It's been some time since I looked at these types of pedals. The last time I did was 13 years ago when I turned a road bike into a tri bike. Same set up, but it's an easier access for a new Canyon gravel bike. Easy to purchase, but easier to return/exchange due to a poor milling on a pedal. No hassles due to living in the PDX area for a pick up. This is my go to bike store! I'm looking forward when they have a discount day at the store like they did pre-COVID when I purchase supplies for my wife and my bikes.
I have been using the entry-level SPD pedal (PD-M520) for several years without issue. I got the PD-M540 for my other bike when they were on sale to see if there was any noticeable difference between the two models. So far, I cannot tell a difference while riding. Still a great pedal, but I'm not sure if it is worth the extra expense.
I needed a pair of SPD clipless pedals for an event I was doing. I ordered the Shimano PD-M540 because of reliability, ease of use and price. They ticked all the boxes so I used them on the event and they worked flawlessly even in some sloppy, wet gravel and mud.
I have used Shimano SPD Clipless Pedals on all my trail bikes. From hard tails to full suspension since 1994. They have always worked flawlessly.
You never have tolook down to clip in. Love em!
Easy to use and install, the M540s completely changed the feel and ride of my hybrid bike. Being new to cycling, I had no idea how powerful and connected clipless pedals make a rider feel. I took to riding longer and much faster, and the pedals never disappoint. Shimano makes a great product here, and a couple of my friends now ride the same clipless pedals. Quite honestly, there's no way I'd want to ride my bike without them. I stay clipped in and getting out is a snap. I have had a few mishaps where I forget or slow down to a stop too soon, which has caused a couple spills. After installation, I would suggest practicing for a few minutes before attempting your normal ride.
For performance and value, these are the "just right" ones. I've tried the more expensive ones and didn't notice any improvement in performance. On the other hand, I've tried the less expensive model and just like the sleek spindle on the 540 better, not to mention the few grams of weight savings. They come in black and silver color options and the silver is more pleasing to my eye.
These work perfectly with nothing required to adjust. The is one big issue I had and that was my pedals I was replacing after 23 years of usage were impossible to remove from my bike. I had the right tool but could not get them off and even the bike shop struggled and had to take the bike to the back of the shop and mount it. So I dished out $12 in labor cost to get the old pedals off and these installed. Don't be surprised if you have the same issue. There is no reason to purchase any other similar pedals. These are lightweight and are flawless.
Finally upgraded my pedals on my 2021 Giant Advanced Revolt 3. These pedals perform as expected and keep the compliment the existing color scheme. Sturdy clip-in with a quick release when needed.
Been using egg beaters thinking they were easier to clip in and out until i tried a pair of 540. so far they have been very reliable and easy to get clipped inout. would buy again
I was familiar with Shimano's other SPD pedals & needed a set of SPD's to use with a new gravel bike. These work just as well as Shimano's pricier models at a very reasonable cost & weight.
Easy in and easy out. Works well.
I needed pedals to go with walkable cleats.
These fit the bill.
Crank brothers blew up in the middle of a long ride. Very frustrating. Now I'm back to these pedals on my commuter, mountain bike, and cross bike. Reliable and inexpensive.
So I have been using Crank Brothers Egg beater pedal for years. I broke one once during a race, and have blown out bearings. So at the advise of many fellow racers I made the switch to SPD. These 540, XT & XTR pedals. Immediately with all three levels I noticed a larger, better platform under my foot. ( I use carbon soled MTB shoes) These pedal just feel solid. I did a race last week which was very muddy. These didn't seem to shed the mud like I remember egg beaters doing, but I could be wrong. I made this switch this within 6 months, so I feel to be more fair to crank bros I need to allow more evaluation time, but so far, IM liking the change.
I've had these in the past. I know they will last. They are heavy though.
I love these pedals. I currently own three sets and they're the only pedal I recommend to people in search of a mountain-style, two-bolt, pedal. Durable, reasonable light, and functional.
This is about as much pedal as anyone needs.
Great pedals for anyone who wants to wear "walkable" bike shoes (recessed cleats). Double sided and easy to get in and out of. I use them on my road bike. Light and versatile.
Solid pedals; good quality; function well, minimal maintenance. I have been riding Shimano SPD pedals on all my bikes for several decades. My son got me to try other brand pedals which were ok but I ride mountain, gravel and road in the same set of shoes so SPD pedals work the best for me. I still use a set of road SPD pedals from the early 90s that still work great.
This is my fourth set of double-sided Shimano pedals of this type. They are good looking, rugged, and, in my opinion, faster in and out of than the typical road bike Look style or even Speedplays. I know most riders think of these as mountain bike pedals but they are the primary style of road bike pedals I have used in in over 10 years and over 37,000 miles in my road bikes.
