Submitted by
Rick
a Downhiller
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any Down Hill Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Tough, great traction, easy in and out, look awesome.
Weaknesses:
None that I've found besides the price and the fact that the idiots at Shimano discontinued this pedal.
Similar Products Used:
You name it
Bike Setup:
Super 8 and a Schwinn S-10 All mountain
Bottom Line:
These pedals kick butt, I've had NO problems with them at all. I smash them into rocks, logs and the random unlucky small animal and I've NEVER had a problem. Never lost a screw or spring or end cap off either of my sets of DX's.
These people who say the "commute" with these pedals are nuts. They probably have the "set screws" out all the way so they fell out and lost the springs or something like that. This will happen with most pedals if you have the tension set too light.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtnfiend
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Source
Strengths:
Durability
Weaknesses:
Weight
Bottom Line:
I purchased these things back when this style of pedal just came out. It was a long time ago, I'd say it was 1995. Granted I stopped ride for several years. However I've been riding agressively for 4 years and use these pedals on every ride. They are still running strong. The pedal still spins as if it was new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeanne
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: March 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Powderface
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Calgary Cycle
Strengths:
Looks robust.
Weaknesses:
For want of a minor overhaul part the product is useless.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M505; Wellgo $20 clipless pedals.
Bike Setup:
Brodie 1998 Torque steel frame c/w Shimano LX commuter bike.
Bottom Line:
Same problem as an earlier reviewer. The end caps came out of both pedals at some point in my Calgary commute 18 months ago and I lost both sets of springs and bushings. At 130 lbs I am not hard on this product and sadly I hardly ever leave pavemen, I get regular tuen-ups. My LBS overhauled and replaced the missing parts the left side in Oct. 2004 for $25 and ordered parts for the right pedal. Eight months later I find Shimano has not been sending out spring pedal replacement parts for months. We have many great bike shops in Calgary and none seem to be able to get these parts. I'm sure I won't be replacing this product with another expensive non-repairable Shimano product. I did get 3 years of trouble free service, the pedal is in great shape otherwise, just un-intelligent maintenance design on the engineer's part I guess. I can't imagine what would happen with this product falling apart like this in a real race. Buy these if you can find them for under $30, already have a set, and need the parts? ps: terms of use link is out of service on this submission page.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuck cypert
a Weekend Warrior
from dallas, tx usa Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Old Ore Road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
It looked like a good setup: heavy duty design, built for severe abuse, SPD cleats.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Weak. One of these pedals is falling apart after less than a year of commuting 9 miles every day. I clipped the occasional curb with them but they have been nothing like abused. The end cap on the right one came off and the spring and bushing went somewhere and now the cage is all wobbly. Suckomatic. I go about 180 lbs. and take it easy on my stuff, all I do with these is ride to work and back on paved roads. These pedals were not mistreated and for the price they sure should have fared better..
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 424s & 545s and no complaints.
Bike Setup:
Commuterrorista M1A1 Main Battle Bike. Old steel mountain bike frame with Phil wheels and 1x9 drivetrain, full racks and panniers for hauling all my crap to work and back.
Bottom Line:
I am left unimpressed. I need to be clipped to the bike and I need pedals that are easy to hit when accelerating from a traffic light. These did that but one is falling apart after maybe 100 rides. I'll have a pair of 545s next, I think, as soon as the right one falls apart the rest of the way or starts making noise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kelso Extreme
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Path
Strengths:
Very durable. and you can either go clipless or just flat shoes.
Weaknesses:
I think I payed a bit much for them but it was in canadians dollars so it might be right. they are kinda hard to get out of with clipless shoes and if you crash and they scratch your leg you definetly going to BLEED.
