Submitted by
GriswaldE46
a Weekend Warrior
from Merritt Island, Fl Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Jones Trailhead, Snow Hill Road
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Gift
Strengths:
Shimano durability and reliability.
Weaknesses:
None that I have experienced.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano PD-M747
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz BLT, Fox shocks, Avid Juciy brakes and XT most every where else.
Bottom Line:
Like someone else said earlier, it's the things that you take for granted and never have trouble with that become some of the best parts. I loved the 747's and the 959's just continued that love affair. Zero maintenance and one pair of new cleats. Absolutely bullet proof. I think I will get another pair before they become unavailable! The 747's on the old hardtail look a little chunky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie b
a
from northboro ma Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
online vendor
Strengths:
works fine
Weaknesses:
one I got the pedal caught on a rock and lost a pin. My shop had replacements at no charge. It was not a big problem
Similar Products Used:
other spds
Bike Setup:
3 steel bikes all rigid, two indy fabs and a surly
Bottom Line:
there's always going to be someone who has something bad to say about something. I got my first pair of these at Interbike 2001 for @ 65 dollors. I liked them so much I bought an other.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie b
a
from northboro ma Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
online vendor
Strengths:
works fine
Weaknesses:
one I got the pedal caught on a rock and lost a pin. My shop had replacements at no charge. It was not a big problem
Similar Products Used:
other spds
Bike Setup:
3 steel bikes all rigid, two indy fabs and a surly
Bottom Line:
there's always going to be someone who has something bad to say about something. I got my first pair of these at Interbike 2001 for @ 65 dollors. I liked them so much I bought an other.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie b
a
from northboro ma Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
online vendor
Strengths:
works fine
Weaknesses:
one I got the pedal caught on a rock and lost a pin. My shop had replacements at no charge. It was not a big problem
Similar Products Used:
other spds
Bike Setup:
3 steel bikes all rigid, two indy fabs and a surly
Bottom Line:
there's always going to be someone who has something bad to say about something. I got my first pair of these at Interbike 2001 for @ 65 dollors. I liked them so much I bought an other.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Htail
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Reliability, consistent, don't have to think about them, just ride.
Weaknesses:
Weight?
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 524
Bottom Line:
In the years that I've had these pedals, friends with other brands like Crank Bros have broken pedals, and have had misc problems. 4 years later I realize that I've had zero issues with these pedals. Sometimes the components you don't have to think about are the best things on your bike...these are one of them.
Not the lightest, but simply consistent, durable and reliable. Requires a little lube where the cleat engages to quiet metal/metal squeak, otherwise they just keep working without thought. Great pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: June 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Easy to enter and exit (everytime). "Never" need servicing.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano PD-M540
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX for touring and offroad, Trek 1500 for commuting, Trek 5200 for having fun.
Bottom Line:
This is a great pedal. I use these pedals for touring, mountain biking and commuting and they have been through some rough weather and have done many many kilometres, and they are still as good as when they were new over three years ago. Entry into and exit out of the pedal couldn't be easier and this is the reason I use them for commuting. Starting on steep uphills is never a problem as your foot naturally clips in every time (much easier than the Look Pedals I have on the racing bike).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
www.cellbikes.com.au
Strengths:
These pedals are strong, fairly light, and most importantly, offer ease of entry and release. I used to run Time ATACs (the old versions),and those were grabby and sometimes didn't let you go when you wanted to. Not so with the 959's. Even though these are mountain pedals, I use them for city riding, since the pedal bodies are large enough to stand on without being clipped in.
Weaknesses:
I haven't had any problems with them. Perhaps retail is a bit expensive, but www.cellbikes.com.au has them at a decent price if you're in Australia.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATACs
Bike Setup:
GTB track bike, Nitto steel anatomic track bars, Campy Record aero seatpost, Cinelli old school track stem, and Shimano 550's running with a Surly Fixxer with 42-16 gearing (Sydney has a lot of hills and I've got creaky knees)
Bottom Line:
If you need a pedal that is big enough to ride on while you're not clipped in, and you want to be able to clip out at a moments notice without having to worry about getting stuck, these pedals do the job. I can't wait to try the new XTR's, which I believe are just these, but with a diff colour scheme and hollowed spindles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Defoe
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kackdom Date Reviewed: January 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Leisure lakes
Strengths:
Light, well designed, excellent clip in and out, reliable, dependable, long lasting.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
So, so many.
Bike Setup:
marin Rift Zone
Bottom Line:
Excellent and reliable pedal with a reliable and dependable click in and out on every occassion. Light weight, superbly sealed cartridge bearings and great mud clearance lift this pedal into the totally excellent class that is attributable to only a very few pedals on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Defoe
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kackdom Date Reviewed: January 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Leisure lakes
Strengths:
Light, well designed, excellent clip in and out, reliable, dependable, long lasting.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
So, so many.
Bike Setup:
marin Rift Zone
Bottom Line:
Excellent and reliable pedal with a reliable and dependable click in and out on every occassion. Light weight, superbly sealed cartridge bearings and great mud clearance lift this pedal into the totally excellent class that is attributable to only a very few pedals on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City, OK USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Draper
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
I forget
Strengths:
Solid durable product. Consistent engagement. Easy entrance and release. Also has enough platform so you can pedal efficiently without being clipped in.
Weaknesses:
I haven't noticed any
Similar Products Used:
OE Shimano pedals
Bike Setup:
2005 Stump expert
Bottom Line:
Unlike others I haven't had any issues with these breaking and I'm about 200 lbs. They've taken root and rock hits and look beat up but still work like a champ. I'd buy them again but I got a smokin good deal on some 970 XTR's that I'll be reviewing shortly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Piccirilli
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Durability and reliability
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none!
Similar Products Used:
other cheap pedals that cause wrecks from getting stuck clipped in.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
Look no further. These pedals can take such an awful beating and work flawlessly. I've used them for light freeriding for over 3 years and amazed they haven't broken after repeated rock bashing. Confidence inspiring never worry about getting stuck clipped in, even in muddy conditons. When these die, I'll buy another pair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oswald
a Cross Country Rider
from Brakel, Belgium Date Reviewed: November 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Houffa, Malmedy, La Roche, ...
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Secondhand
Strengths:
Very durable, easy to get in and out of, great customer service in Europe.
Weaknesses:
Could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Mostly Shimano spd's
Bike Setup:
Have been installed on several bikes over the past years :-)
Bottom Line:
I've been enjoying this set for 5 years now. The body is worn where my soles rubb the pedal now, but I can live with that after 5 years of racing in the Belgian mud. I'm gonna keep them for a few more months and keep my eye on the reviews of the new XTR pedals, which are lighter. These will go on the mudbike where I am sure they will survive at least one more year. New ones will be either 959 (should become cheaper now) or 970.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth, Ga, USofA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Chutes& Ladders
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$108.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
easy in and out, fairly light for SPD and seems to shed mud well.
Weaknesses:
weak spindals
Similar Products Used:
520, 828, some other SPD brands
Bike Setup:
RX100, well done.
Bottom Line:
I have broken the spindal on two sets of these pedals. My luck, it was the left pedal both times. So, now I have two right pedals. Each pair lasted about a year. I was really cursing Shimano when I was trying to ride the last 13 miles of my MTB ride with one leg yesterday. This was only agravated by the broken spindal stabbing me in the ankle when my foot slipped off it time and time again. I am glad i didnt pay full price for them but I wont buy them again. Figure I'll go for the 540's on Ebay this time and save myself some $.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skippy
a Cross Country Rider
from burlington Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light extremely durable sheds mud easily
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
ritchey something or others back in 01
Bike Setup:
specialized epic
Bottom Line:
Bought these returning to spds for the first time in years. Within a few rides I was ok with clipping in and out again, and I started to realized how great these pedals are - I have bashed the heck out of em on a regular basis (I ride 2-3 times a week for 2-3 hour rides) and had no problems. Great float, factory tension is fine for me. Only thing I mark 'em down for is the price, they were a little on the expensive side.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martyn Nash
a Weekend Warrior
from Carmarthenshire Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Brechfa
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Durability, ease of use, weight.
Weaknesses:
none except price but you do get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
most shimano pedals
Bike Setup:
06 S-works enduro.
Bottom Line:
Very durable pedal and it comes back for more no matter what punishement you gieve to it. The first time I 'upgraded' to these it transformed the way I rode. They give scrisp click in and out and shed mud easily and even in sticky mud never had a clip in problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochdale, England Date Reviewed: April 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
These pedals are strong, reliable and require little maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Do not work very well with multi-release cleats.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano PDM515, Ritchey Logic Comp.
Bike Setup:
Orange Sub5, XT or similar components.
Bottom Line:
I have used these pedals for two and a half years. They have been hit on rocks, soaked in mud, gone through streams, got covered in ice etc. They have required no maintenance other than a clean and squirt of GT85 after each ride. Single release cleats (SH51) clip in and out every time without fail. Multi-release cleats (SH55) are difficult to clip in if the pedal and cleat are anything other than perfectly clean.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B.G.
