Changing pedals

fasty

I want to get these single sided SPDs so I can have the best of both worlds on my bike. Are there any big gotchas when it comes to changing pedals? I've already read the left pedal loosens in the opposite direction.

Also, are those pedals okay?

**Timbuk2**

Some people have said that those pedals are annoying because you have to flip them over with your foot to get the right side.

I use these Shimano M520s and they're great, but they don't really allow you to use normal shoes.

Pedals like these are dual sided (can clip in on both sides) and allow for use with normal shoes also, but they are ugly.

Home:Ballyhoura

I was about to get the M520's just there when I asked myself how I was going to get around the place (short distances) when wearing cycling shoes is not an option! I would really be stuck, but I don't want to get those combined dual use pedals because I hear they get terrible reviews, worst of both worlds and have to flip them around as necessary to get the correct side which you want to use. Maybe this isn't an issue with the M545 which you linked to but you already said it, they are ugly and I'm not sure they are what I want.

However, I did come across these M520s on eBay and they seem to have a sort of flat platform which you can clip on to use normal shoes with them. This would be exactly what I am looking for (provided it actually is what I think it is and not just some form of persentation/packaging piece). Does anybody know any more about what I am seeing here, do they sell them separately...and where can I get them? I know they would probably fall with the platform upside down but I don't mind that as at least they will work well when I'm mountain biking with them which is what I will be using them for most of the time!

nomadic

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

However, I did come across these M520s on eBay and they seem to have a sort of flat platform which you can clip on to use normal shoes with them. This would be exactly what I am looking for (provided it actually is what I think it is and not just some form of persentation/packaging piece). Does anybody know any more about what I am seeing here, do they sell them separately...and where can I get them? I know they would probably fall with the platform upside down but I don't mind that as at least they will work well when I'm mountain biking with them which is what I will be using them for most of the time!

There just normal spd's and the platform bit clips in and out like your shoes would. Probably perfect for what your looking for. You could unclip the platform and throw them in your bag or something. The platform bit is fairly light and wouldn't take much abuse i'd say.

For short journeys normal shoes are ok with spd's without any platform yokie.

stuf

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Some people have said that those pedals are annoying because you have to flip them over with your foot to get the right side.

Have to disagree - I use those and they're perfect for what the OP wants. The pedal always comes up on the spd side so you only have to flip if you're using normal shoes.

I have M520 style pedals on the other bike and find them horrible with normal shoes.

@OP - if you think you will switch shoes a lot then definitely go with the M324

Cheaper on CRC

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

victorcarrera

fasty wrote: »

Are there any big gotchas when it comes to changing pedals? I've already read the left pedal loosens in the opposite direction.

No, just remember to remove pedals by twisting spanner in the same direction as if you were backpedaling. Opposite to install.
PS. Put a little grease on the threads before installation.

Mint Sauce

using these ones my self, been very happy with them, dont find it an issue with flipping them to the correct side, even at the lowest tension they still feel secure, exit and entry not a problem, and not that bad looking, only issue if wearing flat shoes the grip on the none cleat side may not offer the best grip, although have never had a problem my self

Home:Ballyhoura

Oh yes, I found out what they actually are: Shimano SM-PD22 SPD Clipless pedal platform reflector.



I can only really see them for sale on the US sites and not any of the usual UK based ones like CRC, Wiggle, PBK or Ribble...I have had to resort to eBay where they will cost around a tenner. Not bad, I know they get crap reviews and that they are only just for safety regulations to have reflectors on the pedals and they are flimsy and unsafe for actual riding, but I will only be popping to the shops on them occasionally so they don't need to be tremendously strong or grippy!

fasty

stuf wrote: »

Have to disagree - I use those and they're perfect for what the OP wants. The pedal always comes up on the spd side so you only have to flip if you're using normal shoes.

I have M520 style pedals on the other bike and find them horrible with normal shoes.

@OP - if you think you will switch shoes a lot then definitely go with the M324

Cheaper on CRC

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5937

Thanks! Much cheaper!

I think I'll give them a shot... I know that double sided SPDs would be better but it's a commuter bike so I'm not always going to want to wear cycling shoes and if I got a 2nd bike it would be an MTB, not a road bike anyway.

victorcarrera wrote: »

No, just remember to remove pedals by twisting spanner in the same direction as if you were backpedaling. Opposite to install.
PS. Put a little grease on the threads before installation.