Similar Products Used:
just plain shimano clipless pedals and regular shimano flat pedals
Bike Setup:
2003 Rocky Mountain ETSX-30 Stock
Bottom Line:
These pedals are awsome and to those people who say you can only use them with clipless shoes your wronge. I always use these pedals with out clipless shoes and have never had any porblems because they teeth help keep my shoes on. Just remeber to wear shin pads cuz these pedals will make you bleed. Diding give it 5 out of 5 chillis on the value rating because they cost alot!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Calumet, MI Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the Keweenaw
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
70
Strengths:
Easy to engage, have taken a number of hits and no problems.
Weaknesses:
One time I got them pretty caked with mud and had difficulty engaging, could still pedal though.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, other shimano spd
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 stock, Cannondale MT2000 Tandem, stock
Bottom Line:
I have enjoyed using these. I would recommend these to people just starting with spd. For me, they were easier to engage than the pedals that came with my 6500 and the ritchey's that were on the tandem. They are heavier and for a cross county enthusiast who is more concerned with weight they would probably not be the best choice. Durability has been good for us, a number of times they have been banged on the rocks with our tandem and still keep on going.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, USA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Schaeffer Farms, MD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Online - Unsure
Strengths:
Price point was acceptable; looked nice; had a durable appearing platform.
Weaknesses:
Platform wasn't that useful due to the SPD placment and angle. Weight, but if you're buying this type of pedal, you expect that. I used these for offroad riding on moderately technical singletrack and found these hard to disengage resulting in multiple falls. Not great for confident riding. Given today's options, I would not recommend these. I don't think these are best for muddy, or adverse trail conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Time Z - like these alot better; thinking about the Mallet C's.
Bike Setup:
Current trail bike is a Giant NRS2, everything still stock w/ the exception of the tires (now Panaracer Fire XC Pro's), and saddle (Peformance brand Forte SL Pro). NiteRider lighting system - handlebar and helmet mount, 12W.
Bottom Line:
I'm sure there's worse out there, but these are not the best pedals. I'm actually steering away from Shimano pedals in general, due to price and overall performance. I liked the Time Z's much better, and these were much easier to engage and disengage in adverse conditions. I can not recommend this item.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nikolas
a Weekend Warrior
from Greece Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004
If you got $80 for pedals dont look anywere else.Nothing can mach theese.The survived crashes,rocks,mud,water,dirt,dust,jumps-everuthing.Very good function and adjustability.Top quality bearings.Very easy maintenance.If i only coult rate them 10 chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Fort Wayne, IN Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Not here
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Shh, Employee purchase ;)
Strengths:
SuperStrong and durable, work like everyother decent clipless pedal
Weaknesses:
the placstic insert that holds the axle in the pedal
Similar Products Used:
Other shimano clipless pedals, coda(wellgo) pedals
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro hardtail
Bottom Line:
These pedals do exactly what they are supposed to. You only here two complaints about them. One is the plastic insert that holds the axle in the pedal breaking. It is a legitimate complaint but one that has apparently been addressed by shimano. The other complaint is that you can't stand on the body when not clipped in. This is crap. The pedal is not designed to be used without clipless shoes. The body serves several functions, it protects the pedal mechinism, and it allows for a platform to stand on if you come inclipped and do not have the time to clip back in at that second, and in this situation the body seems to help guide the cleat back in. But it is not designed to be used without a clipless shoe. Anyone who is complaining that they can't use a regular shoe is using the pedal imporperly and that review should be ignored.
These pedals have held up really well through countless crashes. They reasonably well in mud, but down't work so well if the shoe is packed up with snow. This might be a function of the shoe as I have only used one shoe in the snow with these pedals.
As a testament to their strength, in the spring I jumped off the loading dock at work and landed really flat. I thought I bent the axles so I ordered a new pair and put them in but the bike was still messed up. It turns out I hav twisted the crank arms. I put the old axles back in with the new cranks and they were perfect. My Cranks had failed before the pedals.
The bearings spin smoothly and have required almost no maintance in the three years I have had them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C-dog
a Downhiller
from Hamilton, MT, USA Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good clipless pedal, positive engagement, strong axel and bearings no maintence required
Weaknesses:
I bought it for the platform but it's frickin useless.
