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.
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.
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.
Changed from Look style road pedals to SPD pedals this year, after 30 years in the saddle. Cant believe what I've been missing. These pedals are a great deal and made well. Not the base model but not the overpriced model either. Cant go wrong with them.
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
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 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.
I use these pedals on my road bike because they are light weight and allow me to use shoes that are easier to walk in. They are very smooth to click into and release from and have just the right amount of 'float' for comfortable riding. I also have these pedals on two other bikes and have found them all to be very comfortable and reliable.
Ive used the 520s for years now and finally upgraded my bikes to the 540s. For me, the decision came down to higher quality materials used on the spindle of the 540 vs the 520, and the better support feeling of the cleat interface. The 520s are great if you are unsure of clipless and want to try it. The 540s are perfect for an upgrade and a rider who wants to get more adventurous with their rides.
