Hey Guys,

I'm getting new pedals and shoes (new to clipless systems) and I've narrowed my search down to basically one pedal. I'm getting Shimano R133 shoes (got a killer deal at Bicycle Warehouse) and I'm thinking about getting some SPD m540 pedals. I know these are for mountain biking, but I don't like the concept of only being able to clip into one side of most road pedals. I realize there are options like speed play that have dual sided entry. But I'm on a budget, and weight doesn't bother me. I know the 540's are heavier, but it has dual entry. My question is...will these be compatible with the R133 shoes? I've also looked at the 520's but apparently they aren't built as strong? I dunno, for an extra 20 bucks it sounds like the 540's are built to last.

What do you think?

No, the 133 will not work because they do not have the two hole system for SPD cleats only SPD-SL.
You can go with the R087 if you want. I have a pair and they work fine for road cycling. I got mine really cheap off eBay.
You can also consider other affordable shoes with the two hole mount system. As for the pedals, the 520 is not a bad pedal at all, I know people that beat them up on MTB's and they are fine. It's your money but unless you are going for high end MTB pedals the 540 will not give you a lot more than the 520 so save your cash.

I think you should get road pedals

Agreed on road pedal recommendation. Try a pair of R540s from ebay, they are about $40 and other than weight work just like the higher end shimano road pedals.

The one sided part isn't a big deal as they are weighted to hang nose up. You'll get used to moving your foot forward until the cleat catches and then pressing down to click in pretty quickly.

Better yet, get a set of 105 pedals from Ribble for $46:

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/roa...ls/shimpeda845

Defenitley road pedals! You won't regret!

I think y'all are talking me into road pedals...my biggest hangup is the one sided entry, but if you guys say that the pedals are weight to hang the right way all the time then I may as well give it a shot! Will the 105 pedals come with cleats?

Yeah, they come with cleats.

yup!!! go get them...like now! ;-)

Not gonna lie, it may take you a couple rides to get used to it but once you are used to it, it will be second nature and you will have wished you did this sooner. I would adjust the pedal so it is easier to unlcip for the first couple weeks till you are used to clipping in/out. then once you are more comfortable, tighten them down.

Sure they will.. with an adapter.

https://www.trisports.com/shspdad.html

Not that I'd suggest that route though.

I can't get them for a couple weeks, gotta finish up this semester but when I'm home I'm for sure picking them up! Thanks guys!

I recently just made the transition from clips to the 105's....I really have no complaints about them so far.

great deal.

I use 105's myself, very happy with them. went to them after a recall on my forte carbons (look keo style) and I have zero complaints with 'em. I think the exchange on the 105's cost me about $55ish, maybe 60 (can't really remember lol )

Yep, the value for new 105s is amazing, and pretty hard to beat. I think the last pair I got on line were $55 (with cleats!!). I've got 6 or 7 pairs of them. Some local shops around here sell just the cleats for $45!!

What's the main benefit to using 'Road' pedels vs. 'SPD' type clip pedels? I use the SPD's as that is what is on my shoes that I have had for years, ooking to buy new lighter shoes but still want to walk in them.

Thanks in advance for any positive advice...

If you need to walk in them, and not waddle like a penguin, then there is no benefit to Road pedals - they're the wrong tool for that job. Beyond that, the advantages are said to be a stiffer shoe (better power transfer or something like that...) and a bigger contact area (less prone to 'hotspots').

Thanks MegaTom.
I don't plan on racing so the small increase in power delivery will likely not be noticed but the comfort 'Hotspots" improvement may make them worth purchasing when my current shoes are worn our or the pedals fail. I do enjoy the ability to semi comfortable walk around in my current Cannondale SPD shoes (look like Vans) and would like to keep some form of mobility with new ones... thanks again for the info it will be very useful in my decision making.

If you're having comfort problems with your current setup, a different SPD pedal with a platform may be a better answer than a racing pedal. I use SPD-SL on my racing bike (that I don't actually race on..), but my 'around town' bikes all get these:



With a recessed cleat, the other side's platform also provides support for your SPD shoes, and the added bonus of riding in your flip flops.