Similar Products Used:
most of them
Bike Setup:
I've had them on a couple of bikes but right now they are in the garage on the shelf
Bottom Line:
These pedals are tough as nails and take a beating, they work very well clipped in. but the platform is useless except for maybe protecting the bodey of the pedal, if you are trying to ride these uncliped watch out the are slippery and if you're wearing cleats they will just slip right back into the clips. There has got to be a better way of doing this concept comeon shimano
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo Parra
a Racer
from Chillan, Ñuble, Chile Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
BMX chillan track...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
January, 2003
Strengths:
The pedals are beauty ¬¬, mmmmmmmmm, they clip in & out like any clipless pedal... they spin freely, like they would have sealed ball bearing.... but it doesn't matter when you are over 100 RPM....
Weaknesses:
Bad design, plastic pieces with metalic pieces who are exposed to high stiffness....
There are only one model with the LOCK BOLT in plastic... and only me buy that!!!... i feel like someone thief from my pocket my money....
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo WPD-804
Bike Setup:
DiamondBack Reactor 24" Profile 177 CRANKS
Bottom Line:
ufffff.... where can i start...
The pedals are god until you must service them... when i open my pedals, a plastic piece (that in the new 646 it's metalic and doesn't require special tool)THE PLASTIC LOCK BOLT when i open the left pedals, this piece was broken!!!!, i had try to extract and it broke again, only with my hands, no wrench!!!!, and the half of this piece it's inside, so... the pedal it's ready for the trash.... after that, i open the left pedal, the same piece have spin freely, it hasn't thread!!!, i don't know why, i put the tool rightly and i loose to the right direction....
well... There are two pedals, with less than a year, in my trash!!!... now, and in the future, i will dissasembly completely a pedal before buy someone....
in this moment, i have wellgo clipless pedals, of the half price, and they work nicely....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI, US Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Great stable platform. Really sturdy.
Weaknesses:
Really hard to clip in when muddy. Kinda heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Normal shimano spd
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500, XTR rear, XT front, XT shifters, Manitou Mars fork, Rolf Dolomite Wheels, Panaracer Fire XC tires, Selle Italia flite saddle, Qrank riser bars
Bottom Line:
These peddals have a great stable platform that is awesome when you can't or don't want to clip in. I use them on my XC bike because I wanted something that I could use without cleats. They do the trick, but they are kinda heavy for a race bike. The one downside is that it's nearly impossible to clip back in if you've had to hop off when it's muddy. The good thing is that even if it's muddy and you're not clipped in, your foot isn't going anywhere. The platform is great. They're good foe XC even though they're a little heavy and theyre great for DH/freeride. I'm probably going to end up getting some Times though because of the mud factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Everything, especially the good grip when not riding SPD, except...
Weaknesses:
Paint scratches off REALLY easy, heavy
Similar Products Used:
All sorts
Bike Setup:
Giant VT2 with Fox Talus, Mavic 717, mostly XT
Bottom Line:
Great pedals. I would recommend to anybody not completely weight conscious. If you want a pedal which you can ride with or without clipless and is an overall great pedal, get a pair!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
top jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from new england Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
humm...so many to chose
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Durable exterior cage. Nice platform to clip out of. Accept multi-angle release cleats. Relatively easy to get in and out of.
Weaknesses:
Some of the INTERNAL PARTS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC...which break (of course). You need a "special" shimano wrench to open the pedal and do the internal maintenance work. >>Order a small shimano part...wait over a week and pay through-the-nose for a small piece of plastic.
Similar Products Used:
Cheapy MTB clippless (worked well). Other shimaon clipless.
Bike Setup:
awesome, phat, plush ride
Bottom Line:
They work great until they need maintenance. Which happened to me about 3 months in to owning them. Once you get the special wrench (for maintenance), easy to open them up and fix. BUT, you need the parts! LBS orders then and you wait over a week to get them...plus you pay full LBS prices for small plastic pieces.
