Submitted by
TienShan
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos, CA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Point
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
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.
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
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
saby72
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Great mechanism, smooth spinning, work great
Weaknesses:
there were not as sexy as a top of the line pedal should be
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliot Nightingale
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: July 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Catawba
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
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.
Similar Products Used:
PD-M515
Bike Setup:
1997 Trek 6500zx hardtail frame, Shimano XT and LX components, Manitiu Pro suspension.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david lopez
a Racer
from Monterey Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mission
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
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.
Bike Setup:
Seven Sola, chris king... etc.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Syed Haider
a Weekend Warrior
from Niles, IL, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
I've found none yet
Weaknesses:
clipping out!!!
Similar Products Used:
other shimano pedals
Bike Setup:
03 trek 4900
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Racer
from Vienna, Austria Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, good looking, well built, work perfect as expected
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Some
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john ricker
a Racer
from boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
monarch crest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
ease of entry and EXIT!!!! bomb proof reliable. durability
Weaknesses:
a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
ritchy comps, shimano 656, old time (cant remember the #)
Bike Setup:
Basso Ti, XTR
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Reynolds
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntingdon, PA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Eddie's Cycles
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.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Pieced together till I can afford a Liquid 20.
Bottom Line:
These pedals are my new best friend, besides my puppy dog.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Wolcott, CT Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
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)
Similar Products Used:
S-works. Bontrager Re-1.
Bike Setup:
'02 Enduro Pro with most S-Brand stock parts upgraded.
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"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell Ruggiero
a Weekend Warrior
from West Windsor, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
R&D
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jay's Cycle
Strengths:
Build Quality
Weaknesses:
Break-In Period
Similar Products Used:
M515 and RE-1
Bike Setup:
STP 200
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prc
a Weekend Warrior
from Batalha Portugal Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Can't really remember any
Weaknesses:
Just about everything
Similar Products Used:
shimano 747, time atac, ritchey
Bike Setup:
custom seven sola
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Racer
from SD, CA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
weight
Weaknesses:
all the negatives you have read about below... they are TRUE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
SPD 757
Bike Setup:
bike... what bike?
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Olden
a Cross Country Rider
from RSM, Ca Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sycamore Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light, easy to get out of.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Almost all Shimano's
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz S/L full sus.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Grand Junction, CO Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oh so many to choose from
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$88.00
Purchased At:
from some dude
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
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 525, 535, Time ATAC's
Bike Setup:
Who cares, its the pedals we're talking about.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Strengths:
You should buy the 858's if you want to be forever attached to your bike
Weaknesses:
Unpredictable clip-outs
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747
Bike Setup:
Kona Ti King Kahuna, Rock Shock SID, XTR groupo, Thompson stem and post, Chris King headset, raceface bars, Terry Butterfly seat
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!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Clearwater Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
reliable, decent in mud, predictable release
Weaknesses:
a little on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
515s
Bottom Line:
I'm not sure what all the bad reviews are about but I've never had a problem with these. I've got 2 pairs, one on my trail bike and the other on my "trainer" bike. They have been reliable for the past year, but I may switch to egg-beaters because of the weight and simplicity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Tittle
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Seems to shed the mud as claimed
Weaknesses:
Why a different cleat?
Bottom Line:
I guess I got the only pair worth a $h!t. I screwed the adjusters in all the way and backed them out to a relatively easy setting when I bought them. Haven't had a single problem. Guess I got lucky.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Bergmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ 85710 Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
50 Year Tr.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Friend (some friend)
Strengths:
Easy to get into. Typical Shimano put your foot down and click.
Weaknesses:
Very difficult to get out of. I haven't fallen this much since I used Onzas.
Similar Products Used:
Onza, Shimano 747, Specialized
Bike Setup:
'02 Specialized FSR S-Works
Bottom Line:
I got a good deal on the pedals (so I thought) at $20.00, but have gone down more the two days I used them than I have in a years worth of riding. Stupid falls that shouldn't have happened. These falls completely destroyed my confidence, and stopped me from climbing sections that I normally wouldn't think twice about. After riding the Specialized pedals, I loved how easy it was to click into, but I was not surprised to read the reviews from other riders and find similiar experiences. I wouldn't recommend these pedals to anyone. I am surprised that Shimano would sell something like this. Especially at the price they are selling them for. I wouldn't give them away. Bring on the Egg Beaters!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Cross Country Rider
from tokyo, japan Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
bike shop in socal
Strengths:
strong engagement, good looks
Weaknesses:
hard to release at times
Similar Products Used:
first clipless i`ve used
Bike Setup:
old fat city cycles YoEddy set-up for city commute/messenger riding
Bottom Line:
i read a bunch of the negative reviews here, and i have to concer that i have had some crashes and ended up with one foot still connected tot he bike (usually the left). but for the most part i have been happy with them. i am doing nearly all city riding, so i can usually anticipate when i need to get out of them, but sopmetimes when i get squeezed by cars i have had a few problems with the release. however, since messing with the adjustment, and riding them for about 3-4 months they loosened up a bit and i got used to them (or both). i am intrigued by the crank bros pedals but the lack of platform kinda sucks cuz i somtimes make short runs to the grocery store in my sneakers. overall, i am satisfied with the pedals though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NM
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$146.00
Strengths:
Work until they don't, oops!
Weaknesses:
My dad tore his ACL, they don't release when they need to (fall).