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marin
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Light, strong and a very dependable and consistent entry and exit. Clears mud very well.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Endless.
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone (2002) Marzocchi Marathon SL, Deore/XT, X-Lite, Hope Hubs and brakes, Mavic X717 rims.
Bottom Line:
The best pedals I have used. After 3 years of hard off road use they are still perfect. Reliable entry and exit means confidence and no need to think about them. The weather and ridings conditions in England, Scotland and Wales are notorious for destroying any Mountain Bike products and so it is comendable that these pedals are still spot on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RAFUL
a Cross Country Rider
from JERUJALEM Date Reviewed: March 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
easy in and out. lite, strong reliable.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
cheap sh@t
Bike Setup:
Ti HT with all the guddies
Bottom Line:
about 4.5 years of 30k mt abuse with no complains - what more do you need???????
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Hedrick
a Cross Country Rider
from south bend Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Yippiyaiyaroaddog
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
smoothnesss
Weaknesses:
wear slop
Similar Products Used:
ritchey sleeve pedals
Bike Setup:
Bridgestone MTB-3
Bottom Line:
959's ridden over 20,000 miles on the road starting 2003. probably on my fouth set of cleats. but even cranked all the way down I still feel a bit of slop in the 959's even with new shoes & new cleats... Ha, at 150-155 lbs at sometimes with 25lbs of extra touring gear , half of my riding has been loaded with gear . I've pounded them old shoes into slippers....Thinking that new stuff might give me that tight feel in them old peddals, NOT ! So Maybe the springs are worn in there or the metal is worn in the peddal but not shure. The bearings are fine and still super smooth! Perhaps I should have replaced my cleats after every 3 thousand miles, maybe the peddals would have held up better in the long run!!Next time I will replace cleats more often to see if I can increase the snug feeling in my 959's longer ! I'm getting a new pair of 959's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: December 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Simple design. Works well in mud.
Weaknesses:
Mine got stolen.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail XC Moutain Bike
Bottom Line:
I love these pedals. I did find after 2 years of riding nearly every day, I had to flick them another 2 clicks or so to keep from popping out when I yanked up, but I think that is understandable. I pretty well never had trouble clicking in when muddy do to their open design. I loved them, and I will buy another set to replace them. (My first set was stolen along with my last bike)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Ga. Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Works
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
all kinds of clipless
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz SL
Bottom Line:
I'm not an engineer, like the previous guy, but maybe he just got a bum set. I've had mine since they came out with these (at least 2 years) Probably have at least 2000 miles on em, rocks, water, totally neglet them. Absolutaly no problems what so ever. Sure eggbeaters are lighter, have a set on my other bike, but I've replaced them due to normal wear and tear with close to the same use. Bottom line, if someone told me I could only have 1 pedal for the next 3000 miles, its not even close. 959's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Ferrill
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any 1-track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Ease of entry. Positive feel. Ease of exit.
Weaknesses:
Poorly engineered and/or manufactured pedal axle.
Similar Products Used:
Other Shimano and Ritchey pedals.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5-Spot
Bottom Line:
I used to read some of the negative reviews of these pedals with skepticism, but now that I've had my own dealings with these pedals failing I no longer do.
For the second time, the threaded tip of the axle (not the end that threads into the crank -- the other end inside the pedal body that is used to keep the body on the axle by using a nut that threads onto the tip) sheared off during a ride. When this occurs the pedal body just slides right off the axle, which makes it very difficult to ride at that point.
The first set I bought in Jan 04 and lasted 10 months before the tip sheared on one of the pedals. The pedals had never been banged hard on a rock, and only had superficial scratches. No gouges or dents anywhere. The binding mechanism on either side of the pedal still worked flawlessly. At the time, no reviewers had indicated such a failure mode so I chalked it up to a "random" manufacturing flaw. Believe it or not, Shimano actually honored their warranty and replaced these pedals.
Now here we are twelve months later, and it happened again. Tip sheared clean off. Obviously not a one-time manufacturing flaw. The pedals had the same level of superficial scratches (with no gouges or dents) as the previous set had. The binding mechanism still worked flawlessly on either side of the pedal. Only this time Shimano has REFUSED to honor their warranty. They returned the pedals to me with the following statement:
"We are sending your pedals back because there is alot of damage to it and it looks like abuse. The pedals have been worn out. Sorry we do not warranty abuse or worn out parts. Thanks."
Excuse me? Damage? Abuse? Worn out? No. No. No. Superficial scratches do NOT qualify as damage or abuse. How does one cause the the tip of an axle to be "worn out" in 10 to 12 months without seriously damaging the pedal body first?
Being an engineer, I can tell you exactly what the problem is here. The incompetent engineer(s) at Shimano who designed the axle specified the wrong grade steel alloy to be used with such a small diameter tip (tip diameter is approx 4mm) that also incurs manufactured stress risers due to the threading of the tip.
So why do I appear to be the only one suffering from this issue? Answer: I'm a physically strong, non-fat, 220 lb rider who predominately rides the nasty rocky trails of central Arizona. I don't huck off of things (I leave that to the young guys -- at 40 I'm too old for that crap), and I stick to trail riding. The poor metallurgical specification of the steel alloy coupled with the small threaded tip diameter cannot handle the repeated stressing that my weight induces onto the axle tip while riding rocky terrain at fast XC speeds.
So even though my weight is most likely contributing to the early demise of the axle tip, Shimano does NOT have a disclaimer in their warranty of these pedals limiting them to use by riders of x amount of weight or less. A poor choice of steel alloys is the true culprit here. If I saw this type of fail mode at my current place of employment, I'd be in contact with my materials engineers to find a better grade steel alloy to solve the issue. I'd also be honoring my "warranty" to my customers.
I wish to point out that I've NEVER had this issue with any previous generation Shimano or Ritchey pedals that I've used in the past 15 years of mountain biking. As a matter of fact, the pair of first generation Ritchey pedals I had weighed the same as these 959s and NEVER failed over 5 years of true abuse! I replaced them because the binding mechanisms finally just plain wore out (which was always the case with any of my pre-959 pedals).
These pedals do indeed suffer from inferior engineering, which is a real shame because when these pedals are working they are really sweet. Besides my woes, other reviewers have had issues with the binding mechanisms after rock hits and such, which proves these pedals really can't stand up to any moderate amounts of abuse or the repeated stress cycling of heavy XC/trail riders. They're supposed to be "mountain bike" pedals, but they seem to have the frailty of a road pedal. As a result, there is no way I could give these pedals a high rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sung
a Cross Country Rider
from ROK Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wadi Digla
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Strengths:
Easy clip in. Looks nice as hell. Dependable overall.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes in muddy situations, they don't seem to unclip as you want it to.
Bike Setup:
XC Hardtail
Bottom Line:
The 959's great for what it is. It's strong. I've given it some beating on the trail with roots and rocks and falls. Haven't gotten any problem with it, specially about those springs coming loose or something like in over reviews. It's realiable at most times but very rarely, when it gets muddy, and you need to unclip, they don't seem to do it as fast as you want it to.
If you are getting into the whole clipless side of the pedals, this is a go. Although, I do have to say, I think I'll be putting on CB Egg Beaters when I get my FS bike. Who knows. Happy trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
On-line
Strengths:
Light weight, shed mud well, can take a beating
Weaknesses:
After 2 years the springs in one of the pedals are going soft, so that it won't click in tight, despite new cleats and cranking down the tension all the way. I tried to find replacement springs at several LBSs without success. I called Shimano Customer Service and they said they won't sell replacement springs, that I'll have to buy a new set of pedals. Considering that they're going for $100-150 per pair, and the springs shouldn't cost more than $5, I think this is ridiculous.
Similar Products Used:
Other Shimano pedals
Bottom Line:
Good pedals, just be prepared to replace them every couple of seasons, due to Shimano's ream the customer planned obsolesence strategy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Kerrigan
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Birthday present
Strengths:
Good looks , great bearings , reliability and in my opinion good value for money!
Weaknesses:
Could be lighter but thats not something that really worries me .
Similar Products Used:
old shimano spd's from about 1995 , ritcheys and crank bros sl + ti's
Bike Setup:
2005 Enduro s-works , xtr , hope everything , shiver sc , carbon bar and post.
Bottom Line:
Ive ridden these pedals hard for 2 years now with the tension only 1 notch off max and had no problems at all , considering i should probably service my bike and components way more than i should i think that they have performed brilliantly , i must have whacked them off rocks hundreds of times and there still running fine. If they did eventually give up the ghost i wouldnt hesitate to spend £70 on a new pair - i would strongly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Dickie
a Cross Country Rider
from Stellarton, NS, Canada Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Reliable, good in mud.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
PD-M535, M646
Bike Setup:
Devinci Moonracer, Norco Rush, I've also used a pair on my road bike in the past.
Bottom Line:
I have two pairs of these pedals and would buy them again if I needed a set as they are the best Shimano pedals that I've ever used. As I have five bike with all SPD pedals, trying another type of pedal would be an annoyance, so I can't compare to Time or Crank Bros., etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ash absalom
a Racer
from oakland,ca,.u.s.a. Date Reviewed: February 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
the stairway to heavan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
I really do enjoy the realiabilty in knowing that everytime you put your foot down it will clip right in. Sheds mud great. Shimano made.