Now, the real question is... WHY THE PHUCK DO THESE PEDALS HAVE *easy to break* PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS???? Trying to save a few grams??? ...These peadls are supposed to be used for DOWNHILL...
It is very disapointing to hold a vey solid feeling pedal in your hand and know that the internal parts are not so durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike huang
a Weekend Warrior
from orange county Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
got dirt road?
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
really nice in and out really strong looks cool great all around
Weaknesses:
might be a little heavy for those weak riders but i dont care non so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
97 gt lts full xt sx-r fork 517mavic wheels with fire ex comp tires 2.1 best tires ever
Bottom Line:
these pedals are freaking great get them if your a free rider or dh
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brennan
a
from Stinson Beach, CA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
These pedals were designed for downhillers, but I put them on my XC bike. The wide platform has a solid feel and gives me extra confidence on tough terrain. Also, if you don't clip in right away it is no problem because you can keep pedaling as a platform pedal until the cleat snaps in. That being said, entry/exit is very smooth and easy. They seem to be tough too. I've bashed them on some big rocks and did zero damage. They are quite heavy though. If you are worried about weight, then look elsewhere. Also, there a lots of places for mud to cling to on these pedals. If you are a downhiller, check with other downhillers before you buy because they probably have better information from that point of view.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, Colorado Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
distributor
Strengths:
Unbreakable. Easy in & out. Awesome transition pedal from flats to clipless and back again.
Weaknesses:
Limited float. Heavy.
Similar Products Used:
959, 747, Time ATAC
Bike Setup:
an ever evolving AC...
Bottom Line:
Loved these pedals at first and still think they're great BUT, after long rides I started to experience some knee pain. It took a while but I eventually realized that the platform / cage on these pedals were getting hung up on my shoes (answer impacts) and limiting the amount of float. Not good when you're pedaling a six inches of four bar suspension uphill... I tried switching shoes (axo) and the same thing occurred. Went back to my 747's and eventually moved on to 959's with no regrets. If anybody's looking for a used set of these, drop me a line. Great pedals and great value but just not for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Forrest
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wood Canyon and surronding areas in South Orange County
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Easy in and easy out.
Weaknesses:
Weight....I don't care
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo, Weyless
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Sport, stock except pedals, saddle and tires.
Bottom Line:
Great for technical riding. Easy in which is essential for this type of riding, and even if you can't get in there is still the cage to pedal with, how can you go wrong with a great pedal like this. The only complaint might be weight by on a bike like mine, what difference does it make? (Not to say that my bike doesn't rock!).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Casselberry, Fl Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ocala
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
online somewhere
Strengths:
Durability, Design, Dependability
Weaknesses:
mud
Similar Products Used:
none, no need
Bike Setup:
Trek Hardtail with Full Shimano XT 9spd system, Race Face Cranks, Mavic D521 rear/Sun O degree front rim, Ringle headset, LX V-brakes, Avid 1.9 levers, Kore stem, Titec riser bars, RockShox suspension seatpost, RockShox Judy Race fork, Primo pedals, ODI grips.
Bottom Line:
I have the older model of this pedal (636) and I have to say these have held up to my abuse for nearly 6 years. I have taken good care to clean and oil them after every ride and keep my cleats fresh too. This have proven vital. I have mercilously hammered, banged, stomped, wrecked and twisted these pedals to no end. I still hammer them on Floridas rough and rooted terrain and I'll never even try another product. Truthfully, when the mud and rain are really bad I go to flats to avoid the occasional mud jam in the clips but otherwise I am stoked to have spent the money on good pedals. The cage that comes around the clip are is very useful even in a cross country environment because you have something to stand on until you can get back in. No one footed circus acts. I can only imagine how good the new model is. This is the best pedal out!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Shirley
a
from Ladera Ranch, CA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lynx/Coyote at Aliso Wood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Easy in and out. Holds the clips well, makes it very easy to ride with.
