Submitted by
sandmangts
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido Date Reviewed: January 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse
Strengths:
Retention, easy to clip in, durable.
Weaknesses:
Price.
Similar Products Used:
Crank bro's mallet, other spd's
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany.
Bottom Line:
these pedals are excellent especially for dry SoCal conditions. They will not shed mud easily but that is not an issue here. Clipping in to these is much easier than any other pedal I have tried. You just step on the pedal and you are in! Retention is very good and clipping out requires little effort. They have proven to be durable after a few hard rock strikes. If you are not concerned about weight and you clip in and out alot these are the pedal for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
_Lac_Man_
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: January 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
SoMo - McDwll Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Palo Verde Bicycles
Strengths:
Larger, sturdy platform, great tension adjustment
Weaknesses:
The "hi-impact resin" cage - it's tougher than 424s and 545s, but it's not indestructable.
Bottom Line:
I really enjoy these pedals. If you want clipless with a platform, but don't like or haven't joined the Crank Bros. nation, these are a must. I like having platform for those times when you don't have time to get clipped in and need something sturdy for the moment. The tension adjustment is precise, what I mean is, there is a good difference (forme at least) between the weakest and strongest settings.
My only complaint is the cage, and it's a 50/50 complaint. I like that it is lightweight, and not like the 545s metal cage, but it's stronger than the 424s piece of poo cage, but it does get damaged, from just a couple of falls it's taken a couple of gashes about 1/16th of an inch deep. It's only cosmetic, and it hasn't effected the stability of the cage at all, so it's no all bad.
Overall, I'd recommend these to anyone who is looking for a clipless pedal with a platform.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rotmilky
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Alamos, NM, USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Online bike store
Strengths:
Good solid platform to put your foot on even when not clipped in
Weaknesses:
Tends to pack up mud or snow making it almost impossible to clip in during wet sloppy conditions...but that's a problem with all the Shimano clipless.
Similar Products Used:
Most of the shimano flavors
Bike Setup:
Niner RIP9
Bottom Line:
If you ride rocky, technical trails, it's nice to have a big platform to rest your foot on until you get clipped in. During technical climbs or descents, it might take me 5-10 seconds to get my foot clipped in with a bike bouncing and bucking under me. Much nicer to have my foot on that big platform during that time instead of a tiny clip.
Value: 4 Chilis--loses one star because of price
Overall: 5 Chilis--I can't imagine not using these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lowflier03
a Cross Country Rider
from Yokohama, Japan Date Reviewed: September 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fujimi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Marsh
Strengths:
Easy to clip in, solid construction, sheds mud.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Deore SPD.
Bike Setup:
Mission 1 with a mix of XT and XTR.
Bottom Line:
These pedals are great for freeriding. I do a good mix of climbing and downhill and these are perfect. Very easy to clip in when needed, but they also function well as a platform when you dont want to be clipped. Very fast unclip when you need it with no hang-ups. I have had no problems at all with mud building up or affecting the operation of the pedals. If you want great SPD's with the benefit of a platform these are the way to go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Los Alamitos, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
A Line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Jax
Strengths:
SPD design works the best, Cleat can adjust outward away from the crank, which is awsome for large feet. Real easy to get out. They work well for jumping too. Strong
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
crankbrothers mallet and time atac pedals, various flat pedals too
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Sunday World Cup
Bottom Line:
this to me is the best pedal for DH/Freeride use. It really does perform well right out of the box. No need to adjust the tention because you wont accidently come unclipped, its rare. Even when your jumping big gaps and huge drops these things hold. Get these pedals, they are top quality and you see a lot of the pros running them. Also if you want the ultimate setup get the SH-MP66L shoes with them. If you want to see them perform check out my videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/bikemuscle
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kent Brooks
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Big Creek, Roswell GA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
These are my first clipless pedals, and I already cant imagine riding without them. They are very simple to adjust with an allen wrench. I started out in the lowest tension setting and got tighter two clicks at a time to find the correct setting for me, which was just about in the middle. They are easy to clip-in, and a breeze to clip-out with a little practice. Pedals also work well with non-spd shoes for short hops. I also recommend the Shimano PD-M41G SPD shoes. This shoe is perfect for clipping into the 647, like they were made for each other. They feel great, have good tread design, and are totally comfortable right out of the box. Found mine at Nashbar for $79.00.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
None. Looked at Crank Brothers but decided Shimano was the way to go. Compared Shimano 324, 424, and 500s, but when I found the 647s for $69.00 at JensonUSA, I went for the best for about the same price.
