Shimano A520 pedals review discussion

[Crackle]

review here:-

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=908567#post908567

So if anyone has any questions or comments you can post them here and I can modify the review to include anything else.

 

[HJ]

I use the A530 which is very similar and am happy with it. I think the hot spot issue is more a function of the shoe rather than the pedal, but I maybe wrong.

 

[Crackle]

I use the A530 which is very similar and am happy with it. I think the hot spot issue is more a function of the shoe rather than the pedal, but I maybe wrong.

Yes, I saw your review. I may get some of them for the mtn bike as my cheap and cheerful equivalent is not very good.

You could be right about the shoe, it could well be down to sole stiffness.

 

[Rezillo]

At least a couple of us in the forums here have had hot spot problems with Tahos. They are a very comfy shoe but the sole just isn't stiff enough once you start upping the mileage.

Link here

I changed to Specialised BG Pro shoes - expensive but supremely comfortable and an incredibly good fit for my size 12 plates. They are fantastic shoes and stopped hot spots completely. The tread ridges are a perfect fit for the edges of the 520, giving a wide effective platform. The Tahos have a less recessed cleat (or a shallower tread) which means they rock a little on the cleat, which only goes to make problems with the lack of sole stiffness worse.

John

 

[Crackle]

That's very useful, I'll update the review to reflect that and add in that link. Until HJ mentioned it, I'd assumed it was more the spd clip that was the culprit.

A while back I started a thread asking about alternatives to the Taho as the thing I don't like about them is that the cleat isn't recesssed enough for walking in. Pre-cleats using toe-clips I never had a problem with them.

 

[New Horizon]

I have the A520's, my first spds, and am very pleased with them. I also had Taho's and got a hot spot in my right foot after 15 miles or so. I now use Specialized BG Sport MTB's and don't get any hot spots now matter what distance. They are also superbly comfortable and, as a bonus, you can walk in them (and the cleats don't protrude as they did with one of my Taho's)!

 

[Chris James]

I have A520s and also some old A515s. I can feel the difference, so presumably the wider platform does perform some function.

One thing I have discovered is that the A520 doesn't work with SH71 cleats (not a problem for most people I would imagine)

 

[HLaB]

I have the A520's and some older similar ones (A510's I think) these would be my choice of pedals for most rides. IMO they don't look out of place on a roadbike and the compatible shoes offer more walkability than other road shoes.