Weaknesses:
Spring tension very strong to start with. Once it adjusted it great, until the springs start to weaken, then you'll fall out of the pedals. Hard to ride without the clips
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300 XT Drivetrain, Duke XC fork, M-646 pedals
Bottom Line:
These pedals are great, I love them. But after awhile the springs get real lose and you'll fall right out of them. Other than that they make for a great clipless pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JYLO
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: November 28, 2002
Weight. Cage does not provide as much grip as one may like but it does grip well.
Similar Products Used:
Platform
Bottom Line:
Used to ride clipless but hated it. Went to platforms and been riding them for years. The reason for trying clipless again is because I wanted to do more climbing and figured I can use the extra efficiency clipless brings.
I was not disappointed. These are great pedals. Clip in, and out no problems. It's almost impossible to not clip in when you want to. Likewise, I never accidentally clip in when I ride on the cage.
Some reviewers said the cage does not grip well. I felt that way until I got used to the dicey feeling of not being clipped in. The sole of my shoes are not as stiff as some XC shoes so when I am not clipped in my foot wraps the pedals. This works out well since it's like how I rode my platform. Those who are having trouble with the gripping try shoes with wider soles like the Vans.
They've only seen ~10 rides but they feel as good as new. You do have to loosen the tension almost all the way cuz anything higher will be hard to unclip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from San Francisco, Ca Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Eagle Lakes, Downieville, Various Sierra's...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
SPD feature is flawless as to be expected from Shimano. This part, they got right. The rest however...
Weaknesses:
No Pins, Where are the Pins?!?! And no adjustable or over size front cleats? [they're removable, so why no size option to improve the cleat height/effectiveness?]
Similar Products Used:
Azonics A frame
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinkey DL, Chris King HS/Hubs, SunRhino's rims, Hayes, MRP Patrol C.Guide & the Townie is an old Newsboy I rescued.
Bottom Line:
Got these for the townie bike - too slippery and unpredictable if you are popping out to be free - it's almost so slick on the deck that you wind up right back being attached again. I'm trying the Azonics version - at least it has adjustable pins that can be replaced. ** I agree with some other reviewers - you clip out and it's dusty or very wet you are going to slide right off. And also yes I've smashed one of the frame cages already... rather suprised about the crack. But replacement was free .. again good cs at shimano. I can't really recommend them - except that the sort of look cool but really don't function as well as they look like.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordan
a
from Zagreb, Croatia Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
SPD part works... clips in 'n out with no problem
Weaknesses:
Everything else doesn't work, wears out or brakes
Similar Products Used:
Scott SPD, DMR V12, 10$ DMR lookalikes
Bike Setup:
Kona Nunu frame, Magura Quake CP-125 suspension, Magura Louise FR, HS 33, XT drivetrain, Deore gears, Mavic D521 rims
Bottom Line:
I bought the pedals from a friend who broke one of them after a month of riding. I rode them for two months, and the same thing happend to the other pedal. After another month I completely broke one of them. The thing that was broken was little plastic (plastic!!!) ring inside. There shouldn't be any plastic parts in dh/slalom pedals.
The flat part of the pedals is bad also. If you've got even one drop of water on your shoes it gets slippery as hell. Pins? What pins?!?
All in all, very bad value... sorry, _no_ value for the money. 3 chilis for the working SPD part, and I'm being too generous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, UT Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Very easy to clip in. Look cool.
Weaknesses:
Don't release if dirty/muddy (will make you crash). Don't work well as flats (I know, better than most other clipless, but this is supposed to be one of its strengths).