Weaknesses:
weight, (only an issue for weight weenies.)
Similar Products Used:
stock shimano, frog speed play.
Bike Setup:
rocky mountian instinct, very light.
Bottom Line:
When I first started using shimano 5 years ago I loved them. I am a xc racer and reliabitly is everything. I am willing to sacrafice a few grams for strenghth and consistancy. I have tried the froggg speed plays, titecs, and nothing compares to the m959.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
National Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Quick, solid click-in with very little force, smooth release under any conditions.
Weaknesses:
Didin't think there were any until I finished a ride where I hit few small raocks with what seemed to be very little impact. Turns out the side of the claw that houses the adjuster screw and spring snapped in half rendering that side of the pedal useless. Called Shimano direct and too bad because I hit a rock. Also, too bad, that part of the assembly is not sold as a spare part... I put over 3,000 miles on a pair of M-535's, hit tons of rocks, boulders and everything else and never had anything break. Oh well, I like the feel so much I'm going to buy another pair and then I'll have some extra parts.
Great performance for a good price. We'll see if they break again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wildy
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: November 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great design. Shifts would with ease. Low maintenance
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
other shimano spd pedals.
Bike Setup:
klein palomino XX custom, Fox 100 RLC shocks,XTR drive, hope brakes and hubs, mavic rims, King headset, Thomson stem & seatpost. Fizik saddle.
Bottom Line:
A well made and strong pedal. Shifts mud with ease, low maintenance. Fair value for money considering price of similiar quality pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henric
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler BC Canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
thrill me kill me
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
easy in, easy out, sheds mud well, smooth bearings
Weaknesses:
spring tension screw popped out.
Similar Products Used:
other shimano clipless
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
Have put alot of miles on these pedals in Moab and here in Whistler...banged them into alot of rocks. This model is simpler and more open so it sheds dirt and mud better. Has been very durable but after a couple of years of regular use the spring tension screw popped out of the hole in the sprung plate. I see that this has happened to alot of other people. However the screw assembly did not fall out completely. The screw just needed to be slipped back into the hole which is hard to do since the spring pressure holds it in. The final solution was to unscrew the other plate on the same side which is held in with three screws. They may be stiff since they have loctite on them. This allows the sprung plate to swivel back further and to get the tension screw back into place. Note that the washer on the screw is beveled on two corners. Get the screw back in the hole and then with a screwdriver against the spindle, lever the plate forward against the spring while you rescrew in the other plate. IMO the problem was that over time the spring lost some strength and the pressure against the screw assembly decreased allowing it to pop out ...or I ran the tension to low from the start...whatever... I jacked up the tension screw a few notches and no problem since. It doesn't seem to have made the release any more difficult so will see if a bit more may be needed. If it weren't for that issue this would be the best pedal yet by Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
O.Z Chi
a
from San Mateo, CA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBike
Strengths:
Ease of entry/exit. Looks good.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Difficulty in removal/installation.
Similar Products Used:
Ascent Terra clipless, platforms.
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 mtb full XT 8-speed.
Bottom Line:
Best pedals I've used so far. Pricey, but since I use them so much, it was worth every penny. I have had about 1000 miles on these pedals and the bearings just keep getting smoother. I have not had to service them in any way.
For high performance, these pedals are a bargain when compared to other similar products on the market. SPD means that the cleat design will stay around for a long time, and not having to deal with obsolete hardware.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Turcotte
a Racer
from Bristol, RI, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Big River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
East Providence Cycle
Strengths:
easy entry/exit, great in releasing mud and low clearance
Weaknesses:
spring/tension bolt design
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 525
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Air - shimano XTR throughout
Bottom Line:
while I have never had the tension bolt fall out like so many others I have actually had the spring itself rupture at the 'loop' where the tension bolt is connected. In the middle of an adventure race the spring just blew up, so I lost the ability to clip in on one side, a huge problem when having to constantly having to clip in and out with several riders around you racing on a narrow trail. Extremely disappointing, these pedals where not that old, only had them for a little over one season.
Being an engineer I decided to look more closely at the design that failed me during a very important event. I am baffled that someone with shimanos reputation and experience could put something on the market that, just by looking at it begs the question of its durability and functionality. IT'S TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Easy & fast click-in, even uphill. No problems with mud & dirt. Light.
Weaknesses:
Needs special SPD clip. Otherwise zero problems.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 545 and some old Tioga (forgot model name)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2
Bottom Line:
Better even than the 545 and definetly better than my "100 year" old Tiogas. The surface is large enough so you can pedal in case you can't click in fast enough, but that almost never happens since it is so smooth. Surface of course not comparable to e.g. heavy duty downhill pedal. Since u can't use the standard Shimano SPD clips, you can't just let your buddy hop on your bike to test them with his/her shoes. Otherwise: Buy, unpack, install, ride! Worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
miles e
a Racer
from MA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Everything a clipless mountain pedal should be
Weaknesses:
Potential for springs to disengage
Similar Products Used:
Old Ritchey, Frogs, 747's, Original Time ATAC, Egg Beater '02 & '03, 434's
Bike Setup:
Fisher 29er
Bottom Line:
Easily the best pedals I've used, and I've tried most of them. A positive click (unlike Frogs), great bearings (unlike Egg Beaters), no retention bars to wear through your shoe (unlike Times), and better in mud than the original SPD designs. This is a very sleek looking and visually impressive pedal, while still offering the most substantial platform short of an actual platform pedal. And yes, that is helpful unless you have eyes on the bottom of your feet. Although not on the same level as Eggbeaters, the weight is pretty impressive compared to the ~400 gram SPD's just a few years ago. Mud peformance is more than adequate, and I would put it on the same level as Eggbeaters, perhaps higher in light of the larger platform.
I don't know if it helped or not, but I put a little bit of locktite on the spring screw before riding, and nothing has ever come off of the pedal like you used to hear people complaining about. Unfortunately, I did have the same issue that the reviewer below experienced- one of the springs became detached (without falling off), so there was no clipping in on that side of the pedal. I did have the tension only two clicks backed off of the minimum setting, and have not had any problems since using five clicks back. Even so one should be able to use the full range of adjustment Shimano provides without worrying about problems like this. I can certainly live with this issue for the performance these pedals afford, and will keep my fingers crossed that with the increased tension the springs will stay in place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MATT BARTLETT
a Cross Country Rider
from AUSTIN Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
Poor design
Similar Products Used:
Egg Beaters
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi moto
Bottom Line:
These pedals were very dissapointing. I've owned 737's/747's since the early 90's and out thousands of miles on them without any problems. The 959's lasted about 15 rides then exploded on a rocky section. I did hit my pedal, but this happens about 5 times per ride in Austin. All the parts are still on the pedals.. nothing missing, but the spring detached from whatever, making them useless. Can't believe shimano could produce such a crappy product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Marney
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Loon Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Shimano USA
Strengths:
Shimano's long history of reliability. Dependable engagement and disengagement.
Weaknesses:
Expensive retail cost.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Dura Ace (road bike), 540, 737, and 747; Egg Beaters; Time Alium; Onza; and Speed Play (road bike)
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS frame; Manitou Skareb Platinum fork; Hayes, Hutchinson Python, Race Face Prodigy, Shimano XT, SRAM PC-69, Titec Ti stem & WTB Rocket V seat components
Bottom Line:
These pedals ROCK!!!
They're fantastic for riding all conditions, from slow and relaxed to fast and technical, from Oregon mud to California dirt.
I really appreciate the ease of entry and exit, and the clicking sound they make.
I recommend them for cross country riding to light freeriding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Auatin,TX Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Reliable, good in mud, easy in and out
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
ATACs
Bike Setup:
Truth, XTR
Bottom Line:
I've raced these things to death, including Leadville and have not had one problem with them. Rocks, mud, never a problem. They could be lighter, but otherwise I have no complaints. Way easier to clip into than ATACs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Chicago Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kettle
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Light weight Easy to get in and out Great looks
Weaknesses:
A bit expensive, but you get what you pay for
Bike Setup:
XT Dean Scout, Marzocchi Comp ETA, Mavic 517s, Thompson Seat post, Race Face bar and stem, WTB Rocket Ti Saddle, IRC Mythos
Bottom Line:
This is the first set of clipless pedals I have used, so I wanted to go with a set that was getting great reveiews. These things are smooth as silk, I have been riding with them for about 3 monthes and have found that they are simple to get into and out of. I wanted to avoid getting cheap pedals and then upgrading later. So I decided on Shimano's 959s. You have to drop some coin for the bling bling...great pedals! I would highly recommend!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Metcalf
a Racer
from Tulsa Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
they break!
