bp15

I'm new to road biking and just got a used bike without the pedals, so I went out to REI and the person who works there recommended that I got the most inexpensive one, the Shimano PD-R540 and I also got the Shimano Shoes SH-R151 Carbon Fibre. I believe that these are the full road pedals and they seem to have a different hook-up system than the ones that I saw some others used. This one has a plastic triangle forks and the other ones that I saw from other bikers have some sort of metal block on the bottom of the shoes.

What are other types of pedal hook-ups and why ones are chosen over the others?

Thanks.

bonti

You might want to post some pictures of what you're discussing. You get get them from REI or any other of the bike sites. Not that I know how to do it myself. But the one thing I've gleaned from reading here for just a few weeks and talking to the guys at my LBS (I'm new to biking), that Shimano has various levels: Dura Ace at the top, then Ultegra, then the ones with the numbers. I'm sure someone else can explain it better. But here is a link that shows a comparison. Good luck.

https://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...-L.-type-.html

Well, the link isn't showing the comparison, but you can do it on the site.

bp15

I just did some google and found most of the answers but any additional information is also appreciated.

obie

I've been using the Shimano 151's shoes with the Ultegra 6610 pedals for 3+ months. The shoes are great- light with a rock solid bottom. My other shoes have the ratcheting top buckle but, the velcro straps on the 151's stay tight - no problems.

The SPD pedals are fine too - they're much easier to clip into than my Look Keos.

MSchott

Shimano road pedals are all basically the same except for material and bearings. The pedal platform is the same and use Shimano's SPD cleat system. Previously I had a pair of older Time shoes that used steel cleats and their own pedals. I don't think this is very common any more.

Thanks, Mike.

AnthonyG

I think you were given good advise. As long as the shoe's fit then all is good. Shimano pedals and shoes are some of the best out there. Road shoes/cleats (SPD-SL and Look) are both triangular plastic affairs which aren't really designed for walking in although the Shimano cleats are better for walking than the Look cleats because the Shimano cleats at least have some nominal walking pontoons. the Look cleats have none at all.

Shimano SPD cleats for mountain bikes are metal and mountain bike shoes/cleats are much better to walk in but they have a smaller contact area to distribute the pressure on the pedals so SPD-SL are more comfortable when riding.

Regards, Anthony

bp15

Thanks for all advices. I really appreciate your time to reply to my post.

RudeSiggy

That should be a great combination for you. The PD-R540s have the same design as the higher level DA and Ultegra pedals and a MUCH better pricepoint... basically a 105 level pedal. Good stuff. And the shoes will last you a long, long time - I doubt you'll want to upgrade them for a while once your feet get used to them. (Guessing that they fit okay...)

Tapeworm21

Helluva salesman.