Thanks for that tip, what sort of grease should I get?

Explosive_Cornflake

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Oh yes, I found out what they actually are: Shimano SM-PD22 SPD Clipless pedal platform reflector.



I can only really see them for sale on the US sites and not any of the usual UK based ones like CRC, Wiggle, PBK or Ribble...I have had to resort to eBay where they will cost around a tenner. Not bad, I know they get crap reviews and that they are only just for safety regulations to have reflectors on the pedals and they are flimsy and unsafe for actual riding, but I will only be popping to the shops on them occasionally so they don't need to be tremendously strong or grippy!

FWIW my M520's came with them from CRC. Never used them though, there only meant as reflectors, and not to be used as a cycling platform.
I also have a set of the 324's on my MTB, but I've never given them a proper go.

seamus

You've not mentioned if it's a road bike or an MTB. If it's an MTB, I'd go with these guys: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shimano_M424_SPD_Pedals/4000000481/

I have the steel cage version and they're pretty heavy. They're effectively just the M520's with a cage around them. Allow you to use even runners with little problem.

fasty

Ah sorry, it's a Specialised Sirrus which I guess makes it more road bike than MTB. I'm planning on getting an MTB in the next few months hence choosing SPD over any other system. Just one type of shoe!

rflynnr

I have M324s and have been using them for about 5 months now on the tourer and bakfiets (effectively my commuting bike). I find them particularly good on the flat side: basically they feel like normal pedals. The clip-in side is also fine but AFAIK the default cleats which are included with the pedals are Shimano SM-SH56s which are "multiple release" cleats. I.e. in addition to the normal release method of pivoting your foot to the side you can simply pull up on the cleats (whilst raising your heel) and you'll come out. This inevitably means that you're not as securely clipped in as with normal cleats. This suits me for my needs (commuting/touring) but I'd be reluctant to use them for road or mountain-biking. If that was your plan I'd buy a set of normal cleats with the pedals.

victorcarrera

fasty wrote: »

Thanks for that tip, what sort of grease should I get?

It's just to prevent the threads seizing and eases removal. Any general purpose motor grease will do. I use Castrol lithium based. It can be bought in most bike shops or halfords in small tubes for cents.

fasty

Ah okay. I'm guessing a thin coating on the threads is enough, then?

victorcarrera

fasty wrote: »

Ah okay. I'm guessing a thin coating on the threads is enough, then?

That's it.

Home:Ballyhoura

Explosive_Cornflake wrote: »

FWIW my M520's came with them from CRC. Never used them though, there only meant as reflectors, and not to be used as a cycling platform.
I also have a set of the 324's on my MTB, but I've never given them a proper go.

Anyone else buy Shimano M520 pedals from CRC? If so, did they also include the SM-PD22 reflector platform?

I know "Explosive_Cornflake" says he got them, and so did another reviewer on CRC who seemed a bit surprised to get them as they actually aren't mentioned in the item description...however I do feel that they do come as standard as many eBayers include it in the description and the pictures and some sites show that there are reflectors (like here)

I have actually made a €10 bid on eBay for a set as I didn't think they are included...please tell me that I actually need to buy them separately or else that there is a way to withdraw bids on eBay! Is there a way to do this...if so, please let me know! Cheers

cgc5483

Got a pair a couple of weeks ago and they weren't included i'm afraid. The M520s are a great price now though.

Explosive_Cornflake

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Anyone else buy Shimano M520 pedals from CRC? If so, did they also include the SM-PD22 reflector platform?

I know "Explosive_Cornflake" says he got them, and so did another reviewer on CRC who seemed a bit surprised to get them as they actually aren't mentioned in the item description...however I do feel that they do come as standard as many eBayers include it in the description and the pictures and some sites show that there are reflectors (like here)

I have actually made a €10 bid on eBay for a set as I didn't think they are included...please tell me that I actually need to buy them separately or else that there is a way to withdraw bids on eBay! Is there a way to do this...if so, please let me know! Cheers

If I can find my pair you can have them, I think I know where they should be.

