Submitted by
TienShan
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Strengths: Solid build, easy to use, easy to get in and out. It's almost maintenance free. I only need to lubricate the spring once in a long while (like once a year or once every two years.)
Weaknesses: -weight
This pedal does weigh more than a lot of pedals out there.
-price
It's a pricy but it seems it will last forever.
Bottom Line:
Clearance is not big concern for me since I don't ride in the mud that much. PD-M858 works great for me. When I got my road bike 3 years ago, I bought the same pedal for my road bike too. The 1st pair I paid around $120 for it but the 2nd pair I only paid $85 for it since Shimano was discontinuing this pedal at the time.
Similar Products Used: It's the only clipless pedal I have ever tried.
Bike Setup: Dean Colonel, Dean TI bar, Dean TI post, Titec TI stem, Shimano XT groupo, Manitou Mars Elite
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
saby72
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Strengths: Great mechanism, smooth spinning, work great
Weaknesses: there were not as sexy as a top of the line pedal should be
Bottom Line:
I could not complain about them at all but I did not abuse them either, mostly rode on pavement. I was amazed at how much the would spin with a single flick of the finger, more than anything I have ever seen. I changed them for the new XTR for pure aesthetic reasons and the new pair feel a little more crisp, that is all.
Strengths: Dependable, durable, professional grade pedal that will satisfy a weekend rider through a competitive racer.
Weaknesses: Can only be used with the SH-52 cleat.
Bottom Line:
I've used these pedals for about five years now, and rate them as superior. They grip tight, allow for easy clip-out, and have shown no appreciable signs of wear. They're safe and reliable, and I recommend them for use by an experienced rider, as they grip a bit tighter than the M515's.
Some reviews suggest unpredictable behavior such as clipping out unexpectedly or not being able to clip out reliably. I've not encountered either issue and suspect that using cleats other than the recommended SH-52 may produce problems with this product.
The value rating is 4 out of 5 chilis due to the cost, as I believe it was a bit high (in 2002 when I bought them). And the overall rating is 4 out of 5 since these pedals require dedicated cleats, the SH-52. Shimano has since adopted a design where a superior performing pedal can be used with SH-51 cleats.
With the SH-52 cleats, these pedals perform on a superior level and I highly recommend them for a mid-level to advanced cyclist.
Strengths: These are great pedals, they clip out perfect. I race and I like being in my pedals, and staying in.
Weaknesses: If its your first time using cleats then make sure you put these at the easy tension, they can sometimes be hard to clip out of until you get use to them.
Bottom Line:
These pedals are great. I dont know why everyone is saying they arent, maybe you should just ride with toe clips. If your going to fall, clipping out most likely wont save you unless your standing still. They work fine and they have held up well.
Submitted by
Syed Haider
a Weekend Warrior
from Niles, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004
Strengths: I've found none yet
Weaknesses: clipping out!!!
Bottom Line:
These are REALLY difficult to get out of when you need too. After my 4th crash due to not being able to get out, I think its time to get another pair! DO NOT buy
Strengths: Light, good looking, well built, work perfect as expected
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Great product. Clip in and out works perfect at all conditions. Adjusting the clips properly depending on the cleath you are using is important. This will take 30 minutes of your time, but its important for proper function. Some people are complaining that these pedals can be dangerous, clip pedals are not for whimps.
Submitted by
john ricker
a Racer
from boulder, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Strengths: ease of entry and EXIT!!!! bomb proof reliable. durability
Weaknesses: a little heavy
Bottom Line:
I have no idea why people feel like they cannot get out of these pedals. These are truely the best pedals I've ever had. Easy entry and always a dependable exit. Shimano designed these peadals to be used with a different style cleat. I can only think that neg reviewers didn't put the new cleat on their shoes. I have been a serious rider for over 6 years and have always had problems with pedal release until i got these. dependable dependable!! They are great for any level rider. Buy these peadals, just put the right cleats on your shoe. Hint, they come in the box with them
Similar Products Used: ritchy comps, shimano 656, old time (cant remember the #)
Bike Setup: Basso Ti, XTR
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Reynolds
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntingdon, PA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Strengths: This is my first pair of clipless pedals, I have never fallen because of being stuck to my bike, never had a single problem getting out and I have never used clipless. You just need to keep your head on the task at hand, or go back to platforms. These pedals are where it is at. I have had to bail out several times, and these pedals never held me back.
Weaknesses: Occasionally a little tough to get into, but that is me just getting used to them.
Bottom Line:
These pedals are my new best friend, besides my puppy dog.
Bike Setup: Pieced together till I can afford a Liquid 20.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Wolcott, CT
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Strengths: These pedals feel like magnets. Durable. I've smacked mine so many times, I'm suprised there not thrashed.