Similar Products Used:
747's for years
Bike Setup:
GT iDrive Team full XTR, hayes brakes, mavic cross max tubeless, easton bar and stem, SID SL fork
Bottom Line:
Worked great for awhile but the tension screw fell out during a race and that leaves 1 side of the pedal completley useless. At this point I'm not sure if it can be repaired, if thats the case then I have a great paper weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Strengths:
Clicking in and out is very smooth on these pedals. Much easier than the lower end models of Ritchey and Shimano.
Weaknesses:
The little hex screw that holds the back clip down fell out twice while out riding. There is no way to clip in on that side of the pedal when this happens. Getting a new screw apparently takes an act of God and several weeks.
Bottom Line:
I have to admit I am pretty hard on my pedals. I give them a good knock on rocks from time to time but for the price, it would be nice if they were more consistent.
Bought a pair of Crank Brothers Egg Beaters. I am much happier with these pedals. At least there aren't any little screws to fall out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spy
a
from london Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
work and back!!!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
evans londo
Strengths:
not hassle ever
Weaknesses:
none - yet
Similar Products Used:
atac xs shimanos 515
Bike Setup:
03 specialized HT and the best of everything else
Bottom Line:
i use bike 15 miles a day every day to and from work. busy london streets. i knew clipless was the way to go. and being new and never riden or likely to off road with or without ciipless pedals. i tried shimanos 515 for half and hour - fell over. tried atac xs - not good for beginner. then got 959 - wow i'm using these to work tomorrow and have only been on clipless pedals for an hour, in london street, for the first time - truely a lucky guy me feels....from a nervous beginner to cheesy smiley guy, i'd say don't ponce around with sexy new sh!t. get the business now!!!! Shimano have fix the screw prob too. i ride mine with the tension as loose as possiible and the screw will NOT fall out. FIXED.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JT
a
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Lightweight and easy to maintain
Weaknesses:
None . . .so far
Bottom Line:
I have ridden over 1500 on these pedals. These pedals have been ridden in various terrain and weather conditions and have worked perfectly. They were very easy to setup and requrie minimal maintenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Fray
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, Ca. Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon: Grinder
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Positive in, easy out, great at shedding mud, beat them to HELL and they keep on ticking
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Crank Bros. Look
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ with the works
Bottom Line:
These pedals have been flawless, no missing screws, broken springs or premature ejection. Don't know why some of people seem to have problems. Adjusted the pedals right out of the box and have never touched them since. Not a moments trouble. I bought two more sets for my other two bikes. I love these pedals!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CSPRINGS
a Weekend Warrior
from THE SPRINGS Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
PERFORMANCE
Strengths:
POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT, EASY IN, EASY OUR, JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EXIT ANGLE
Weaknesses:
NONE YET
Similar Products Used:
RITCHEY V2 COMP, EGG BLEADERS,WOODEN PEGS
Bottom Line:
THESE ARE WORTH FULL RETAIL! I HAVE 2 SETS ON BOTH MY BIKES, THAT IS HOW MUCH I LIKE THESE PEDALS. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF SHIMANO MAKES A LIGHTWEIGHT PLATFORM VERSION? I DONT NEED NEED HEAVY DUTY DH OR BIG HUCKIN PEDALS, JUST FOR SOME URBAN STUFF AND I WANT TO KEEP THE OPTION OF CLIPPING IN WITH MY MTB SHOES OR GOING URBAN WITH SOME TENNIS SHOE STYLE SHOES.,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Mountain USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2004
the 959's are easy to set up and you can adjust the tension to what ever your preference. I have had no problems with mud ect..... and the screw everyone is talking about is still there. so far, so good, they work great for me. the only drawback = they are a little expensive
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Pacific N.W. Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Works as advertised -- strong -- relatively lite -- consistent release even in mud.
Weaknesses:
To the whiners below who lose adjust screws - it is hard for me to believe that a reasoning mammal of even limited intelligence would wait around grousing for weeks or months about the fact that Shimano or their LBS has not provided a simple, cheap little item of hardware that they could easily acquire for themselves at the local ACe or Lowes in an hour or less .... unbelievable!!
Similar Products Used:
All -- over 20 years riding
Bike Setup:
Three sets of 959's on three different bikes.
Bottom Line:
Nary a problem with any of the three pedal sets that I own and use regularly -- pedals are getting a little beat up after 2 plus years (I consider them heavy with personality/patina!), but they still function perfectly, always have and have never thrown an adjustment screw.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: January 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
They work great until they break -- and if you ride a lot -- they will break!
Weaknesses:
A tension screw that doesn't actually attach to the pedal itself -- it's fun looking for in the woods! It's a piss poor design folks.
Similar Products Used:
747s -- Never had a problem!
Bike Setup:
Turner 02
Bottom Line:
I’ve been dealing with losing the tension screw several times a year. I decided to call Shimano to see if they had a more permanent fix because it’s a hassle getting that little thing placed just right while keeping tension on the spring.
I wasn’t angry when I called, but after I mentioned what was happening and I wasn’t “pointing my finger” by any means -- I immediately got this whole story from Rob about “these things happen when you bang pedals on rocks.” I started to get irritated...
It’s so obvious that they know these are flawed. They immediately kick in with the explanation. I wasn’t looking for an explanation -- I was looking for fix. I can’t believe that over two years later they haven’t done anything to fix this design. Give me a break!
DON’T BUY THESE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Dawson
a Racer
from Peterborough, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Favorite Race: 24 Hours - Kelso
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$145.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath Peterborough
Strengths:
Nice and light, has a good strong grip on your feet with good options for loosening and tightening. Easy in, easy out, but you wont be ejected from them when you least expect it.
Weaknesses:
Havent found any in my experiences.
Similar Products Used:
Time ALIUM's, CODA's, cheaper SPD's
Bike Setup:
Well the one I used them on was a 2002 NRS 1 that was pretty much stock. Have re-ordered a brand new pair to go with my 2004 Carbon NRS Air (Giant rocks!), new NRS Air is pretty much stock except for the added 959 pedals and some BTP Carbon Fibre bottle cages (15grams). Still waitin for the bike to come in the mail though...........I hear there hard to make and Giant has limited production, good thing it was ordered in September.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that I have used those 959's for two years, 50 some odd races, and over 5000km's with no problems (still original cleats too!). So you can imagine my reasonings for putting them on my new NRS Air. I actually bought em in 2002 cause I was going to get an NRS Air then but it just didnt work out.......finally it's mine two years later with a brand new set of pedals. As soon as MTBReview puts up there 2004 stuff (even though people have been buying 2004 stuff since september the slackers havent put up categories for the stuff yet) I will write a review of my NRS Air too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Skagway, Alaska Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
West Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Jensen's
Strengths:
Strong and smooth beaarings and smooth engagement/disengagement
Weaknesses:
not as light as some of the competition, cleats do wear out, but that is a maintenance issue.
Similar Products Used:
515's, 747's, and good 'ol toe clips/straps
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel - XTR, Chris King, Mavic, Titec, Syncros
Bottom Line:
These pedals have been fantastic. I use them year round and have had nary a problem. I have only had one occasion in which the pedals released me when I didn't want them to and it was my fault...forgot to tighten the spring tension. The cleats are prone to accelerated wear if one doesn't keep the cleat and pedals clean. I have whacked the S@#t out of them a couple times pedaling over rocks and all I did was scratch them. The bearings are still smooth even in 10 degree weather in the winter. I am very happy with these and actually prefer them to the 747's, my previous fave. I plan on using them on my Cross bike I am preparing to build!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Home of Horsetooth Rock, CO Date Reviewed: December 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$89.00
Strengths:
Easy engagement and release, better mud shedding than my 747's, dependable and consistent performance
Weaknesses:
Not the greatest at shedding thick Colorado clay but I shouldn't have gotten in to those conditions anyway...
Similar Products Used:
747, 656, 545 and TIME ATAC
Bike Setup:
These are on all of my bikes -I only have to pack one pair of shoes.
Bottom Line:
Two seasons and a couple of 24 hour races later and I still haven't rebuilt these things. Same great feel as my 747's but a little better in the sand and fine mud. Never a problem getting in or out. I wish all of my components performed as well and consistent over the long haul.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin Ca. Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
easy to clip in and out
Weaknesses:
none yet
Bottom Line:
No need to purchase another pedal if your a cross country rider. Easiest pedal to clip out that I have used. No problems with durability either, and I ride hard almost every time out. Don't spend less money on a inferior product. I bought mine at jensons online for $99. I highly recommend this product and am the first to crack someone if the product sucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Shop
Strengths:
Performance, looks.
Weaknesses:
Expensive, a bit noisy.
Similar Products Used:
Nashbar spd(durable), shimano 515(loved these), Ritchey v3(waste of money), Time Atac( not my cup of tea)
Bike Setup:
SC superlight, Mars, xt, C.King, Thomson.
Bottom Line:
Knock on wood, these pedals have been great so far. No problems. And I have tagged a few central TX rocks with these pedals. Not sure how durable these will end up being, they look cool but not very burly. The little washers on the retaining screws are loose and flop around which makes a bit of noise. Made me thing the bearings were dry at first. They support my foot very well, no slop or sense that the foot is rolling to the side. This was a huge problem I had with Atacs. Actually led to a knee problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, SC Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
I have been using these for a year now and have had nary a problem or concern. Great clip in, easy clip out. I have been using the SPD system since the 737 and 747 days. I hated the 515s that I tried about two years ago, but I have no complaints with the 959s, and that is after approximately 1500 off road miles.