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo, Ritchey
Bottom Line:
Set them at the loosest setting, especially if you plan on getting them dirty. They are very difficult to get out of if the spring tension is high and you get some dirt in them. As flats, they are only marginally better than regular clipless with flat shoes, and very slippery when wet. If you need flats, don't use these pedals. Mine have held up well after a year. When the spring is setup loose, I love how easy it is to clip in. It's almost impossible to miss a clip. I haven't had any problems with accidental releases, even at the lightest setting. Basically, they work better than my old Wellgos (easy to clip in, but lots of accidental releases) and better than my Ritcheys (hard to clip in, lots of accidental releases), but not as good as I had hoped they would work (several crashes when muddy due to non-release, no good as flats). I give them 3 chilis for performance, and 4 for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AGENT GRAPE
a
from RHODE ISLAND Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
VERY EASY TO UN CLIP EASY SETUP JUST DIAL RELEASE WITH ALLEN WRENCH
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
M545S ON SECOND BIKE AFTER LEARNING ON THESE
Bike Setup:
GT XCR 2000
Bottom Line:
THESE ARE THE FIRST CLIPLESS I USED I RODE PLATFORMS FOR 8 YEARS THEY WORK FINE ABSOLUTLEY NO PROBLEMS THEY TAKE A BEATING OVER ROCKS BIG ROOTS STAIR DROPS THEY ARENOT GREAT FOR RIDING ALL DAY AS A PLATFORM PEDAL BUT ON PLACES YOU WANT TO BE OUT OF THEY WORK JUST FINE EASY TO CLEAN
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Downhiller
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$64.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very easy to get in and out of.Look really cool.Very strong
Weaknesses:
Hard to find a allen wrench that fits the tension adjuster. Cage does not help a whole lot but I am glad I have them.
Similar Products Used:
Kore GASS Do not buy
Bottom Line:
These Are really good pedals for the money. Good for beginers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dusty
a
from Lyman,Wa USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
These pedals ROCK!!!!! I am so pleased with the adjustable tension release feature. Having this feature allows you to clip in and out with ease at a comfortable and predictable tension every time. I have used these with confidence on XC and downhill runs. The outer cage is built like an M1 battle tank. They took some hard hits with zero damage. Way to go Shimano!!!
Weaknesses:
Du to the "pop up" bindings, using them as a platform pedal was a bit dicey at first. My foot wanted to slide to the outside of the pedal. I never lost my footing but they certainly felt unstable untill I got used to how they felt when not clipped in.
Similar Products Used:
Platforms, Time ATAC-hated'em-couldnt get out of them
Bike Setup:
'01 Specialized Enduro Pro hardtail
Bottom Line:
I love these!!!! I can ride with confidence thanks to these pedals. If you are worried about their weight, RIDE HARDER, RIDE FASTER, BUILD MORE MUSCLE YOU WEENEY!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, CO Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Depends on mood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Good if you are putting them on your only bike and you think you'll truely ride using regular shoes.
Weaknesses:
Had problems with some shoe styles, beware of shoes where cleat is tightly recessed. I actually had to return these pedals and get the 515's because the RockHopper shoe would have req'd cutting away some of the sole.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Katia
Bottom Line:
It is my feeling the pedal is marketed at folks that need/want the ability to ride with or without bike shoes. If you were like me, getting into a clipless setup for the first time because you wanted to get more serious about biking, then I'd recommend getting a true clipless pedal. This was the quick realization I came to after struggling to get my RockHopper shoe into the 646's, which by the way, won't work without some creative modification to the shoe sole. It was then that it came to me that I was either going clipless or not. This is definetly something to consider when buying this sort of setup.
