Customer Reviews

Shimano PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Pedal

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(35)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this from Amazon, having never purchased cycling gear from Amazon before, because Amazon had by far the best price on the product. The pedal is exactly as I expected based on reviews, for better and for worse. I'll go over the pros and cons.

Pros:
(1) Very inexpensive for the functionality you're getting - flat pedal for commuting or casual rides, SPD pedal for longer rides.
(2) Relatively light weight (380g on my scale), much lighter than most mountain bike-specific SPD pedals, which until recently were your only choice for a dual-sided pedal (for example, the Shimano PD-M324 Clipless/Clip Pedals).
(3) The pedals look very sleek.
(4) The bearings are much better than the inexpensive pedals I had been using before on my commuter. The "spinup", for lack of a better term, requires much less effort. This may be both a combination of weight (these are much lighter than many metal platform pedals), as well as the bearings.

Cons:
(1) The platform side is quite slick, as others have mentioned. I bought the pedals despite knowing this because my prior pedals, which were studded, were ruining the soles on my work shoes. These pedals will not damage shoes, but at the same time, offer little grip. That's not such a problem with sneakers that have grippy soles, but with flat-soled shoes, you really have to be careful about how much pressure you put on the pedal and can't easily stand up while pedaling. In addition to the slickness of the platform, the size of the platform also contributes, as it is much narrower than a standard flat pedal, so if you're not careful, your foot can slip off the edge, not just the front or back. This is a trade-off for a sleek-looking, functional SPD pedal.
(2) The clip-in side ships at a default tension that is far too tight, even for experienced riders. Anyone new to riding an SPD-style pedal should immediately adjust the tension to the opposite extreme to get a feel for using them. At default tension, they are uncomfortably hard to get out of (and I have 15 years of experience on Shimano's SPD pedals, dating back to the M535, released in 1995).
(3) I purchased the black pedals because they matched my black bike better, but as expected, the paint on the platform chips off easily. This is especially true when using it with SPD cleats, which can tear up the paint very quickly if you're using the platform side momentarily while riding.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with the pedals. They offer a lot of performance for the price. Just be aware of the slickness of the platform if you intend to ride with dress shoes, the problem with the default tension, and the issue with the black paint chipping.

I chose these pedals because I could use them as clipless pedals with cycling shoes on one side and with my regular shoes on the other side. They are weighted so that they automatically spin to have the clip-in side up. If you are riding without your shoes, you just have to flip them. Since I most often ride with my cycling shoes I like it this way. They are adjustable so that you can make them easier or harder to clip into. I have never used clipless pedals before so I can't compare them to other types of clipless pedals, but I love the flexibility and quality of these and I love using the clipless pedals. They are great!

I ride my bike almost every day. Some days just around my college campus. Other days I go out training for triathlons. These pedals fit this problem perfectly. One side is the standard platform, and on the other is the clip. The standard pedal side has a nice base with great traction. The clip side is easy to get into and get out of. Pedals are light weight and all metal. Great quality you would expect from Shimano. Well worth the price for the versatility.

I bought these for my Spec FSR XC and paired it with Spec Sport Touring Shoes. This is my first set of clipless pedals+shoes despite being an avid cyclist - I generally knew what to expect before purchase. The units have performed well once everything is adjusted. I pulled 20%-35%+ more distance in the same amount of time with a clipless system than not - YMMV but I believe this is common.

The A530's come with cleats as most pedals do. SH51 cleats are included but this is not clearly noted on the item description. The included SH51 cleats work well but note that they only release with an outward heel movement (unlike SH56 cleats). You may want to pick up a set of SH56 cleats if you think the SH51's may be too restrictive. SH56 cleats have multiple release movements.

Installation was painless (remember, pedals unscrew towards the rear tire on *both* sides). The A530 installs with either a 5/8 wrench or an allen key wrench & don't forget to grease the threads a bit beforehand.

Float is easily adjusted with a small allen key screw and indicator markings.

I purchased the non-black units which are a textured unpolished/brushed aluminum and look great (even with some scratches/bumps).

06/21/11 Update: The pedals tend to "flip" predictably which is useful when you approach an intersection while clipped-in. That is the platform tends to switch to the clipless (and vice-versa) if you remove your foot briefly as you pedal. Minor but still useful - you can always flip the pedal with your toe.

I can confirm the platforms get pretty slippery when wet using slick soled/boat shoes. The platform side of the pedal has a very smooth finish and a lack of aggressive tread. This combination does not make nice with slick soles when wet.

I just replaced the Candy pedals that came with my Giant OCR 3. The Candy pedals worked but with difficulty on occasion. These pedals are great - you can clip into them with ease - unlike the Candys. They have two sides, so you can use the non-clip side if you don't want to accidently clip in. You can adjust them, which cannot be done with the Candys. I am getting back into biking and am new to pedals with clips. These pedals are well made, well designed and work perfectly!

I've owned these pedals for 1.5 months. They've been great: they're light, they look good and function quite well. The down side is that three or four weeks ago the right pedal started to "pop" on the down stroke. I'm assuming that the inner spindle has cracked and although it still functions fine, the noise is quite annoying. And as luck would have it, today, the left pedal started making the same noise. Fortunately, I bought them at REI so I can exchange the with no problem; something I will do tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'm going to try another pair; maybe the pair I have is defective. I think I might just go with the previous, heavier model to avoid any further hassle.

I had a problem with clipping in too easily while on very technical ascents on my MTB. These pedals solve the problem by providing one side without clips and a large, clipless platform on the other side to place your foot. They solved my problem perfectly! If you don't like to be clipped in all the time while mountain biking (either because you are riding super slow up technical ascents or to keep one foot unclipped yet have the safety of a large platform for fast descents) then these pedals are for you.

Looked at many types of pedals that were dual platform. When initially looking at this pedal through amazon... I was unsure at first on the grip quality of the non-clip side. Found the same pedal at a local bike shop, but it was about $35 more for the set.

Placed the order and had the pedal set in my hand in less than a week.
(Note: the cleats do come with the pedals. It was not plainly listed if they are supplied)

I initially tried them on my bike road while on my trainer. Adjustments to the tension were quite easy. I have not yet found any drift in the tension over time.

I was satisfied during my first live ride. Easy in and out. The clipless side has very adequate grip.
I would buy these again and recommend to any first time clip-in riders.

Will probably buy another set for my mountain bike soon.

Pricey but really nice quality. These pedals have concave platform on one side and SPD Clipless on the other. Lightweight, smooth mechanics, look good.

I've tried a few dual platform pedals, and this one is the only one that works well on both the clip side and the platform side.