Lots of rock and stump encounters. Nothing broken or missing on the pedals.
Similar Products Used:
737, 747, 515, Eggbeaters
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-R
Bottom Line:
I have no problem recommending these pedals. Mine have held up flawlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marianico El Corto
a Weekend Warrior
from Mañolandia Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Steep narrow tracks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$93.00
Purchased At:
www.ciclohobby.com
Strengths:
Easy in, easy out like my old 747's Acceptable weight Price, compared to CrankBros top of line products
Weaknesses:
Tension screw design Lack of interest of Shimano Company to fix bad design issues as they trust that the monopoly they own will last forever (they don't seem to note that things are changing)
Similar Products Used:
spd 747's Steel 2003 EggBeaters (they are a pleasure to ride)
Bike Setup:
Merida Magnesium 8,9 kg
Bottom Line:
Where's the beef with shimano? The 2nd they I used them I lost a tensión screw from my left pedal (I used the pedals the way they came out of the box without loosening the tension screws) and that's not acceptable at all. Do you remember those former 747's you could bash for years without a worry? Well, those days have gone and seems they are not going to be reedited, at least with shimano. As other brands put effort on improving their designs every year shimano keeps on trusting in their obvious defective designs. Shame on you Shimano. Try the EggBeaters, they will not dissapoint you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JK
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003
Screw/Spring design. Shimano should be able to do so much better.
Similar Products Used:
Not Speedplays, Times, or Egg Beaters... I will remedy that shortly.
Bike Setup:
See '03' Trek Fuel 98 Reviews (there are two)
Bottom Line:
What is up with Shimano?? Pedals do not seem to be their forte. Time to bring in some new engineering talent.
I have always been a Shimano fan. I have had what seems like a dozen bikes(Road&Mtn) with Shimano components (probably true). I had a short-term relationship with Look road pedals(I skipped the SPD-R foray), before going with the SPD-Ls (so far, I like em). I have been with SPDs since 737s. (I still have them) 747s were ok. 858s were dangerous. 535s are a joke. I forsook Egg Beaters for the 959s based on conservative bias. I read the reviews and tightened the screws right out of the box. Let me preface this: I am no power-animal. I am a 145lb 50 y/o guy with middlin power.
I was sprinting out of the saddle. I nicked a rock with the left pedal. My cleat released and wouldn't go back in. (Uh oh! ...look for the screw) It was still in place! (snug as a bug) But, the spring was no longer in place!! It had been released from under the plate! What the....?!
The wrench at the LBS took apart the pedal and resprung it. He is a real sharp guy but, he is puzzled. Now, would you put all your trust in this pedal? Carrying a spare screw won't even help.
My Chili rating may seem harsh but, Shimano has been at this for a long time. This should NOT happen. Shimano, there are now some REAL alternatives. Improve, or even sweet bike-builder deals won't save your marketshare in middle/high-end pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Caffarella
a Cross Country Rider
from Sudbury, MA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Misery
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
123bikes.com
Strengths:
Small size. Ability to pedal while unclicked. Ease of in and out.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Speedplay.
Bike Setup:
2004 Intense Spider - red, Progressive 5th Element Air, Fox F100X, full '03/'04 XTR with hydro and discs, Chris King Nothreadset (rasta), Thomson Elite stem and seatpost, Easton MonkeyLite bars with ODI Ruffian grips and lock jaws, WTB Laser V Ti saddle, M959 pedals, XTR M965 Wheelset, Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 UST tubeless front tire, Continental Explorer Pro 2.1 UST tubeless rear tire, Ringle skewers, Cateye Cordless 7.
Bottom Line:
No tension screw problems so far, although I've only used the pedals for a month and based on many other reviews, I'd recommend Loc-Tite blue since you usually set the tension only once. These pedals are very easy to get in and out of, due to their simple cleat design. Small size provides good ground clearance, while still offering the option to pedal while unclicked. Cleats needed to be tightened after first ride...again loc-tite of these screws is probably a good idea, but once they gunk up with dirt, they stay tight. A little pricey but XTR quality stuff usually is. Most shoes are Shimano compatible which is a plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vague
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Pretty light, respond like they're supposed to
Weaknesses:
Not cheap
Similar Products Used:
Look's old MTB pedal
Bike Setup:
Bontrager frame, mostly XT, Sun rims, lotsa stickers
Bottom Line:
I had ridden the same Look SPD-type pedal for like 6 years so suffice to say, I was very used to that pedal. Switched to the 959's last week, and after five minutes it was like I had been riding them my whole life. I ride agressive XC and urban and think it's great.
Of course if I lose a tension screw like so many folks have complained about, I will not be happy, but they didn't at all after some pretty hard riding last weekend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Taylor
a
from Fort Worth, TX, US Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Easy and smooth in and out. Holds when in. Indexed tension adjustment. Works well in moist sand.
Weaknesses:
Tension screw issue that others have mentioned. Shimano and their lack of concern for the folks that keep buying their crap.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATACS, Speedplay Frogs, WTB SPDs
Bike Setup:
XT Cranks
Bottom Line:
I really like these pedals for all the reasons that I listed above, BUT the loss of tension screw thing is a MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. This is Shimano's second pedal flop in a row; the 858 pedals were crap as well. Shimano needs to come out with a winner since it is no wonder that riders are transitioning over to the less capable time/eggbeater designs. I like the time/eggbeater secure feeling, but the lack of tension adjustment and the lack of non-centering free float keeps me from using these anymore.
All I can say about the 959s is that you better have a backup pair of pedals since the 959s will periodically be out for repair. Pathetic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, co, USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Arapahoe Cyclery
Strengths:
Works well, sheds mud well. Smooth, I can get in and out with out problems.
Weaknesses:
The tension set screw.
Similar Products Used:
Older shimano spd's
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
I've have about 1,000+ miles on these pedals now, and 95% of the time they work great. But, last week I some how lost one of the tension screws. I haven't had the problem before, I don't hit rocks or anything with them (well, most of the time) and I don't have them set at a low tension. I didn't plant the pedal at all on the ride that I lost it on. So, I don't have any explanation of why it fell out.
I feel kind of bad, I was having such good luck with these pedals that my riding buddy bought a pair. He has had a tension screw fall out twice in less than 5 rides. And, he is a better rider than I am.
Anyway, I just got back from my LBS and they repaired it under warranty. They are good guys there. The replacement screw does not appear to be any different. If shimano had changed the design, they are not getting the parts to the people who need them. My buddy has not seen any 'fix' from shimano either.
Bottom line is you may not want to buy these pedals if Shimano has not fixed the tension screw problem. When you loose them, and you will, its a headache.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
'H'
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: September 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
Mail Order
Strengths:
Easy to disengage Easier to engage. A very pronounced 'click' when you're in. Delivers on the promise of shedding mud well
Weaknesses:
No problems so far. They have only seen three months of riding. See the bottom line.
Similar Products Used:
I am a clipless pedal virgin. Previous pedals were XT comp (platform). Best platform pedals, period. They're still alive and kicking. Was there when SPD's (Shimano Pedalling Disaster) first came out. Shied away from them coz they were deathtraps in the mud.
Bike Setup:
Avanti Aggressor, mostly XT, Marzocchi Z2's, Cane Creek headset, Mavic 217's, handlebar and saddle cannabilised from a cracked Parkpre Pro Image and Michelin wildgrippers.
Bottom Line:
It was a toss up between ATACs and 959's. I read the reviews on the ATACs and decided against them because: 1. The short life of the brass cleat; 2. For a clipless pedal novice the idea of having to rotate my foot 90 degrees to disengage did not appeal to me. I have not had any problem with the tension screw so far. I read over previous reviews and hoped that the Shimano reps have read this site and made appropriate 'adjustments' in the QC department. When I adjusted the tension screw there were a sequence of distinctive clicks. Has Shimano taken care of the problem? Does this indexing of the tension screws prevent them from falling out? As for robustness well the left pedal took the full brunt of a perfect endo in its stride. The same cannot be said for the rider. Three months so far so good. Recreational XC on weekends and 40 minutes worth of riding to work and back each weekday. I recommend this pedal for XC riding. 4 chili's cos in AUD terms they're pretty pricey. You get what you pay for though. 5 chilis overall, but remember this is my first set of clipless pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PAT BEEZLEY
a Weekend Warrior
from LAKE FOREST, CA. Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
UP AND OVER MT. ELWELL, CA.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE CO.
Strengths:
CAN TAKE BIG HITS WITH OUT DISENTGRATING, REILIABLY LIGHT WEIGHT AT 346 GRAMS STOCK PER PAIR AND 300 GRAMS PER PAIR WITH ACTION TEC TITAINIUM SPINDALS.
