I'm wondering which pedal you guys think is a better pedal for the money. Or which you would get, I'm looking at these:

Shimano Ultegra PD-6700 SPD-SL

Shimano PD-R540 SPD-SL

Is there much of a difference here besides weight? Thanks for any help.

i have the r540, it's what the shop recommended for me in terms of best value and price. I like it, but then again, I'm a beginner and have nothing else to compare it to. But I suspect that the ultegra pedals are slightly lighter and since its got the ultegra name stamped on it, it'll be automatically more expensive on that basis alone

The R540 doesn't have a replaceable plate on top, so it'll wear out sooner than the Ultegra (the 105 pedals also have a replaceable top).

But, it'll take a lot of mileage to wear it out, too.

Personally, I'd split the difference and go for 105.

Performance is selling PD-6700s for $100 if that makes any difference to you.

Yeah I saw that and the R540s are only $50. Just trying to decide if I really want to spend the extra $50 right now. Its pretty tempting so I thought I would ask for ideas from you guys.

I have not used the r540 but I do use 6600 pedals which i think are basically the same except color. The only issue I have, is that my left cleat always gets hooked on the underside of the pedal. It feels like I'm clicked in until I drop the hammer.

+1. I've got the 105s. Love em.

I've looked into the 105 but I can get the 6700s for cheaper on performancebike, so I'm really leaning that way.

try amazon or ebay for the 105's, i got mine for $75 shipped

speedplay X5 for 80$

I picked up my 6700's for 99.00 at Performance. For around 80.00 off I thought it a good deal. I was looking at Looks and Speedplays also. Note that I was coming from a pair of MTB Shoes and spd/crank bro candy c pedals. I can definately tell theirs more support under foot. They are plenty easy to clip into.

The only problem I have noticed is that they are considerably harder to unclip from than my old spd's but I'm getting more used to it. I think I have them set at the lowest tension but I may take them to the shop to make sure. I really like them. I also picked up Specialized Elite Road shoe to go with them.

I'd also say 105s. The replaceable top plate is nice, but the bigger advantage IMO is the wider platform. Which is really important for my 13EEs.

Best price I've ever seen is here: https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/roa...ls/SHIMPEDA835

$46.10 if you spend more than $72.50. So toss in some tubes or some Assos chamois creme.

And my set came with the little reflectors for under the pedals along with cleats. If you don't want the reflectors, eBay or CL them and get a few $$ back.

I have the R-540 which is inexpensive and not that much heavier. But if I had to do it all over again, I woulda went 105 or ultegra because of the metal top plate. The 540 has a plastic plate that I can see is getting worn down. It will probably take a while before they're destroyed, but I'd prefer the metal plate on the 105/ultegra pedals.

Nashbar almost always has the r-540 for $40 it seems. Very good value if money is tight.

r540s use bushings if i'm not mistaken, and the 105s bearings, so you might want to keep that in mind. not much perceivable difference really...