Weaknesses: Tension setting is a little frustrating. I crack the plastic seal after a couple of ride (the electrical tape I used in it's place still functions well after a year)
Bottom Line:
Though the tension adjustments are frustrating sometimes, I don't understand why others have stated that they could not release from these pedals. Did you guys ever try setting them to a more loose setting??? On the trail these pedals feel like I have magnets attached to my feet. Maybe not the best pedal out there, but I wouldn't say they suck. original retail is not worth it, but at close out, I would definitely say grab a pair. I only wrote this in response to the other reviews..."couldn't get out" and "great if you want to stay attached to your bike"
Bike Setup: '02 Enduro Pro with most S-Brand stock parts upgraded.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002
Strengths: Build Quality
Weaknesses: Break-In Period
Bottom Line:
Dear Reader
The M858 is a very well made product offering by Shimano. This product is both light and robust, but it does require a long "Break-In" period. On my first ride, I hit three inches of mud and started to sink, but my M858's keep their grip on my shoes. Hence, my falling over in slow motion into the corn field!
I could not get out of these pedals. During my next ride, I went in and out of each pedal one-hundred times. I then sprayed WD-40 on to both sides of the pedals. As a result, I can now clip-out when needed. This is a very solid offering, but it does suffer from a rather long "Break-In" period.
Sincerely Russ
PS: The M858 is a far better product than either the M515 or RE-1.
Submitted by
prc
a Weekend Warrior
from Batalha Portugal
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Strengths: Can't really remember any
Weaknesses: Just about everything
Bottom Line:
These are pretty much as bad as the ritchey logic pedals I used to own. Clip in & never clip out, unless you ride by my house where the dirt is really dirt/sand mixture. In that case it's never clip in or out! Ok I must admit when it's perfectly dry out the pedals are not that bad, but the clip out is never exactly the same. Haven't tried the 959's yet, but will probably just go and get me some egg beaters.
Weaknesses: all the negatives you have read about below... they are TRUE!!!!
Bottom Line:
I made some simple modifications to the square end of the cleat (end facing the heel) that solved ALL the release problems. If you look at the cleat, it is square and beveled at one end. Well, I rounded the square off (dremmel tool) making it more rounded in nature and then re-beveled as it was before I took the edges off and it releases PERFECT now. I can even use the spring adjustment now (if needed) to tiighten it up. Before, it was worthless. I believe this the only method to salvage these pedals. If you do not do this, I would NEVER use these pedals as they are truly dangerous and out you at risk.
Submitted by
Olden
a Cross Country Rider
from RSM, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Strengths: Light, easy to get out of.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Great pedals, if you can't get out of these. Try platforms, never had a problem and believe me I used to have nothing but. Ridden over all conditions and always let me in or out.
Strengths: The pedals cage can withstand a pretty good beatin'. I'm not a thrasher of components but I've dished out some pretty good rock bashin's on these and they take it. No problems with bearings, spindles, or the cage. Easy to hose off when they get dirty. Fairly, lightweight. Adjustable cleat tension. Sufficient platform to make "clipping in" easy. Suppose to be good at shedding mud, but I haven't ridden in much mud with them. Besides, that tears up the trails.
Weaknesses: Yes, yes, I know, the pedals don't release very well. In fact, I fell over several times trying to get out of them when they were new.....and I had the tension loosened all the way. They also squeek from the cleats rubbing if you don't lube them up before every ride. I wonder if you could dremel out the area where the cleat clips into just a little bit to make them release easier??? Hmmmmmmm
Bottom Line:
These pedals were suppose to be the next step up from the 747's. I bought them because they are fairly lightweight and looked to be built really well. Unfortunately, they don't release well until you got about 2 mths use out of them. I'm using them now and until something better comes along I'm stickin with them since they are working fine for me NOW. I just apply some TriFlow to the pedals everytime I ride. The lube lasts for about 2 hrs of riding in normal conditions.
Similar Products Used: Shimano 525, 535, Time ATAC's
Bike Setup: Who cares, its the pedals we're talking about.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002
Strengths: You should buy the 858's if you want to be forever attached to your bike
Weaknesses: Unpredictable clip-outs
Bottom Line:
My mountain-biking stud of a boyfriend kept telling me "the pedals just need some breaking in." I think I'm the only thing that is "breaking" in. I have fallen so many times, bike still attached. On the concrete, down a hill backwards, even took the chain ring in the back of my calf and have the scars to show for it...all because I couldn't clip out! THESE PEDALS ARE CRAP! YOU absolutely can't get out of these pedals -- no matter how much you loosen the tension screw or grease 'em up!! Sure, you can get out of them once in a while but never when it really counts. REFUND -- REFUND -- REFUND!!