Weaknesses:
I HAVE BEEN RIDING THESE PEDALS FOR A YEAR AND 6 MONTHS NOW W/O ANY PROBLEMS SO I CAN'T THINK OF ANY WEAKNESSES EXCEPT FOR THE COMPLAINTS RIDERS TALKED IN PREVIOUS REVIEWS;ABOUT ADJ. SCREWS FALLING OUT.THIS MUST BE BCAUSE THESE FOLKS ALL RIDE W/ THIER PEDALS ADJ. WAY LOOSE, OR THEY REALLY SHOULD BE USING SHIMANO'S MULTI-RELEASE CLEATS.
Similar Products Used:
SHIMANO 535,626
Bike Setup:
TURNER FULL SUSP. XCE W/ MARZOCCHI MARATHON 100 FRONT SHOCK AND FOX VANILLA REAR SOCK. 2.5 WEIRWOLF FRONT TIRE AND 2.35 KENDA STICK-E TIRE AT REAR.
Bottom Line:
THESE HAVE BEEN A TROUBLE FREE SET OF PEDALS FOR A YEAR AND HALF. WORK RESONABLY WELL IN MUDDY CONDITIONS AND CAN TAKE BIG HITS WITOUT ENDING YOUR RIDE. AND NOW THAT ACTION TEC IS MAKING TITANIUM SPINDALS FOR THESE;THEY ARE NOW 46 GRAMS LIGHTER,AT 300 GRAMS FOR THEW PAIR. THESE SPINDALS ARE NOT ONLY LIGHT BUT THEY ARE STRONGEST OF THE TI PRODUCTS I HAVE USED. THEY ARE WORTH THE MONEY SPENT FOR SURE. CHECK OUT ACTION TEC'S WEB SITE FOR INFO ON THESE SPINDALS AND OTHER COOL LIGHT WEIGHT STRONG STUFF.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Central NJ Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Deer Path, Chimney Rock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
jensonUSA
Strengths:
Look cool. Much easier to clip out of than any other shimano pedal I've used. Nice precise feel.
Weaknesses:
That tension bolt thing.
Similar Products Used:
505s, 515s, 646s (I think)
Bike Setup:
Rockhopper FSR, Marzocchi MX comp, other fancy odds and ends
Bottom Line:
I hadn't heard about the tension bolt problem, and have been riding on these since last year with a long winter layoff. Have banged them pretty good on rocks and they show it but still work perfectly...except, riding at Deer Path Park the other day (ironically, same as the guy below) the tension screw disappeared. Tension was a few clicks from fully loose. If it wasn't for the bolt problem these pedals would truly rock. Hopefully Shimano will honor the warranty and I'll be able to upgrade my rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Superior, CO Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
pretty light, work well till the tension screw falls out
Weaknesses:
tension screw falls out, been trying to get a new one for 2 months and still no replacement
Similar Products Used:
747, 545
Bike Setup:
sepc enduro pro
Bottom Line:
i was really happy with the way the pedals work, at least here in the dry riding(limited mud riding). I was hoping for better luck than the other reviewers but my luck ran out, I lost a tension screw(it was not at the minimum amount) on a ride and could not find it. I figured such a simple part would not be hard to replace, WRONG. Shimano has been unresponsive to the dealer and to my requests. They must expect me to buy another set of pedals. I will but it will not be shimano!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from West Bloomfield, MI, USA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Weaknesses:
tension screw design
Similar Products Used:
stock Trek
Bike Setup:
trek 4900
Bottom Line:
Luckily I tested these pedals out in my back yard before hitting the trail. The tension screw fell out of one of the pedals within ten minutes (no rocks, stumps, etc. just steep grass). Found it in the grass after a 20 minute search. They come fully untensioned and it is obvious that you can get the screw to pop out with very little effort. I have added some tension to all four screws (six clicks up from bottom) and they seem OK. Still release fine and feel more solid. Will post more after a serious ride. Instructions should provide tension table and notes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Racer
from Palmdale, CA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
smooth entry and exit, light, shed mud.
Weaknesses:
lose their easthetic luster rather quickly. but thats not why you buy them.
Similar Products Used:
lesser shimano pedals
Bike Setup:
k2 razorback 4.0
Bottom Line:
Great upgrade over the useless stock pedals. I've read that they can be fragile, but I've hit rocks and whatnot on numerous occasions without problems. *knocks on wood* great pedals. worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yoda
a
from SJ CA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Smooth but positive clip-in action. Doesn't seem to get bogged down by dirt/rocks/mud on your cleats. Light.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 524, Specialized something-or-anothers.
Bike Setup:
Truth/Romic/F100X/MavicSL
Bottom Line:
Very nice pedal with the usual Shimano smooth mechanical flair. They're the easiest pedals I've used so far, easy to snap in and positive to clip out. Rentention is excellent and easy to adjust. Haven't really abused them yet, nor crashed, but my initial impressions are good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard hambone
a
from apecks Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
word
Weaknesses:
ehhhhh bandecos
Similar Products Used:
SPD 545
Bottom Line:
Got em mail order. Put em on bike without adjusting anything. I have had no problems. Never even touched the tension screws. No unexpected releases. Always get out when I need to. I'm happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Marty's
Strengths:
Shimano SPD design, adjustable release
Weaknesses:
Tension screw design
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 858's and 747's, Crank Egg Beaters, Time ATAC
Bike Setup:
Blur
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable - I bought these pedals Saturday, and rode them for the first time Sunday. 90 minutes later, I ended my first ride with the 959's and inspected the pedals for the infamous "missing little screw" reported in so many other reviews. Lo and behold, I was missing one tension adjustment screw on my right pedal!
Some facts - 1) I had set the pedals to minimum tension before the ride. 2) The trail I rode was Deer Park, which is not overly technical or rocky.
As far as I am concerned, this is a defective product and apparently a defective design. Locktite may help this, but it is not practicle since this is an adjustment screw, and not something that you would want to lock in place. Looking at the design, I think that if you keep the tension adjusted tight (instead of loose like I had it set), then you would be less likely to experience this problem.
I will attempt to return these to Marty's this week, and I will go back to using my 858's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Strengths:
easy in-out.solid cliking feel to let you know your in.Great value.Best effort yet by shimano
Weaknesses:
a dab of loctite at the ends of the screws will keep them from backing out as reported..no weaknesses yet
Similar Products Used:
girvin,wellgo,shimano
Bike Setup:
merlin echo..xt-xtr
Bottom Line:
recommend for all types of riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Freehold nj Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything rocky @ ringwood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Easy clip in and exit
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
747..time atac
Bike Setup:
titus switchblade
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my first post 1/22/02. Still a great pedal. I have smashed many rocks/stumps in-fact the pedals and crank arms are all banged up and scratched. I have never lost the tension screw like others have posted. Entry/exit really good in sticky clay type mud. I have done no maintenance to bearings and they still spin smooth. I'm a happy customer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Franco Porcaro
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, Texas Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Bike World
Strengths:
I just bought these today. They are my first clipless pedals since I purchased my bike back in 1995. It was a hard choice between the Egg Beater and Time Attac pedals. They seem well made and were recommended by the sales person.
Weaknesses:
None that I can see as far as the design and materials are concerned. I'm trusting Shimano as far as reputation is concerned.
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
1995 Specialized A1 Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Let me put these bad boys to some use and I guess I'll see within the next few months. Happy riding everyone!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Brantford, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Pines
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Easy clip in/out. Great in mud. Good feel.
Weaknesses:
Very fragile. Destructed upon impact with a root, did not hit hard enough to move the bike & less than 350 miles on the pedals. No support from Shimano. Was told "shouldn't hit roots or anything on the trail. Sorry we don't sell these spare parts, besides they don't break." I was told this as I stood there with the parts in my hand! The tension adjusting assembly had snapped. Poor attitude.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's, Time ATAC, Time "Z"
Bike Setup:
Klein Palimino Race
Bottom Line:
My 747's lasted 5 years before finally wearing out & I had no problems with breakage of any kind. The 959 is a great working pedal but way too fragile with no support from Shimano. I would not recommend these to anybody because of the overly fragile problem most people seem to be experiencing, just read the reviews, & the poor attitude from Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Easy clip in Easy clip out consistant
Weaknesses:
Tension screws - I had one of my pedals distruct by hitting a stump. When I took them back to the shop the owner told me I must have loosened the tension screws. I in fact tightened them up and he agreed to repace them.
Similar Products Used:
Time Shimano 515, 747 VP's
Bike Setup:
Superlight
Bottom Line:
Great pedals on the whole as I have another pair on my Kona with no probs at all. It just seems mad or an oversight that they could not design a pedal with some sort of catch for that poxy screw!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rico
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sycamore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Riverside Cyclery USA
Strengths:
Nice looking
Weaknesses:
Tension screw doesn't do it's job adequately.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 545s - Crank Bros Eggbeaters
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown, SID XTR
Bottom Line:
I purchased these pedals about a year ago after reading the rave reviews here at MTBR. Unfortunately, I think people were too eager to give the Shimano pedal a good review because its predecessor was such a disappointment. The truth is that even though it is easier to get out of then before, the Shimano still is difficult to clip out of which obviously results in some bad accidents. I finally had to replace this pedal with the standard eggbeater which has proven to be a much simpler, yet more effective, design. Eventually I will upgrade to the lighter 2003 eggbeaters, and I doubt I will ever go back to Shimano for pedals. If you are in the market for pedals, do yourself a favor and buy a pair of Eggbeaters, you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Aiken, SC Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Horn Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
Easy entry and exit. Smooth as butter. Mud is a non-issue with these.
