Best choice for first pair of clipless pedals?
Hey everyone, lately I have been looking at buying my first pair of clipless pedals since I finally have the money to get some. As of right now I have been looking at either the Shimano 105 PD-5700 or the Shimano PD-R540. Can anybody better explain the differences between the two/tell me which one would be a better choice? Thank you.
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I think this might highlight a few of the differences
http://road.cc/content/review/63061-...-sl-road-pedal the main difference for me, which is not significant, is the wider platform and slightly better bearings in the 105 model |
The R540s are narrower than the 5700s, with a smaller contact area. In theory that makes it more likely you'll get hot spots with the R540s. The R540s also have a plastic contact surface, which will wear out a lot faster than the metal contact surface on the 5700s.
Get the 5700s. |
Oh ok, I think I'll pay the extra money for the 5700's. I was reading a fair amount of reviews on the R540's as well and a few people said a weak point was the durability. Thanks!
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I have used both and like the 105's out of those two. I had the tension set pretty low at first to get in the habit of clipping in and out but have since tightened them up. I never had trouble with either pedal but I did notice more platform on the 105's and might just be in my head but they felt smoother. I am using Carbon Ultegra now and other than weight the feel is spot on with the 105's. No doubt you will like being clipped in and for me, it makes for a better riding experience.
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Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16252281)
Oh ok, I think I'll pay the extra money for the 5700's. I was reading a fair amount of reviews on the R540's as well and a few people said a weak point was the durability. Thanks!
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Originally Posted by mprelaw
(Post 16252834)
Shop around online. Often, the "extra money" isn't very extra.
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Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16253067)
Believe me, I always shop around online as thoroughly as possible to make sure I can get a good deal on something. As for money, I'm usually in a situation where every dollar counts. Anyway, I think I'll be happy with the pedals I chose.
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i own both currently on 2 bikes. I can't tell the difference.
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Originally Posted by dralways
(Post 16253086)
Which shoes are you going with?
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Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16253886)
I'm thinking about the Serfas Interval. I've looked at many reviews and haven't really seen any problems with them, and they are inexpensive. If I need to, I can buy a better pair later on.
I know you said money was tight, but get to a store and try on several brands, like everything they have. And then, to not be a dbag, buy them there. Save extra somewhere else, like maybe buy some used pedals on eBay. Also, and I have not tried these, but shimano has a replacement for the 540 called the 550. It has the wider platform and steel plate like the 105, but in a resin body instead of aluminum. |
Originally Posted by canam73
(Post 16253907)
Try on shoes. They can be entry level, but they have to fit well.
I know you said money was tight, but get to a store and try on several brands, like everything they have. And then, to not be a dbag, buy them there. Save extra somewhere else, like maybe buy some used pedals on eBay. Also, and I have not tried these, but shimano has a replacement for the 540 called the 550. It has the wider platform and steel plate like the 105, but in a resin body instead of aluminum. |
Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16253931)
Ok, I can probably do that and see where it takes me. Thanks for the suggestion on the pedals as well, I'll give them a look!
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Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16253067)
Believe me, I always shop around online as thoroughly as possible to make sure I can get a good deal on something. As for money, I'm usually in a situation where every dollar counts. Anyway, I think I'll be happy with the pedals I chose.
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I have had the 5700's and they are great. I recently went however with Time Expresso 4 and love them. But given the contact area and a 1st time clipless I would stick to the wide platform of the Shimano pedals.
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Originally Posted by canam73
(Post 16253983)
One more thing, these will save you money on cleats if you have to walk at all: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kool-Kovers-...item51a44c3bc7
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Originally Posted by mprelaw
(Post 16252834)
Shop around online. Often, the "extra money" isn't very extra.
I bought a pair from Nashbar for $54. With shipping its still a stea. I like the 105's |
Go with the 105's, if you watch for deals, you can probably find them for around $50.
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Originally Posted by SpeshulEd
(Post 16255727)
Go with the 105's, if you watch for deals, you can probably find them for around $50.
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Originally Posted by Dylan Roberts
(Post 16254529)
I was wondering about something to keep the cleats from wearing down, thanks again for the suggestion! I've also just yesterday bought my Long/Triple Jump spikes a well as a pair for sprinting for my upcoming track season so when I get a little extra money I'll buy some lol
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I have the 105's as well and I have nothing to compare it to, but I got it because people on here recommended it. My brother installed them for me and they are on the loosest setting so I would get used to clipping in, if I figure out how to change the tension I may do it; not sure if that would make my pedaling more efficient or not.
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Originally Posted by Gramercy
(Post 16256908)
I have the 105's as well and I have nothing to compare it to, but I got it because people on here recommended it. My brother installed them for me and they are on the loosest setting so I would get used to clipping in, if I figure out how to change the tension I may do it; not sure if that would make my pedaling more efficient or not.
You'll also see curved arrows with a + or - sign above them. That's another clue--turn towards the +. |
Are the SPD-SL 105s on eBay selling for $55 honest, or do nasty people try to sell cheap knock-offs?
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Originally Posted by Dudelsack
(Post 16257802)
Are the SPD-SL 105s on eBay selling for $55 honest, or do nasty people try to sell cheap knock-offs?
Pedals have too many moving parts to knock off easily. Look out on stuff like seatposts and stems. But to be kinda safe, look for somebody shipping domestically with a return policy and decent feedback. |
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6...f728f076_b.jpg
When I bought my used bike it came with 105 clipless pedals/shoes. I tried them out for maybe half a mile, ended up with a nasty bruise on one of my shins and decided to craigslist them. Now, about 5 months worth or riding and 4k miles later I've contacted the buyer and am buying the cleats/pedals back and plan on giving them at least a month to get used to even though I love the Wellgo R146 I have now, image above. Anyone have any cheap spd-SL shoes around size 9.5-10? PM me. |
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