Best choice for first pair of clipless pedals?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Perth, Australia and sometimes Penang Malaysia
Posts: 1,916
Bikes: Litespeed L1r, Litespeed Ghisallo 07, TCR Advanced Team SL 0 ISP, Giant TCR Advanced SL, Giant TCR Advanced Team - T-Mobile, Giant Propel Advanced SL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think this might highlight a few of the differences
https://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
https://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
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
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.
Get the 5700s.
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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!
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonds Wa
Posts: 645
Bikes: 2014 Felt F2 2015 Specialized Tarmac Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 499
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Which shoes are you going with?
#9
Still can't climb
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Limey in Taiwan
Posts: 23,024
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
i own both currently on 2 bikes. I can't tell the difference.
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
Senior Member
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.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
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.
#13
Senior Member
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,318
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You will be very happy with the 105s. I bought a set of Ultegras to keep my last bike "all Ultegra". It was wasted money. No perceptible performance benefit. They may be more durable, but for the amount of time that 105s last, it takes awhile to reap that benefit.
#15
An Average Joe
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 646
Bikes: '13 Orbea Orca
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Santa Paula, CA
Posts: 81
Bikes: GT GTR Series 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
One more thing, these will save you money on cleats if you have to walk at all: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kool-Kovers-...item51a44c3bc7
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 245
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,318
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 842
Bikes: Trek 1.2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Posts: 2,318
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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 +.
#23
Senior Member
Are the SPD-SL 105s on eBay selling for $55 honest, or do nasty people try to sell cheap knock-offs?
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.
Momento mori, amor fati.
#24
Senior Member
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.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 499
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.