Submitted by
athorman
a Weekend Warrior
from Peoria AZ
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2011
Strengths: price, ease of install, adjustability
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
This is my 1st clipless pedal so I went for a product from a name I trust. I couldn't be happier with this product. It was easy to install and the adjustability is great. I'd used clipless before but never owned them. Other pedals were significantly higher priced and the only advantage was a slight weight savings. I would advise anyone looking to get into clipless to consider this pedal.
Submitted by
KBirkhofer
a Weekend Warrior
from Eustis, FL, United States
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2011
Strengths: Ease of use. The tension is adjustable and these are easy to clip in and out of. They do very well in muddy terrain; however, muddy terrain here in Florida is more like wet sand, so it really doesn't cake up in the pedals.
Weaknesses: None noted yet.
Bottom Line:
Was hesitant about converting from a platform to a clipless. Was almost certain there would be a huge learning curve and felt I would have to take advantage of my AFLAC and health insurance. So far the only falls have been because I have been tempting fate or attempting to do things above my ability. If you use commomn sense and operate within your ability, you will find these pedals are all you should need. Based on my knowledge of both road and mountain bikes, I really don't see the need for a more expensive clipless pedal; this one works great.
Similar Products Used: None, first clipless pedals.
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher Marlin
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
walter gumulak
a Weekend Warrior
from bethlehem,pa.u.s.a.
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2011
Strengths: They were very easy to get used to once I adjusted the tension of the pedal. I started with toe clips on road bikes back in the 70's,But these are so much nicer. No worries about your feet slipping out of the clips or off the pedals while flying down the trail. They are also cheap.
Weaknesses: None that I can think of. They even work for me when muddy.
Bottom Line:
The 520 spd pedals may not be the most exspensive or the coolist but they are very good pedals. I can't justify spending 5 times as much for a higher end pedal.I dont abuse my stuff but face the facts, I step on them. I grind them against stumps, Rocks, Curbs Etc. It happens! In short Buy a set, They dont get much better and they are cheap to replace. They all need to be replaced sooner or later.
Bike Setup: 2003 Giant Reinier. Set up mostly for Rail Trail Touring these days. Getting old. Xt shifters front and rear derailleurs. Lx hollowtech 2 cranks for the steel rings. That last longer. Sram casset 990. Sram 971? chain. Mavic xm 719 disk 36 hole rims, Xt hubs, bb7 Avid calipers. ETC.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
madeinholt
a Weekend Warrior
from Holt
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2010
Strengths: After a serious gap in using clip-less pedals I found I was clicking in and out of these with ease. After only a couple of days use I would say these do the job well. Makes me wonder is it really necessary spending a lot more on pedals?
Weaknesses: I suppose time will tell. They did crunch a little when caked in mud - but I guess any pedals would.
Bottom Line:
The ability to erase a 20 year memory gap in clip-less pedal use in under 20 miles. Came free with the bike and I am glad I did not waste money on upgrading to XT or XTR pedals.
Bike Setup: Giant XTC 0 (2009) all original components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
csmac2004
a Cross Country Rider
from Kamloops, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2010
Strengths: Ease of use/adjustments, strong
Weaknesses: Nothing really yet
Bottom Line:
I found these brand new at a garage sale for $20, so I jumped on the opportunity and have never looked back. Great pedals! For my first SPD's, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to learn and use. I have had no unintentional "un-clipping" episodes, but 2 times I fell over 'cuz I didn't clip out fast enough (my fault)! They're pretty good in mud, but I have had some issues with them becoming a bit difficult to unclip when the mud does build up. However, that could also be a problem with my shoes not shedding the mud and piling up around the cleat.
Starting in the middle of a steep climb is actually quite easy, as even if I don't get it clipped in on the first go-around, I can still pedal with good force and catch it on the next upstroke.
Very impressed with these pedals! Great performance, reliable and a good price!
Similar Products Used: No other SPD's, just regular pedals with clips
Bike Setup: Cannondale F8 with a few minor upgrades
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
heartland
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomington, IN USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2009
Strengths: solid engagement, easy to adjust, great price
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
Love 'em. The problem with Crank Bros is that they can pop your foot out if your pedal hits a log or rock as you pedal over it. Haven't had this problem with these pedals so far. They give you a nice, loud click when they engage so that you know you're in, and they hold your foot solidly. Easy to adjust too. No complaints.
Submitted by
alexm
a Cross Country Rider
from Larchmont, NY
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Strengths: Clip in and out easily, easily adjustable. I have never had a problem with them.
Weaknesses: Heavier than some other products, but I'm not that hardcore about weight though.
Bottom Line:
These were my first clipless pedals, I love them. Have not had a problem with them. Great for the price, I would recommend for someone who's not looking to spend a lot of money but still wants quality
Similar Products Used: This was my first clipless pedal
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher marlin
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
perryc
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2009
Strengths: Adjustable. Bearings last. Hit a rock, no change, this thing is built to last and they are dirt cheap. Easy in, easy out.
Weaknesses: Heavy. Paint chips off.
Bottom Line:
When you come across a pair of the 520's, buy them, They are highly recommended and they are cheap. I keep buying more for spare but they just wont quit. Built to last and I think they are re-buildable.
My shimano PD-M520 pedals are giving me issues. My cleats are having trouble staying clipped in. I have adjusted the tension on the spring thinking that it would help, but it has n Read More »
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