Neither. You get Athena for $800 something on Ribble.

Eh???

In referring to the topic of Pedals, in Shimano's offering, I stand by my statement. The next pedal down after 105 is the R540, which has a plastic contact plate over the pedal axle, which gets worn and I eventually broke and wrecked. Spend a few more for the 105 or above with a metal contact plate

Perhaps most important is how well the shoes fit your foot. I was very surprised at how comfortable, for my feet, the Bontrager RL shoes were. The carbon sole and replacable heel is nice as well.

Not sure what you're doing there; I have tens of thousands of kilometers on PD-R540s and DA7800 pedals, both of which have plastic plates. None of them have ever broken or been ruined in any way.

But hey, spend your money any way you like.

Reading comprehension is not strong on BF. They were suggesting which component group you should go with. Don't you just love it when people actually read the thread?

In response to your shoe question, given they both fit the same, I would go for the Bontragers due to the carbon sole. Once you're on the bike, you won't care about the retention system.

I ran 105 (5610) and r540 pedals at the same time on different bikes. In my experience the only thing close was the price. The 105's were clearly better - a touch wider and no plastic center piece. I have 6620 Ultegra's as well and can't really tell a difference over the 105's.

Thank you all for the reply. I originally was looking at the Specialized until I realized that it doesn't have Carbon Soles. Would've been perfect with the Boa Retention System at $160. I have to move up to the Expert at $200 without any discounts. I can get the Bontrager RL for the same price as the Comps and all I lose is the Boa. I guess it doesn't matter what retention system it has as long as it's comfortable. AND THEY ARE!

Now here's a new one. Looking into getting the Bontrager Ant+ Sensor with the Node. I don't know which Node to get... 1.1 or 2.1. Difference? Both have a heart rate and cadence sensor, but the 1.1 doesn't come with the strap monitor. The 2.1 has additional temperature, altitude, and percent grade sensor. Difference in price? $70. Looking into getting one or the other either this month or in March when the bonus comes. Which is more beneficial? Do you really need the extra sensors? Then again, with the heart rate monitor not being part of the 1.1, I don't know how much more I have to pay for that strap.

No problem. I bought them once, learned what was ****ty about them, and moved on to something better for a little bit more in $. I learned from my mistake. Wiser people will learn from the mistakes of others. If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved the price of R540s.

BUT don't take my word for it.....a quick google will explain all you need to know....

Shimano PD-R540 Pedals and silly plastic bits







https://craig.mcgregor.gen.nz/2011/06...and-silly.html