Since this was my first clipless setup, I asked the guy at the LBS to set the tension on the clips to their easiest setting. He also made sure I was getting out of them properly. I suggest, just like the manual says, practice standing still to get a feel for getting out of them. With the tension at its loosest and twisting *sideways* with heel *down*, you shouldn't have a problem getting out of these. Others have commented about how difficult it is getting out of these pedals, and I would have to agree, the first few times are difficult, especially with the original mfg tension. If you practice standing still however, I think you'll find the clipless setup much more enjoyable and a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Beach, CA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Most of the So. Orange County trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Easy clip-in and ultra easy unclipping (in any direction with SH-55 cleat). Nice big platform for riding unclipped through technical (scary) stuff. Easily adjusted.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC Alium (came with bike), Speedplay Frogs (heading for ebay with the ATACs soon) and toe clips
Bike Setup:
2001 GT i-Drive Race - stock except for pedals
Bottom Line:
I'm really glad that I bought these wonderful pedals before I read the last two reviews. My bike came with the Time ATACs, which turned out to be way too hard to unclip from in an unexpected emergency (resulting in a bloody elbow and extreme embarrassment on Park Avenue in Laguna Beach). I spent a bunch of money for Speedplay Frogs, which seemed to be much better until I needed to unclip with the pedal anywhere close to the 9:00 o'clock position (bloody elbow #2). The Frogs also didn't have any platform at all, so I couldn't ride unclipped. The shiny new bike decorated my office for several weeks while I jogged the local trails. Fortunately, I ran across a guy at the top of Mathis trail, who showed me the ultimate solution to my dilemma - Shimano pedals with SPDs, SH-55 cleats and platforms.
Now I'm a very happy camper. Using the SH-55 cleats, I can easily unclip in any direction, no matter what position the pedal (crank) is in and yet stay clipped-in when I want. Now, I can ride the scary stuff unclipped, but as time goes on and my confidence builds, I stay clipped in more often. In a review below, the reviewer couldn't use the whole platform when unclipped. I assume that it depends on the shoe. My Pearl Izumi Vagabond shoes use all of the platform - clipped or unclipped. Maybe that's because the deep recessed area down the middle of the shoe sole. The clip and cleat both fit up into this recessed area, so there is nothing to keep the shoe off of the platform.
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Submitted by
sledgefoot
a Cross Country Rider
from w. la Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
I needed a pedal that offered a usable platform side. I suck on techical sections and use the ol' foot dab routinely.
These 646 are not good for riding clipless. They look like they would be, but they are not. Your shoe surface, when riding unclipped, is never in contact with the entire cage area because of the SPD's raised entry front section. So grip is not good.
The platform looking cage seems to be there to support the wider shoe surface of casual mtn shoes, downhill shoes, or bmx shoes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck7
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Arthropod Discovery area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Sabino Cyles
Strengths:
Good in theory but not in practice, i.e. the platforms surrounding the pedals. Maybe it's just me- see anti clipless rant below.
Weaknesses:
I thought the platforms would be useful along with cleats and etc, but the shoe at no time comes in contact with the platforms. Where I ride is very rough and rocky, and you HAVE TO unclip at times, but your foot slides around on top of the clip after unclipping while the platform just sits there about 1cm below the top of the clip. Also the platform seemed to be getting constantly hammered by rocks, something that did not happen w/ my old platforms.
Similar Products Used:
Just spikey platforms w/ straps & toeclips.
Bike Setup:
2000 Specialized hardtail with good wheels.
Bottom Line:
These pedals drove me insane. I could not ride how and where I wanted.
Maybe I'm just not a clipless person, I'm 6'6"/225 and like to be able to move my feet on the pedals, grip with my toes, swing my ankles in and out, and take both feet off the pedals at the same time if I get stuck in the rocks.
I really could not get off the bike when I needed to- mostly while riding really mean gashes of sharp loose rocks- there are some pretty mean jeep trails we ride up in the Tucson Mountains.
Week by week you get a little better at making it over your favorite rough spot, but you can't build your skill or have fun if you can't redistribute your weight or get off the bike when you're finessing your technique on the hard parts!
I went back to my old pedals after about 4 months. Got sick of other bikers telling me, "oh, you'll get hooked, you'll gain confidence and never go back to your old pedals, your feet unclip automatically," ya right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Pickering Ontario CA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Silent Sports
Strengths:
Easy in & out, ride with or with out clipless shoes, Easy adjustment.
Weaknesses:
Experienced problem with pedal cage coming loose on out board side of pedal. Shop repaired on the spot. Dealer indicated that this had happened with one other set of pedals. Most are no problem but some have needed to be repaired.
