked 1,553 Times
in
1,077 Posts
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.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,158
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1982 Post(s)
Liked 383 Times
in
216 Posts
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.
My bikes now have 105's.
Spend the extra money to get the 5800 or 6800's.
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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!
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!
#16
Senior Member
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!
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!
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,040
Bikes: S-Works Tarmac, Nashbar CX, Trek 2200 trainer bike, Salsa Casseroll commuter, old school FS MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 31 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 256
Bikes: 2012 Trek Madone 6.9ssl (brand new 12/30/15)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#19
INSERT_TITLE_HERE
Ultegra $86 at ribble. Shut up and buy it already.
Shimano Clipless SPD-SL 6800 Ultegra Carbon Pedals - Pedals - Ribble Cycles
Shimano Clipless SPD-SL 6800 Ultegra Carbon Pedals - Pedals - Ribble Cycles
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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).
#21
Senior Member
Ultegra $86 at ribble. Shut up and buy it already.
Shimano Clipless SPD-SL 6800 Ultegra Carbon Pedals - Pedals - Ribble Cycles
Shimano Clipless SPD-SL 6800 Ultegra Carbon Pedals - Pedals - Ribble Cycles
#22
INSERT_TITLE_HERE
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
StabbyJoe89
Road Cycling
112
11-19-13 12:47 PM
Andy_K
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
18
10-03-13 10:21 PM