Shimano SPD-SL pedals - differences / recommendations

mp31

Newbie needs some advice.
I've decided on Shimano SPD-SL pedals but am confused by the range.
Apart from cost, what's the difference between the following:-

- Shimano R540 SPD-SL, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5369
- Shimano 105 SL Pedals 5700, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50512
- Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL Road Pedals 6700 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67248

Do they take the same SPD-SL cleats? If so then is there a big difference in how easy it is to clip in/out of these?

I take it the more expensive pedals have better materials that are lighter and last longer but is there anything else that I should be aware of.

greenmat

mp31 wrote: »

Newbie needs some advice.
I've decided on Shimano SPD-SL pedals but am confused by the range.
Apart from cost, what's the difference between the following:-

- Shimano R540 SPD-SL, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5369
- Shimano 105 SL Pedals 5700, http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50512
- Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL Road Pedals 6700 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67248

Do they take the same SPD-SL cleats? If so then is there a big difference in how easy it is to clip in/out of these?

I take it the more expensive pedals have better materials that are lighter and last longer but is there anything else that I should be aware of.

I've used the first 2 sets of pedals, still use the 105 versions. The cheaper set only lasted about 18 months, bearing on the non-drive side worn out. As you go up in price the product is lighter and with better parts. The 105 version are great and look good too, not that you see them much under your shoe. They come with cleats in the box, which sometimes listings don't tell you, the 105 pair I bought did. They were the Yellow version which allow some Float or sideways movement while clipped in.

kumate_champ07

the r540 was 28euro for a while with crc, was a big bargain considering it comes with cleats that cost 22 at LBS's, still kind of is. a great starter pedal but the 105 is noticeably higher quality and also good value. it has a wider platform engagement with the cleats.
theres prob better quality control with shimano 105, so they last longer than the lower end model

(I have both of these pedals)

vision267

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

the r540 was 28euro for a while with crc, was a big bargain considering it comes with cleats that cost 22 at LBS's, still kind of is. a great starter pedal but the 105 is noticeably higher quality and also good value. it has a wider platform engagement with the cleats.
theres prob better quality control with shimano 105, so they last longer than the lower end model

(I have both of these pedals)

Shimano pedals are very very durable.105 or ultegra's will last for well they could last forever!

I think I bought my 105's about 4 years ago,I have never ever done any maintainance on them.Recently I got the look keo max its just me but I prefer them.I know there is no way my look pedals will last as long.

Great choice shimano pedal's just be carefull when your unclipping,they can be difficult,

kumate_champ07

vision267 wrote: »

Shimano pedals are very very durable.105 or ultegra's will last for well they could last forever!

I think I bought my 105's about 4 years ago,I have never ever done any maintainance on them.Recently I got the look keo max its just me but I prefer them.I know there is no way my look pedals will last as long.

Great choice shimano pedal's just be carefull when your unclipping,they can be difficult,

I use an allen key to adjust the tension, low for riding to the track and max for racing. with the tension down low its extremely easy to clip out. the problem is if you keep changing it too often you can wear out the bolt head which I did so cant adjust tension on 1 pedal now, luckily its stuck at high so I can still use it for racing. Im sure I can figure out how to replace the bolt

CramCycle

greenmat wrote: »

I've used the first 2 sets of pedals, still use the 105 versions.

Same here. The 105 are in better shape after the same amount of riding but not by much. I have probably done over 8000km on each, the R540 started to seize a bit (the clip at the rear stopped catching the cleat) but that has been fixed temporarily by blasting the bolt/spring with Lubricant and they are back to being perfect.

So I'd have no issue recommending either, if you have the money, go for the 105s (I actually got mine second hand for a saddle swap) but they have come down in price since then, the ultegra are too expensive, you could get two pairs of 105s for them.