Pd-R550 vs PD-5700
 

I'm a fairly new rider looking to get my first pair of clipless pedals. I've ridden mtn bikes for years with clipless pedals but don't have any experience with road clipless pedals. I have decided on purchasing the spd-sl style pedals but am looking for advice on pedal choice. I am trying to decide between the pd-r550 and the pd-5700(the 105 line). It looks like the only real difference between the two pedals is the weight. Are there any other differences I need to know about? Thanks for the advice!

i recently ordered a set of the 550's. From what i read they are one level lower then 105, but a level higher the the 540's, they are made out of some sort of resin/carbon material.

shimano make great pedals, if its your first i would save some dough and get the 550's.

The 5700 pedals are good to go...and pretty stinking cheap if you get them on sale. They are smooth as glass and super quiet...after 1000+ miles they still performed flawlessly...

I rant them all last season and they were flawless...I foolishly "upgraded" to the 6800 this year and I'll be 100% honest, I can't tell the difference in the slightest.

My wife has the PD-5700's. She bought them on Amazon for under $70. Also, I have the PD-5700 CARBON, which are really nice, lightweight (not quite as light as the Ultegra PD-6800, but great price). I think I found mine online around $100. I think that was a great deal.

Ribble is sold out of the 5700c, but has the 550's for under $45. I don't have experience with that model. Looks like they mimic they 'higher-end' pedals pretty closely. The r540's were fine...but were a very old design. I have some alloy 105 & Ult. versions from a few years back (5700, etc.) and they are pretty nice.

There are some trustworthy retailers on ebay selling them as well.

I have the 5700s. I believe when I purchased them a couple years ago the R550 had only a single bearing and the 5700 had two bearings on the length of the pedal axle. I love how smooth the pedals are and are reasonably lightweight with adjustable tension. You can find them on clearance for about 70 bucks on amazon.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'm going to go with the 550's based on the fact I cane save a good chunk of money, which I will put towards shoes. I will let you all know how I like them after I've tried them.

I got two sets of R540 for $35 at nashbar:

Shimano R540 Road Pedals - Normal Shipping Ground

Been riding them for 1 1/2 years with no complaints. Sure I could spend another $100-150 and shave a few grams but I'm satisfied

Or you could do yourself a favor and get Look Keo 2 Classic.

Are the bearing setups different between the R550 and PD-5700?

I ride the 540s now and was thinking of upgrading to the new 6800 Ultegra. Looked into the 550's and ended up ordering them today. Paid $35. Definitely worth a try at that price. Would have paid $140 for the Ultegra off eBay. We will see.

Looks like the new R550s are using the old 5700 style bearings. The newer 5700C uses the Ultegra style bearings.

i have the r540 on one bike and 5700 on another. both are excellent. i cant tell the difference.

Where did you find them for $35? Thats barely more than a pair of replacement cleats

PBK. actually paid $38. they are $45 and I used a 15%.