mrshinsa

I picked up a pair of Shimano PD-A530 pedals after reading about the benefit of using SPD (so that I can walk around), with the larger platform on these touring pedals for more comfort.

However, when I'm clipped in with my MTB shoes, the sole doesn't actually come into contact with the outer platform area. I'm not talking about the reverse side of these pedals, as the A520 and A600 also tout the larger platform area on the clip side.

If the sole doesn't actually come into contact with the outer platform area, I really see no benefit of these touring pedals over general spd ones such as M520.

Am I doing something wrong here?

Tandem Tom

Could it be that the "flat side" is for use with regular shoes?

muu

It is what it is. Contact area of A530 isn't all that great, it just has a flat pedal on one side so you're not forced to wear SPD shoes every time you use it (which can be convenient when you're touring). I don't know what the description/marketing hype from whom/where you purchased said, but for what you're looking for you'll be best served by the A520, A600 or one of the bigger MTB pedals.

dtrain

The larger platform on the clip side doesn't apply here - so the benefit over m520 is just that it has a flat side. Were you misinformed by someone?

BTW: I have a couple pairs of these PD-a530 (NIB). If anyone is interested, just PM me.

adclark

+1...It sounds like you were looking for the Shimano equivalent of CB Acid or Mallet, whatever that may be. Clipless on both sides and the larger contact area with the shoe.

mrshinsa

Thanks everyone.

I see that the platform area of PD-A520 is at level with the clip part (unlike the A530, which lies lower than the clip part), hence more likelyhood that it will provide support when clipped in.

I was under the impression that A530 is same as A520, with the added benefit of platform on the other side, but looks like I was wrong.

Rather than spending more money on another half baked idea, I replaced the A530 with a 105 SPD-SL.

dtrain

On the other hand - the flat side of the A530 is a bit larger than the platform of other two models and the 105's offer poor walkability. It's all a balance of needs/function/cost/etc. Best of luck.

hueyhoolihan

for me, worrying about platforms means i really have a shoe problem. and it's that the soles aren't stiff enough.