Bike Setup:
08 Trek 6000, Rock Shox, SRAM X5, Lots of Bontrager, pretty much stock for now except WTB Rocket V saddle
Bottom Line:
I am hooked on clipless. MTBR member MikeT said it best. If you are on your pedals more than your off, GO CLIPLESS.
I cant imagine not having them after only 2 weeks of riding. Even on a casual trip down the paved greenway, I have more control, more power, and it takes less effort than before. On the trail, the additional power and control has me going where I couldn't go before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg sanders
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
these are my first clipless pedals and they are easy to use and great, they are easy to maintain and although a little heave they are defiantly worth the weight
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
these are great and i would recommend them to anyone, they arn't to expensive and they make the riding experience so mush more enjoyable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
downhill junkie
a Downhiller
from australia Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Clip in and out mech...easy to service... good ajustment and love it how you can just ride the bike pretty hard without them even clipped in...when i mono i un clip so if i go to far i don't have bike land on top of me haha had them clipped in when i did that once but thankfully unclipped in the air haha...neo
Weaknesses:
none...people say its too heavy and the plastic cage is weak...haha well let me tell you i have these on my specialized bighit and i have came off and smashed the pedals so hard on rocks, trees and they don't even care maybe some scratchers but there not made of tungesten and titanium now are they? they are an awesome pedal...and best of all made in Japan
Similar Products Used:
none can compare
Bike Setup:
specialized big hit. Manitou 6-way,marzocchi dj2,pg990, single tracks,xt derailleurs, truvativ hussefeller cranks and stem, Hayse HFX 9 dh, black spire big ring protector, and more...heavy bike go momentum
Bottom Line:
awesome pedals...recomend to any fr/dh/xc or bmx riders who want some good clips
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al C
a Weekend Warrior
from Alhambra Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Aliso wood cyn
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Blue sky
Strengths:
stable, SPD, easy in or out, Shimano quality
Weaknesses:
Weight, the cage scratch your leg a bit.
Similar Products Used:
959,520, smarty, Atac, Acid 1
Bike Setup:
Ibis mojo carbon, Maverick Duc32 and speedball R, Marta SL, I9 wheels, XTR cranks and F-der, X.O shifter and R-der, ODI, and so on.
Bottom Line:
I like this pedal a lot it so easy to get in and out, never done muddy stuffs so I can't tell you much about that. but it's a confident building pedal especially coming down nasty stuff.
The plastic cage does get banged up a bit and when that happen it sometime scratch you leg when pushing or walking the bike. Highly recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xavier
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL., USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anyting tech and durt/fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Nice platform when you loose the clip on the trail. It gives you the confidence to go for it when on very tech roots or rocks. Nice look and not that heavy.
Weaknesses:
They scratch up a bit being plastic composit cage, but they still look good. Nothing a bit of light sanding or orbital buff can't cure.
Similar Products Used:
other shimanos w/ cage
Bike Setup:
FSR Stumpy comp w/ lots of carbon
Bottom Line:
Great looking and effective pedal/clip w/ cage that gives you the extra edge when goig on techy stuff. It helps in all directions to conquer the most drewling sections on a free ride run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabiano T
a Downhiller
from burlingame Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Whittemore Gulch Trail and Harkins Ridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes at Sea Otter Classic.cash no taxes.
Strengths:
Easy to clip in and easy to clip out .
Weaknesses:
Plastic body.
Similar Products Used:
this is the first.
Bike Setup:
cannondale
Bottom Line:
I've been riding Bmx since 1986 and riding MTB for the past two years with DX platforms but lately was not easy to go up hill with platforms ,so I decided to give a try and i liked very much because of the positive clip in and clip out engagement .I'm not going to lie I was afraid to get hurt especially because I had a major knee surgery ,but so far I'm doing good with these pedals. Just to remember to keep the pedals clean and to adjust the spring tension (decrease).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JF
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Great pedal, light, smooth, strong
Weaknesses:
creaks a bit
Bottom Line:
My favorite pedal ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willem Boom
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon USA Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flagline Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Very stable. Adjustable! Excellent quality vs. my previous pedals.
Weaknesses:
None yet. A little concerned about the potential for breaking the plastic housing.
Submitted by
Franc Diaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Barcelona (CAT) Date Reviewed: February 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Bottom Line:
I usually use 959's but after a day downhilling in the slopes, I felt a big pressure in my feet due to the small contact surface of the 959's.
Now I feel better using the 647's. Bigger contact surface and the same confidence clipping my feet on them.
