Customer Reviews

Shimano SPD Mountain Bike Pedals - PD-M540

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I recently upgraded to the PD-M540 from the PD-M520. Significant improvement (this is not to say that the PD-M520 is a bad item- -it isn't). I use these on my road bike. In my opinion the SPD clip are easier to get into and out of than the Look-style road pedals. The SPD clips are the same as what you would use at the gym in spin class (also, you can walk for miles in the bike shoes that accomodate SPD clips). This is a two sided pedal with an adjustable clip mechanism so that you can make it as easy or difficult to unclip as your riding ability. These are fairly light weight and are a good looking pedal on the bike. They are much smaller and lighter than the 520s and as such they feel a little less clunky when you clip in. The ability to clip into the pedal yields dividends in terms of power and speed on the bike. It also makes the rider more efficient because you are using the the momemtum of up motion of your legs as well as the down. These pedals do not compromise performance and the price is very good. I strongly recommend these pedals to enhance your cycling experience. If you are considering the 520s, a word of advice: these are a significantly better pedal and value for your money.

these are my third pair of shimano clipless pedals, and they are excellent; i bought their first ever clipless shimano's 16yrs ago, and they still work well on my old mtn bike. i bought these as an upgrade from some old pedals (I think 535's) that have been on my cross bike. i started to dislike the feel of the 535's, and couldn't adjust them to feel any better (too tight or too much wiggle; no great middle ground). but these 540s feel great... i click right in, the entry is positive and secure, and there isn't any of the annoying wiggle of the 535's. i might buy another pair for my mtn bike; especially because the cleat is different (rounded instead of pointed). niagara cycles (see above) sent them to california very quickly. i give 'em five stars, though i imagine that the xtr's are even better, but you can buy three sets of these for the price of one set of xtr's, so that evens it out for me.

Excellent value for the price, good combination of light weight and pedaling power without breaking the bank. Turns smoother than the 520 model. I've only ridden about 50 miles on them so far, but they're easy to get in and out of, even on a tight single-track.

I purchased these as well as a pair of PD-M970's for an other bike. I wanted the same cleat so I bought both and wish I just got two pairs of the M540's... There isn't any noticeable difference in the two besides the Xtr's are a bit nicer looking and maybe a couple grams lighter. The 540's are still pretty light and work great. There is plenty of movement in them without releasing. They are easy to clip in and out of. Highly recommend them.

Decent pedal at reasonable price. I'm 230 pounds so I don't use the light weight stuff. This model pedal has held up well for me in the past so I replaced my old set with the same model. Typically the "fail" when they are so corroded that I can't adjust the tension and/or clip in/out. Then it time for new pedals.

I currently had 520's on my Giant Mountain Bike, but they were old and worn. I decided to upgrade to the 540 style which they were slightly less in total weight of pedals. Shimano is a reputable brand in much of the cycling products and I would recommend these to anyone who is looking to upgrade to another type of pedal for their mountain bike.Shimano PD-M540 ATB SPD Pedal 9/16 w/SH-51 Cleat Silver

Just like most clip pedals, it does to job of holding your foot in the right spot. I can put as much pull up strength as I can and it will not let go. It has good clearance, fairly light weight, and very positive clip in/out feel. I have these on both my mountain bike and my road bike. Have had no problems using them in either. Amazon has the best price. None of my local stores will even match the price.

Ofcourse, just like most other pedals, if you stop and forget to clip out, get ready to pick yourself up from the floor. If you are not used to clips, the best thing you can do for yourself is practice, practice, practice getting out of the clips. Ride around in a safe area (empty parkinglot) and clip in and out. Practice starting and stopping over and over, until you feel comfortable. Practice clipping out at both the bottom and top of the crank rotation. Make it second nature. Learn to use the middle of your foot (area without clip) in an 'emergency' to pump down when you have not clipped in. If you are not good at balancing when not moving forward, clip out early.

What can I say about these you probably haven't already read? Probably not a lot. They are essentially the same mechanism as the XTR and XT pedals but weigh a bit more (as if the parts on the heavy side of the manufacturing tolerances are used at this level). The finishing on them is not great but functionality is not not effected at all. They have two sealed bearings races(part of the reason for the extra weight over some other pedals) and are essentailly bullet proof- requiring very little upkeep/servicing.

I have yet to have a functional issue with these. The few times I have ridden in muddy conditions I did not have a problem clipping in or out. I recommend these with a four star rating instead of five due to the finishing and weight. Otherwise, functionality is excellent. I use these on a single speed, where weight isn't much of an issue and would recommend them for those trying clipless for the first time or where the absolute lightest weight is not an issue. Even so, these weigh only a few ounces more than the higher dollar stable mates, making these the bargin pedal from Shimano.

My "speed" pedals definitely make me go faster. They take some getting used to if you've never used clipless pedals before (like me), but they're great, especially going uphill.

There are two cons to consider. First, it takes a very large allen key to install them. My standard 15mm and 9/16in pedal wrench wouldn't do it and neither would my regular allen keys in my toolbox. I had to buy a larger set of allen keys from Home Depot, though they didn't cost much ($7). Second, the tension screws were impossibly tight. Good thing I bough the new allen keys with the longer handles, and thus greater torque. You typically don't need to adjust the tension anyway, but it's good to have the capability.

That said, these are relatively minor issues. This is a great value for money and worth every penny.

I am riding with bicycle shoes for the first time (coming from cage). These pedals are super sturdy and allows me adjust the tension from pretty loose to super tight. I have never tried the lower models that Shimano makes, but after using these, I definitely don't have any complaints about them. SPD is great because I can wear the same shoes for my cycle class and for riding my road bike. The description isn't very clear, but these DO come with cleats (SH51). People say the SH51 are hard to get out of, but I don't have any problems at all! I just twist the rear of my foot outward, and it comes right out.