SPD Pedals

[roscco]

Just ordered a new pair of shoes which have 'cleats'. I need to upgrade my pedals and was wondering, what type of SPD pedals would be suitable for someone who has always used 'normal pedals/cages/rat traps' . Ive typed SPD into various search engines and there are so many different types.

Thanks!

 

[Cubist]

WHat sort of shoes did you get? Are they SPD compatible? If so then there are a huge number of different SPD pedals around. What sort of riding do you do? XC mountainbikers tend to go for the simplest dual sided type of pedal such as the M505, M520 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3759
both cheap as chips. Other makes such as Crank Bros Eggbeater are worth looking at, a bit more money and very weight conscious.
M545 http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/pedals/product/m545-pedal-13458 have a cage round them for freeriding, but also make a great commuter pedal as they are really quick to engage, can be used in flat shoes as well as SPDs. Also the cage takes some of the pressure off the hotspot in the middle of your foot caused by the small engagement area of your pedal. I use them for trail riding, very rugged. There's a resin caged version which is 15 quid cheaper but likely to break on rocks.
Then there's the M647 which is a touring version, again, a cage round the pedal to spread the load.

Most beginners are advised on here to try the M520s, they appear to be the beginner's SPD of choice!

 

[roscco]

Hi, i bought some SIDI shoes, they state they are SPD compatible. I only ride on the road (road race style bike) If most beginers use the M520's, then ill give them a whirl... thanks

 

[ian turner]

Definitely SPD with the two holes not SPD-SL with the three ?

 

[SquareDaff]

Get some M520's from Chainreaction (£20). I have recently. Also got a free set of inserts to convert one side to a "flat" pedal (can't remember the model number - P42?!?!) which was unexpected. Didn't want anything flash as I'm only using them for commuting. A couple of weeks in and they're working fine!!

 

[ian turner]

Hmm just looked up SIDI shoes.
You paid over £100 for a pair of cycling shoes without checking up on what pedals you were going to use first ?!!!!

 

[martint235]

Hmm just looked up SIDI shoes.
You paid over £100 for a pair of cycling shoes without checking up on what pedals you were going to use first ?!!!!

Without meaning any offence to the OP, I kind of thought this too. I've been cycling for 20 years, the last 8 of them clipped in and I still aspire to own a pair of Sidis and this person buys them as their first pair!!!! Next you'll be telling me you've got a Dogma 6.1 as your first bike.....

 

[threebikesmcginty]

To be fair to the OP, if it's his money can't he buy what he fancies?

 

[roscco]

ummm.. i wanted to start using 'cycling' shoes so my prefernce is to get the footwear i like and then pedals to suit. Looking at them, the M520's would be ideal as they seem quite popular.

FYI my first 'proper' bike was a Raleigh burner when i was about 8!

 

[martint235]

To be fair to the OP, if it's his money can't he buy what he fancies?

Very true and it is just pure and unabashed jealousy on my part!!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Very true and it is just pure and unabashed jealousy on my part!!

Fair enough - I can relate to that!

 

[dellzeqq]

Hmm just looked up SIDI shoes.
You paid over £100 for a pair of cycling shoes without checking up on what pedals you were going to use first ?!!!!

guess who got a pair of Ergo 2s for his birthday without working out that they don't take SPD-Rs....

 

[ian789]

I've got M520s, I don't see how a more expensive pedal could be any better.

 

[Cubist]

I've got M520s, I don't see how a more expensive pedal could be any better.

Well, it depends what you want to use them for!

 

[roscco]

Wish i made the change (pedals that is) a long time ago, comfortable and feel so much better.