Plastic cage is not a problem for me, whenever I'll break it, I'll will replace it. I prefer plastic cage againts metal cage ( that should hurt !! )
If you are looking for the best Shimano's clipless+platform pedal, I think this is the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Condro
a Downhiller
from NorCal Date Reviewed: January 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Raw Dawg
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
New cage is much stronger than the previous, last pretty long, solid cleat engagement so you know when you're in and out.
Weaknesses:
limited float, platform doesn't work too well when you're uncliped. Cages do break if hit hard. Still not the best in muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Time, Crank bros.
Bike Setup:
661 and shimano shoes.
Bottom Line:
If you were raised on the spd you will enjoy these. They are the best revision to date from shimano. But I believe there are better options out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
they're strong and nice bearings and nice positive clip in engagement
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano 520, 540, DX, candy, mallet
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
my favorite pedals. i use these all the time now. they are so easy to get in and out of and take an absolute pounding. they look cool too. bearings are as smooth as the day I got them - just like my DX. noice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clay
a Weekend Warrior
from Cypress Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hershey Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
gift
Strengths:
Easy to dial in. If you can't get clipped in right away it is a stable pedal to ride it out with.
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Gemini 900: Sherman fork, fox Vanila rc,diablos bar and stem, blue groove tires on Sun double tracks, hayes hydrolics, Truvativ fire-x w/raceface bash guard,xt rear derailer and marzocchi saddle.
Bottom Line:
These are my first pedals since my switch from platforms. It was an easy transition due to how easy these pedals are to use. They are also easy on you when you make a mistake. Solid quality!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giancarlo Pelosi
a Weekend Warrior
from Miramar, FL, USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Bell's Bikes
Strengths:
Good lookin pedal. Nice platform for big feet. Clips in and out easy. Good feel for riding uphill.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Crank Brothers Eggbeaters and Wellgo pedals.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance 1, XTR, XT, Race Face, WTB, ODI, Kenda, Mavic, FOX, Chris King, and SRAM.
Bottom Line:
Great pedal. Get it if you like a platform pedal with control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james p
a Downhiller
from southern cali Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mount pinos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
blue sky cycling
Strengths:
good looking, simple, super easy to clip out when needed. no dumb fallovers in the driveway.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
crank bros. mallet m, mallet c
Bike Setup:
kona stinky supreme
Bottom Line:
awesome pedal for your money. definitley the best pedal out there.i got scared of clips after using the crank bros mallet m, because i couldnt clip out to save a fall. now that i have these pedals i love them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Newcastle, Australia Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Store (On-line)
Strengths:
Easy to clip in and out of. Tough, has copped many smashings againest rocks, trees, etc and only have a few scratches to show for it. Cage provides a good platform when clipped out for technical sections.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but they are designed for BMX/Freeride.
Similar Products Used:
First Clipless pedal ever used.
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Alias with Alligator wavy rotors and Shimano SPD-M647 pedals.
Bottom Line:
Great value for money pedal. Made my "conversion" to clipless very easy. Easy to adjust and very few accidental clip outs. Don't even think about buying these if your a weight weenie!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
euhii
a
from asia Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
second hand from my friend
Strengths:
strong enough,easy clip in and out,versatile use,compatible with all shoes, acceptable weight,comfortable platform,cool looking...
Weaknesses:
plastic cages went out when meeting rock!! they look new only at the beginning of first ride,but i don't mention it.
these pedals cost me only $15 from my friend for they are second hand! really great deal!! they work awesome since i got them. before these 647s,i used 520s.520s have a smaller compact surface and they are uncomfortable for long ride!! but with 647s ,there is no problem. 647s use the same spd system like 540s,and work great in mud(unlike my older 323s, they suck and sneak!!) plastic cages might be a weakness in rocky conditions,but after several crashes on rock,i find the plastic cages are strong enough,though they get a scared surface easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Brooks
a
from Andrews AFB, MD Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any where there is dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Nice soild platform. Soild clip in and out
Weaknesses:
Mudd shedding could be beter.