These are some seriously nice pedals. They are tanks like my old 737/747s. Clip in and go, regardless of the conditions. For my type of riding (XC riding, no beating and bashing), these are perfect. Smoother than the Eggbeaters. WAY better than 515s.
Buy these pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robin Errigo
a
from Shawnee, KS USA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Weaknesses:
I second the problem with the tension screw coming loose. I called Shimano today and it is not covered under the warranty. The service rep basically said it was my fault and I should use more caution on the trail and not allow my pedals to hit objects. I think they need to get a better design for the peddles and better customer service training for their reps.
Bottom Line:
A little costly considering the quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Hill Tx. Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Strengths:
Easy in and out.
Weaknesses:
TENSION SCREWS. There are 4 sets of 959 pedals in my group, all purchased at the same time. 3 sets are currently broken,waiting on parts. Shimano said the same thing as they have to others, if you hit them on something, the tension screws will fall out!!! We thought we bought off road pedals. What a shame to sell such an expensive piece to someone and then tell them they are not really to be used on any trails that may have rocks or roots! Come on, what about accountability? Looks like Eggbeater time! Shimano blows.
Similar Products Used:
Cheaper Shimano pedals, 515's, never had problems with them!
These would be good pedals if you ride concrete singletrack!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Clip in and out easily.
Weaknesses:
These pedals have broken twice in a year. The pedal has a flawed design whereby there is a tiny screw holding the back part of the clip down. This screw works itself loose and then falls out and is gone. Then you have to order the screw from Shimano which takes FOREVER to get back.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with all the fixens
Bottom Line:
This pedal is not worth the cost. I rode with the low-end Ritchey and low-end Shimano for a couple of years and never had these problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Muraski
a Cross Country Rider
from Spooner, WI USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$159.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Easy to get into and out of. Have not been trapped in them yet and every once in a while got trapped into my speed plays.
Weaknesses:
One pedal clicks from vertical pedal movement. This is really annoying. Every revolution it clicks twice, once for the pull up and once for the down stroke. What is going on with this pedal. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas?
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F2000
Bottom Line:
Great Pedal. I really like the engaged feel and how they release when necessary. They have worked very well in mud and wet conditions also. I am a cross country rider/racer and think this is a exceptional pedal. Just don't like the clicking. And it only happens on one pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Fastbender
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Karrimor
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Well made and strong, excellent clip in and out every time. Not too much float so they feel really positive. Great mud clearance. Reliable.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Almost the entire Shimano range, plus.. VP 102, 104, Wellgo, Ritchey, WTB Stealth, Eggbeaters, Time ATAC.
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone, Hope Mini Discs, Easton bits, XTR.
Bottom Line:
Just great pedals, simply fit and forget. They do what they should do time after time. The proof of a good pedal is that you do not have to think about it, it just keeps doing the job. Not a cheap pedal but it is value for money. Excellent clip in and clip out....gives confidence in those hairy moments. Recommendable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Kaufman
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Sports Garage
Strengths:
Easy in and easy out. A word of caution, use some type of wax lubricant on the part of the pedals that touch the cleat. I forgot to do this on my wifes and she couldnt get out. Works well in snow.
Weaknesses:
I ride in mostly dry areas (Colorado and Utah) so i havent really had to deal with mud which could be a problem with this design.
Similar Products Used:
747 (for many years) and some similar spd types.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight. XT with Continental 2.3 tires.
Bottom Line:
I really didnt realize how nice these pedals were until I had to use my old 747s (on my old bike). They are so smooth and it clicks in so much easier than the 747.
I have no complaints at all with these pedals and highly recommend them if you live in a dry and rocky place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from H-town Playas aka Houston Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$108.00
Purchased At:
West U Schwinn
Strengths:
Nice Clip in feel, weight.
Weaknesses:
My other bikes have Shimano SPD forcing me to stay with Shimano.
Similar Products Used:
Bontracer
Bike Setup:
Sugar 3, Gary fisher
Bottom Line:
Nice feel. They still are not the gold standard for mud shedding, but they will do. Egg beaters appear to much better (word of mouth).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx. Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
red rock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
easy set up, set it and forget it.
Weaknesses:
I have not encountered any
Similar Products Used:
Time
Bike Setup:
Fisher 01 Paragon
Bottom Line:
I have used these pedals for over a year now and I absoultely love em. I've read some of the comments stating that the tension screws has a tendency to fall out but I'd never encountered that. I bought the pedals when they first came out and they have worked flawlessly. Mine is set up 3 clicks back from the least tension position and this set up works for me. I 've dug em into the dirt with bad crashes, I can unclip in an emergency situtation with no hassles, and I could remember on two occasions of unclipping unintentionally which I think is pretty resonable. Bottom line these pedals work. Maybe a little loc tite on the screws will solve the problem of screws falling out???
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Krispin Klander
a
from España Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
rocky's and rooty's ones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Pretty look Reasonably light Easy in, easy out (even in muddy conditions)
Weaknesses:
Tension screw came out the other day
Similar Products Used:
SPD 747 (LAST GOOD SHIMANO PEDALS I HAD) Egg Beaters (good pedals)
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
There must be a problem design with these pedals as I'm not the only one that have experimented the issue of the tension screw. This could only be admissible with cheap clipless (if so) but it's not with top range of a brand like shimano. Since Shimano stopped selling their outstanding 747's all their other pedals have been a great failure of design. Shimano: fix up the problem with the tension screw and you'll be near of the perfect pedal!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james hauser
a Weekend Warrior
from mesa arizona Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
national
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
supergo tempe
Strengths:
the pedals are easy to get in and out of light and small
Weaknesses:
the tension screw came out on the first day i used them the bike shop was able to put it back in it took about thirty minutes. the very next day i rode the same screw on the other pedal came out i put it back in while on the trail useing a gerber a life saver on the trail after i got home i called shimanoand got into a arguement with one of there service reps he told me the pedals a not designed for riding on trails with rocks i asked him what part of mountain bike did he not understand all mountains have rocks some bigger than others any way i took the pedals back to supergo and they gave me a store credit. supergo is awesome
Similar Products Used:
shimano 515
Bike Setup:
2001 schwinn moab before it became pacific bikes
Bottom Line:
dont buy the pedals if you ride where there are rocks that might hit the padles
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Nio
a Cross Country Rider
from Maastricht, Holland Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Jean Habets, Schin op Geul.
Strengths:
Light and very, very easy to click in and out. Mud's no problem at all.
Weaknesses:
None found yet.
Similar Products Used:
SPD 515, which came stock on my Stumpjumper 2003
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper '03, Conti Escape tires, SPD 959.
Bottom Line:
I've used 515 pedals for 1 year. Mudshedding sometimes was a problem. And I hated falling over while almost standing still or trying to keep my balance on a technical track, it looks so silly! Well, that's over: with the 959, lightest setting, I always get out in time. That feels so good!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
muddauber
a Weekend Warrior
from groveland, Ma usa Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$159.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
easy in, easy out. nice looking.
Weaknesses:
too many springs and screws
Similar Products Used:
wellgo
Bike Setup:
gt i-drive team, xtr, hayes disc, psylo sl, spinergy.
Bottom Line:
I imaging they would be really great if they didnt keep falling apart. twice in less than year. adjustment screws keep falling out. They are really good in muddy conditions and are easy to get in and out of when needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
www.universalcycles.com
Strengths:
All steel contruction, easy adjustment
Weaknesses:
Well...see below
Similar Products Used:
SPD 565
Bike Setup:
Dean Duke, XTR, Race Face, King disc, King headset, Avid, Bomber, etc.
Bottom Line:
I hit a stump with one of the peddles today, and not hard, it was on an uphill climb and I was making it but slowly, When the peddle hit the stump it knocked the tension screw completely off the peddle leaving me with only one working side. I was able to repair the peddle injury on the trail with the use of a leatherman tool, but I dont think that it is something that should be so easliy removed. I'm giving them a 4 on Value cause as clipless go they are not to bad price wise, A 3 on overall cause I dont expect to have "peddle" problems on the trail.
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Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Kinloss, N. Scotland Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Local mountains/ woodland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction Cycles
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Expensive (when I bought them they had just come onto the market).
Similar Products Used:
Specialized. Time.
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar '01 frame, Rock Shox forks, Hope Mini discs, Shimano XT/ LX transmission, Easton/ Race Face/ WTB/ Mavic
Bottom Line:
Simple and easy to use. I've never come out when I didn't want to and never had difficulty getting out when I did want to. Nice and light too.
Everything you've read about how good they are is true. The same can't be said for Time pedals (see review 1/4/02)...