Home:Ballyhoura

Explosive_Cornflake wrote: »

If I can find my pair you can have them, I think I know where they should be.

Sound man! That would be great because I just received them and CRC were correct in saying that they are not included.

However, the cleats that came in the M520 package SH-51 didn't include the shoe plate/cleat nut. Here is what you get when you buy a set off cleats off CRC but I am missing the big plate that goes on the inside of the shoe under the insole to screw the bolts into (you can just about see it here). The thing is the cleats are in a sealed package so I'm not sure was I even supposed to get them...you don't get them with the shoes by any chance?

Should I have got this much? :


I got this much:


...and seem to be missing this backing plates.

blorg

The backing plates are shoe-specific and should come with the shoe, certainly any shoe I bought had them. If you buy cleats you get all of what you have in your second photo but not the backing plate (I have bought spare/replacement cleats myself in the past.) Photo on the cleat page with CRC may be an error, they may send you a backing plate either if you don't have one (did you buy a shoe that didn't have one?)

Home:Ballyhoura

No not yet, I'm buying the shoes tomorrow (when picking up my PX TT bike). I already have the Spiuk ZS1R road shoes so I've decided to go for the MTB equivalent in the form Spiuk ZS1M so as not to have to get used to another shape not to mention that they fit me great and I am very happy with them. I'm sure they will come with that plate I am missing! (Why would you buy cleats for €15 when you can get the whole pedal system including cleats for €20? It sounds madness to me!).

Any opinions on which colour to go for? I have the black/grey set already in the road shoe and although it is not very euro, they still look very very good after 2 years. I'm not sure about the white/red...do they look a bit more plasticy and cheap to you or do you prefer them? Please take into consideration they are MTB shoes so they will be exposed to a lot of mud etc. They look well when new I must admit, but what to you think of them holding up in the long term? (Also, sorry about the large picture )

blorg

The white and red probably look a bit better new but black/grey-coloured things are more normal in MTB and tend to wear better with muck.

BTW I don't know where you are seeing €20 SPD pedals as that is crazy cheap, buy them instead of the cleats on their own if you have that option.

Note second-hand SPDs rarely come with cleats.

Home:Ballyhoura

blorg wrote: »

BTW I don't know where you are seeing €20 SPD pedals as that is crazy cheap, buy them instead of the cleats on their own if you have that option.

I just received my white Shimano M520 SPDs from CRC .... they may be a lower entry lever model but at €21.44 after 53% off I cannot complain! Seem to be pretty nice in the flesh and appear to get quite good reviews and claimed to be good value for money even at the RRP! Happy days...can't wait to try them out (not to mention trying out the TT bike first, tomorrow is going to be a great day! Haha ) Thanks

blorg

Yes, they are fine pedals, I have the older model myself. They work just as good as the higher ones, just a bit heavier. Why do you need more cleats so?

EDIT: I get it, you got a packet of those cleats packaged with the pedals. Well, yes, I can confirm the base plate comes with the shoes and if you buy the cleats on their own they don't come with the base plate either.

Home:Ballyhoura

Yes, thats it. I don't need to get more cleats or anything now, I was just saying that anyone that does need them would probably be better off buying the pedals instead just for the cleats and have a spare set of pedals basically for €6 to either sell, use or keep as spares. Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

Explosive_Cornflake

Home:Ballyhoura wrote: »

Sound man! That would be great because I just received them and CRC were correct in saying that they are not included.

Shockingly I found them. You're ok for back plates? Have spare ones also. PM me you address and I'll pop the platforms in the post tomorrow.

Home:Ballyhoura

Explosive_Cornflake wrote: »

Shockingly I found them. You're ok for back plates? Have spare ones also. PM me you address and I'll pop the platforms in the post tomorrow.

My PM is not working because of adverts ban ... Anyway, I might just go get them on eBay after all although €10 seems a bit mad considering the whole M520 pedal system and cleats cost me €20...where did you get yours? Did you buy them separately or did they come with pedals? Thanks very much for your help anyway, cheers!

....Or I could wait until my ban ends to get them off you!

Explosive_Cornflake

They came with my M520's.
Email me your address if you want,
My username here, but replace the underscore with a fullstop, that's at the mail service run by google.