Similar Products Used:
CODA Clipless
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F600
Bottom Line:
These are some fantasic pedals. Good for use with or with out cleats, though with out cleats you feel the bindings a little bit with normal shoes. All in all, if you are looking for a soild clipless system that you can still use normal shoes for work commuting they don't get much better than this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIG T
a Weekend Warrior
from Houstone, Tx. Date Reviewed: July 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere there is dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Nice wide platform for maximum stability on the trails.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Shimano SPD-M520
Bike Setup:
2005 Trek 4300
Bottom Line:
I have a very wide foot and noticed that the 520's just weren't enough support on those long rides. I saw these and thought why didn't I just buy these in the first place! Don't wast your time with plastic SPD adapters when you want to ride to the corner store. Buy these and use whatever freakin shoe you got on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Call
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City Utah USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Fisher Cyclery
Strengths:
Easy to clip in and out. Shed mud well. All the good stuff everyone else has already talked about. They are great for beginers if you adjust them all the way out. But great for experts too. there is a stopper on the adjusting screw so if you like it really easy to come in and out the screw wont shake out on accident. Great pedal.
Weaknesses:
None so far. No more complaining about the extremly tough light weight platform. If anyone ever breaks one I'll pay you ten bucks.
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Rocky mountain Pipeline
Bottom Line:
This is the best all around pedal out there. Light strong smooth in and out. Just a rad pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from santa cruz mountains, CA. Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Braille
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
some LBS
Strengths:
mechanism- totally adjustable and easy to clip in/out in a split second reflex. plastic platform.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
flat pedals & old school cage w/straps
Bike Setup:
heckler all mtn setup
Bottom Line:
first SPD tried. these made adapting a cinch. I still have them set pretty light and they still never pop out on rough, fast descents, and I can clip out effortlessly. alot of people gripe a bit about the plastic platform, but I like cause they slide alot better if I do hit them on rocks, etc., and they seem pretty tough. however, they don't grip regular shoes worth a damn, but you can't really expect them to with the mechanism sticking up in the middle. they're ok for a casual pedal from here to there, or messing around with the kids if you dont have time to put on some flats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Stanford, CA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Can be used with or without spd shoes, easy clip in/out, adjustable spring, decent float
Weaknesses:
they are quite heavy and the cage is *plastic*
Similar Products Used:
all sorts of platforms and cages, eggbeaters
Bike Setup:
2002 k2 zed 1.0 all stock except SRAM 4.0 shifters, shimano pd-647's, wtb speed v comp
Bottom Line:
They are really nice if you use your bike for commuting or riding to class as well as on the trails. They work great with any shoes, and you can adjust them so they clip in/out when you want them to. In short, they are the only shimano product that I am glad to have on my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben S
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Avalacnhe cup course, Morzine
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Easy to clip in and out of, big platfrom to stand on, works well in thick mud because it manages to shed mud easily
Weaknesses:
the cage around the spd is made of plastic
Similar Products Used:
none, this is my first SPD
Bike Setup:
Yeti DH-9, Marzocchi Junior ts, Race face cranks...
Bottom Line:
These are my first pair of SPD pedals which i got with the DX spd shoe. I ride downhill and 4x, which i race in both [mainly DH]. These pedals work really well they are easy to clip in and out of, and in an emergency they unclip really quick so you can stick a leg out to avoid crashing.
So overall they are definetly a good buy, it would be nicer if the outer cage was made of somthing a lillte stronger that plastic though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from NO,LA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
These pedals are awesome! They have the outstanding release dependability of the 959/540s along with the advantage of nice big platforms.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side if that matters to you.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC control Z, 545s,
Bottom Line:
For anyone looking for a platform clipless pedal-look no further. After trying the older type Shimanos, I thought the Times would be the right choice. Wrong! Those things are really difficult to release from and the springs stick up too high so you don't get a solid bite on the platform. You have to make a concious effort to get out. Maybe with a learning curve you could learn to like them. No such problem with the 647s. They just seem to know when you want to get out and have never failed me yet. There are not many reviews for them but just look at the 959 and 540 reviews which have basically the same mechanism. Then just imagine you also have a platform
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheltenham, Glos, UK Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction cycles
Strengths:
easy to clip/unclip due to 959 type SPD. massive platform. oil points for flip-up mechanism.
Weaknesses:
platform is plastic. metal would be harder wearing.
Similar Products Used:
non platform---m515 and m959 platform---m535 and m646
Bottom Line:
first impressions are very good. as easy to clip/unclip as my 959s. the cage, although plastic is huge and gives a massive platform area for those occasions when you either don't or won't clip in. mud clearance of the SPD is similar to that of the 959 - maybe not as good as eggbeaters, but certainly alot better than 646/535s. pedals now have oil points for the flip-up mechanism. very easy to use with normal shoes. so all in all very good, though can't help but think a metal cage might have been better, albeit slightly heavier.
great value for money. plastic (rather than metal) frame knocks a chilli off the overall rating.
$ 130.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