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Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, Fl Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Frankfordbike.com
Strengths:
ease of use, looks, relatively light weight
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's, 515's
Bike Setup:
02 Specialized Enduro Pro, all XTR
Bottom Line:
I bought them, put them on, and rode! No adjustments, no cleat replacement, no problems. What else can I say? I took off one chili for value because when then first came out they were a little pricey at $149 msrp. I got them at a decent price, but they're not cheap.
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Submitted by
spinjunkie
a Racer
from Indian Hills, CO Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
excelsports.com
Strengths:
Relatively light (an actual 346g!), good performance entry and exit.
I hate to admit it, but Shimano does make some good stuff. Their BB's, front derailleurs and these pedals are truly quality products. I've used mine for a year and smashed and bashed them with nary a whimper heard.
I have yet to try them in goopy mud. That may be their downfall, but it has been very dry in CO for a while now...I didn't dig the Egg's or the Time's release and entry just wasn't as crisp as with the 959's.
One thing the rider from the Springs below needs to realize is that no one calls a customer service rep at any manufacturer to praise them - these guys get bombared by people just waiting to chew on them. However, it's no excuse for either party to be rude.
True the peds are being used off-road, but the conditions that they are being subjected to vary. What do you think a frame maufacturer would say to you if you wanted a new frame because a rock dented it.....4/4 poops because nothing is perfect.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Phx South Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Quick click in & OUT, audible click in, light, seem durable, smart design
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo 801 ($30)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hard Rick A1
Bottom Line:
I had Wellgo pedals which made me nervous that I couldn't click out when I needed to. This was caused by a couple spills. I went back to normal pedals (after 4 months of these clipless) but my feet kept flying off the pedals and I was less stable. I reluctantly bought these new clipless pedals based on store recommendations and this website. These pedals allow me to stroke evenly, drive up hills, corner sharper, get the bike in the air when necessary and never worry about clicking out! Well worth my investement (nearly 1/3 of my low cost bike price)!
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Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Clear bay
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Millers
Strengths:
easy in and easy out
Weaknesses:
after 2000 miles, two bikes, none so far
Similar Products Used:
cages
Bike Setup:
C-Dale F1000, stock save the CK wheelset
Bottom Line:
This was my first venture into clipless and I don't think I will change. The platform is big enough for those times your not clipped in. I have smacked mine on rocks without any problems. I have not had any problems with getting in and out in the mud, and I live in Oklahoma where the weather can (and does) change any time your ride. These pedals are the best out there for XC riding.
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Submitted by
Jon L
a Weekend Warrior
from Glastonbury, CT Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Killington
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Shimano warranty
Strengths:
Clipping in is so smoot and there's a nice click to tell you you're in, sheds mud, snow, sand, etc so clipping in is always easy
Weaknesses:
they don't magically turn into dh pedals for my new ac2
I love these things. I originall bought 858's but I broke them so Shimano sent me these 959's and they are so much better. There's not one weakness. But now that I got an AC2 I'm gonna have to sell them for some platforms :-(
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Submitted by
Cennydd
a Cross Country Rider
from South Wales - UK Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Slim design. Nice and light. Smooth bearings. Well sealed.
Weaknesses:
Fragility. Hairline fractures developed on axle thread.
Similar Products Used:
Umpteen previous SPD models.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M5. Fox Float RL. Hope Minis. XTR. Dirty.
Bottom Line:
These pedals were great while they remained intact. During that time they were smooth and did exactly what they were supposed to do in terms of securing and releasing my feet.
Their lightweight design is compromised in the durability department in that a fairly typical pedal/rock impact resulted in cracking developing around the allen key socket of the right pedal.
Pedals have since been returned to the distributors in UK who - I should add - are completely rubbish in that they have so far failed to deal with my query despite having the pedals for over a month. Lamers.
My old worn out 3 year old SPUDs have since been called out of retirement.
Not one of Shimano's better products.
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Submitted by
Sprocketeer
a
from Narashino, Chiba, Japan (native of New York) Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Earth
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Seo Cycle, LalaPort Tokyo Bay shopping mall
Strengths:
Entry and exit as easy as flat pedals and hold my position perfectly. Nothing sticks to them--mud, ice, sand, etc . . . . Nice float. Comprehensive mechanical design, best in both safety and performance.
Weaknesses:
They don't magically turn the cranks for me?
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 515, Eggbeaters, Time ATAC carbon
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 with Race Lite titanium gel insert saddle, Titec bar ends, 2003 Shimano XT hollowtech crank and BB (172.5 mm crank arms).
Bottom Line:
It was almost a toss up for me between the Eggbeaters (light weight and easily clear muck), the Time ATAC carbon's (fame, and nothing more than that), and the 959s, but both my experience cycling and my knowledge as a certified ski technician told me that the design on the 959s was plainly the best.
But couldn't have imagined how good they are. These things are as easy to enter and exit as flat pedals, making releasing a complete non-issue. Don't worry, you can get out of these without ever having to frantically wrench your foot out before crashing.
And, like I mentioned up top, nothing sticks to these things. I only had the slightest hint of a difficulty once in thick mud that I shouldn't have been riding in anyway--ruins the trail--but that was just because of the cold metal of the SPD cleat on my shoe.
My old pedals have gouges out of them, but these seem to be made of tougher stuff. Even though I do very little to maintain them, they work just like the first day I put them on after 2000 off road miles.
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Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Earth Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$110.00
Strengths:
See review
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's Ritchey Logic
Bike Setup:
Yeti A.R.C.
Bottom Line:
First off, what happened to the Shimano 747 reviews? Oh well...Anyhow, the 959's are the 747's, which is saying they're excellent. Easy entrance, easy exit. Only reason I got the 959's is because the 747's are discontinued. So far, they perform just as well. Best pedal out there.
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Submitted by
Brian Vickers
a Racer
from Bainbridge Island Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Green Mt.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Excel Sports
Strengths:
High quality, nice looks, good float, feels good under foot, can be adjusted, no rust appearing anywhere.
Weaknesses:
I raced cross on them this season just ended. The main consideration for a cross racer is being able to clip back in after a run up. I had no problems until the last race which featured moist, silty sand on all three run ups. It took some pounding on the pedals to knock enough sand out of the cleat area to enable clipping back in. By the time I was clipped back in my competitors were putting a gap on me. The 959's were chosen for my cross bike because my commuter and MTB bikes have SPD pedels. I was trying to avoid having a second set of shoes to facilitate using another type of cleat. This is the only issue I can complain about this outstanding product.
Similar Products Used:
Only various SPD models
Bike Setup:
Cross bike
Bottom Line:
Great for every type of condition except as described above. I would still pay the current price to have them on my cross country MTB bike, or for comuting.
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Submitted by
Manolo
a Cross Country Rider
from Freiburg, Germany Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kandel
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
perfect release easy step-in nice finish that matches XTR good bearings
Weaknesses:
none so far !
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747, 858, 959, Shimano platforms (in the older days)
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE Team, Marzocchi Atom Race, XTR, Easton stem, CT2 post & monkey lite lowriser, King, Flite, Crossmax UST, Michelin Wildgripper XLS / Front S
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up from my first review one year ago. I am not one of these guys that praise the stuff they bought (see my review for the Shimano 858). However as regards these pedals, I have to do so. These pedals work absolutely worry free. The best evidence for a good part is when you just use it without even noticing that it is there and you simply can enjoy the time on the trail without worrying ´bout technical issues. So it is with these pedals. I ride mostly technical singletrack up- and downhill and I sometimes have to get out really quickly. Absolutely no issue with these pedals. I had some minor crashes on the trail in the last months (not due to the pedals; was simply to aggressive !) but I was out of the pedals before I could even think about it (and also before I hit the ground, which is a good thing) So if you think about investing some bucks in an upgrade of your pedals or even still have those dangerous 858s ditch them and go for 959 ! To my opinion, right now there is no better pedal on the market (time has to much play and you can not really stand on eggbeaters if you´re not clipped in). Bottom line: worth the bucks !
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Submitted by
Mark Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Montebello, California, USA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very easy to get used to. Easy entry & exit. Easy to adjust tension.
Weaknesses:
Cost too much. They don't work well in the mud.
Similar Products Used:
Time Attack & Platforms
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE with all the best stuff available
Bottom Line:
I was a bit aprehensive about returning to clipless pedals after a serious fall off a mountain trail due to the enability to exit Time Attack pedals. The first time out I adjusted my new 959's to the lightest setting. I found them extremely easy to enter & exit from the start. I ride 12-18 miles of trails about 5 days a week & I race XC occasionally. In 7 months I have not had a single problem with these pedals. I have bashed rocks so hard I've gone down but the pedals have survived except for deep scratches etc. My adjustment screws are set all the way out and back in one click (never had a screw backout like others have mentioned). My only complaint and warning is, they are not friendly in the mud. When mud enters the pedal, they are difficult to enter and very unpredictalble to exit. Sometimes they allow easy exit & some times they are difficult to exit. So you need to be aware and anticipate this problem when riding technical terrain.
$ 150.00
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