Happy with the pedals, Transitioned from toe clips with no problems and no scars. As long as the problem does not return,I'm completely satisfied with the product and the service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
warren
a Weekend Warrior
from deerfeild, nh, USofA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
shaw, in pawtuckaway st. park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
exetercycles
Strengths:
shimano makes it, its very simple, awesome idea, the world's best use these
Weaknesses:
yeah, right
Similar Products Used:
other shimano pedals
Bike Setup:
2002 cannondale jekyll 1000 stock except for these gems
Bottom Line:
the idiot that says they fall apart probably had a defect, how can someone rate a defective product, i mean look around, everyone else had good luck, hand those pedals back and get some new ones. if you like drops and need pedal efficiency get these pedals, no questions asked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnwood,Wa Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the one I ride today!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
something to put your feet on if you can't get clipped in.getting out of them is a easy chore!
Weaknesses:
Had one start to come apart,took it back to REI and they gave me a new set ,no problem with set#2
Similar Products Used:
an old pair of Scott clip ins there on the road bike now.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn S-10 with some fenders, stock.
Bottom Line:
will be getting another pair for my new hardtail so I dont have to swap them back and forth.Well worth the $ spent
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002
Bought these pedals after a day of frustrated riding in the mud. Couldn't clip into the small no-platform designs while bogged down with blech(clay). Love these things. Getting in and out of the clips is always easy, and having solid platforms for those sketchy downhill runs is a must. Won't ever own anything but these as long as Shimano is making them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Cockeysville,md Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Seminary at Loch raven
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Connection
Strengths:
These are super strong pedals that you can rely on. You don't have to worry about the rocks you might hit or if you can get out of them in time. The are great to jump with but even if thet are a little heavy they are reliable. When you get into to a new track that is super technical you can stay on the platforms, not clicked in. Shimano did a good job with these pedals.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 545,Bmx Pedals
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90.hayes disc
Bottom Line:
These are super strong pedals that you can rely on. You don't have to worry about the rocks you might hit or if you can get out of them in time. The are great to jump with but even if thet are a little heavy they are reliable. When you get into to a new track that is super technical you can stay on the platforms, not clicked in. Shimano did a good job with these pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Cowdry
a
from Bridgend,Wales,UK Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Forest of Dene
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
They fall apart
Similar Products Used:
M636
Bike Setup:
Specailized Enduro Expert,Hope Hubs,Shimano 521 rims,Hope Enduro 4 Pots.(If you have Hayes brakes and u think they are good u haven't lived),XTR Rapid Rise rear mech(It Rocks)
Bottom Line:
I had a pair of these pedals for only 5 or 6 rides and one of them fell apart.The plug on the outside of the cage falls out during a ride and the cage then just flops about held on by the inside of the pedal.I told Shimano about it and they didn't want to know.I figured it was a fluke as they said it was the first one they had heard of.So I got another set and the same thing happened after about 10 rides! These pedals suck! And Shimano's Warranty and customer service Suck's. It's about time these huge companies who have been taking vast sums of money off hard working Guy's like us for inferior crap, started to give us a little service rather than fob us off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Hutchison
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
John Henry's
Strengths:
lighter and smaller than the old 636 pedals also use cartridge bearing rather than ball type used. This means smoother and less service problems.
Weaknesses:
None comparatively speaking.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M636
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon, XTR/XT/Raceface
Bottom Line:
Great pedal for the type of riding I do where large quick releasing platform pedal is desired.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lior
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
local bike dealer
Strengths:
platform AND clip Easy clipping in and out strong
Weaknesses:
abit heavier than others, but who cares.
Similar Products Used:
747
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Mt-tam
Bottom Line:
Amazing pedal. Very fast to get in and out because the platform guides your foot into the SPD mechanism. That big platform is a must for anyone doing technical stuff. Fast launches in tough areas and no problem pedaling if you don't have time to clip in. Also, surprisingly, it really worked for me in heavy mud conditions: snapped in and out with just a little effort (unlike the 747 in mud- maybe u manage to snap in, but u never get out). Bottom line- the best buy I had for my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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