Shimano PD-M540 Pedal

Bought these to replace M520s which have started clicking after 6 years of moderate use. These are slightly lighter than M520 and a bit trickier to install as M540 needs a 15mm Allen Key. Cleats are included.So why clipless? They provide better acceleration and more power, especially uphill (10% extra or so compared to standard pedals). However you will be using additional muscles so it may take a few weeks before you fully appreciate this.Note that if this is your first time using clipless, you will fall over. Practice somewhere soft and maybe loosen the pedals considerably so that you can easily twist you feet out until you get used to these.Compatible with any SPD shoe. I would avoid the Shimano SPD shoes as these are very stiff, this gives more power but can make your feet tingle after a long ride. I use Specialised SPD shoes which are more forgiving.

A step-up up from the M520 pedals (which are also great) The M540 has a Cro-Mo axle, and a steel locknut that doesn't require a special tool to remove. They’re also a bit lighter and have more durable bearings. You won’t be disappointed with the 520s, but if you have the extra in your budget, it would be well spent on getting the 540s.

I bought the pedals on friday and they arrived monday morning. I signed up for the amazon prime 30 day trial and got next day delivery free.Anyway, I ride a fixed gear track bike without brakes so a lot of strain goes through the pedals, both accelerating, spinning at high cadences and also stopping (skidding)!These pedals have so far held up fantastic, there's quite a lot of float with them which isn't adjustable but its not too much, if anything, it just makes it a little easier on the ankles.The spin smooth, look great, don't weigh much and also if you're locking your bike up in a city, they discourage thieves as its pretty difficult to ride them without spd shoes.I paired these pedals with Shimano M088 shoes which are also 5 star for me.

I bought these 18 months ago. And the had to be replaced after 8 months as the bearings in the right pedal become stiff and quite rough to turn. To Amazon's credit they replaced them with very little fuss.Unfortunately the second pair developed the same fault after a few months, rather than return I thought I would stick with them. Today when I was on my ride the pedal completely locked up causing some issues as I was unable to pedal.I may be unluck, however I felt be sharing my experiences it other have the same problem they can report it straight away.J

Good pedals just don't over tighten them to your cranks. I did and they would not budge when I tried to remove them. Just rounded off three quality 8mm allen wrenches.. Local bike shop had no joy either. Would prefer hex nut over allen socket. The cost you pay to save a few grams off pedal weight.

I took the plunge and bought my first pair of SPDs. As recommended I set them to the lowest spring tension the twisting action of the foot is easy enough to disengage. The difficulty comes when you are in auto pilot and your mind forgets you are wearing them and you need a sudden stop. I anticipate that eventually disengaging will be second nature. The benefits outweigh any negatives and I am glad I switched they feel like all the leg effort is transferred to forward motion.

I use the pedals mainly for road cycling on a cyclocross so ymmv.I never had clips before and it made a hell of a difference in stability.For now i set them to the loosest settings and they are extremely easy to get in and out of.In fact most of the time after a stop at a light my shoe goes right in.Yet even though there is almost no resistance unclipping they are rock solid when riding.Performance wise i am seeing about 10% improvement in time (about 3 minutes over a 30 minute ride).Riding comfort is increased due to much higher stability (and no risk of slipping).If you are careful they can be used with normal shoes, but i wouldn't try any great distances.

I use this on a hybrid bike for commuting and country cycling. I have tried one sided clip pedals. I have tried clip/non clip hybrid pedals. These ones are the easiest to get in an out of without having to check the pedal.