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer X
Bottom Line:
For God's sake don't use these unless you like hospitals! My dad fell and the pedals did not release. He tore his ACL and has been out for 6-mo+. Shimano knows (since this summer) about this problem and has quietly told shops to return as many as they can, but for fear of an expensive re-call, not to mention bad PR, have not told anyone. If you own them return them today! If you are consitering them, pass! negative 20 Flamin' Chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Flume
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
bikeworld
Strengths:
They look cool I guess. Thats all.
Weaknesses:
Can you say "DEATH GRIP" These things are extremely dangerous. I don't know how many times I went rolling down hills still attached to my bike. The pedals get really torn up from from trying to get out of them!
Similar Products Used:
bontrager RE-1's,shimano 747's and the all mighty egg beaters!
Bike Setup:
2001 GF Sugar one, tricked to the max!
Bottom Line:
I can't believe I wasted 80 bucks on these POS's. Worst 80 bucks I've ever spent. If you've used them, you understand my pain. I don't know why shimano didn't recall these pedals. I want my money back shimano! I now own egg beaters and they are pure heaven! Thank you Crank bro's!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCOOTER
a Cross Country Rider
from SALT LAKE CITY Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
TODAYS
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
ENTRY-LOOKS
Weaknesses:
ABSOLUTLEY WILL NOT LET GO!!!
Similar Products Used:
SHIMANO 747- RITCHEY- WELLGO
Bike Setup:
INTENSE TRACER-XT/XTR MIX-MARZOCCI ATOM 100-MAVIC 517
Bottom Line:
TO ALL OF YOU WHO LIKE THESE PEDALS, I'M HAPPY FOR YOU. FOR THOSE WHO BOUGHT THESE PIECES OF S- - T, I SHARE YOUR PAIN. SHIMANO REDESIGNED THESE AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR AND EVERYONE IS BLOWING THEM OUT FOR 69.99 NOW. WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU? THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR I GO TO MOAB OR ST. GEORGE EVERY WEEKEND TO START GETTING BACK IN FORM AFTER 2 MONTHS OF SPINNING CLASSES ETC. I TOOK MY NEW TRACER WITH ITS PITBULL LOCK-JAW PEDALS WITH ME TO FIND THAT I COULD ONLY UNCLIP WHEN IT DIDN'T MATTER. I CAME HOME, READ SOME REVIEWS POSTED HERE AND TRIED SOME OF THE REMEDIES POSTED BELOW. THEY SEEMED MARGINALLY BETTER SO I HEADED BACK TO MOAB THIS WEEKEND TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER TRY. SAME PROBLEMS. HOW MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS SHOULD I PUT MYSELF IN TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO BREAK IN? ALL THE OTHER PEDALS I HAVE OWNED NEVER NEEDED "BREAK-IN". ANYONE SELLING THESE SHAME ON YOU. I AM NOT A NEWCOMER TO MOUNTAIN BIKES NOR A WHINER. (ANYONE WHO CALLS THOSE OF US HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THESE PEDALS WHINERS, JUST E-MAIL ME AND WE'LL HOOK UP AND GO FOR A RIDE AND LET'S SEE WHO THE RACER BOY SISSIES ARE.) I'M A REAL WORLD TRAILRIDER, NOT A RACER, NOT A FREE-RIDER OR DOWNHILLER, AND I'M TELLING YOU, THESE ARE DANGEROUS! IN FRUSTRATION I STOPPED IN POISON SPIDER BIKE SHOP IN MOAB AND BOUGHT SOME TIME CARBONS. KUDOS TO SCOTT AND THE CREW THERE. SHIMANO HAS LOST MY PEDAL BUSINESS. I WORK AT A FOUNDRY AND THESE 858'S ARE GOING INTO THE FURNACE TO BE MELTED DOWN TOMORROW. THERE, I'VE JUST SAVED A LIFE..... GOOD KARMA COME TO ME.........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Doktor
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Freewheeling
Strengths:
I will get back to you.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent release body of pedal wearing out
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 737
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB, XTR, yadda yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
I dumped my 737s for these? Inconsistent release, lubing complicates adjustment, ect. ect. In 11 years of mtb this is the worst part I have ever purchased. Don't consider these pedals, get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David K
a Cross Country Rider
from Monrovia Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Mt. Airy Bicycles
Strengths:
Sheds mud, easy entry, releases when needed
Weaknesses:
Releases too easily when pushing forward and lifting. Tightening makes them difficult to unclip.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll
Bottom Line:
Good intermediate pedal, but the release problem made me put it aside. If you're pushing forward on the pedals, the heal comes unclipped too easily. This happens to me in rock gardens when I slip unexpectedly, or attacking a hill while spinning. The 959s that I replaced them with work great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anton
a Racer
from Oldenzaal Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Stock on bike
Strengths:
-First 3 months good unclipping (even in muddy conditions) -Looks
Weaknesses:
They wear out very quickly
Similar Products Used:
shimano 515, coda 500
Bike Setup:
Be-one Team XC
Bottom Line:
Good product but it wears out too quickly (3000 km) unclipping at muddy conditions are very bad when worn
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Eunson
a Racer
from North Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Good weight, consistent entry and release in all conditions when new.
Weaknesses:
The pedal body wears out quickly where the shoe (Shimano 220) contacts it. Then it gets tippy and the cleat can jam. And fresh cleats were even worse.
Similar Products Used:
737,525,747,Time ATAC
Bottom Line:
Not a good investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony (tonman) R.
a Racer
from Three Rivers,CA Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Case Mtn. BLM,"TheCreek Trail"
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Easy to engage. Shimano quality.
Weaknesses:
In technical, rocky, muddy, life-threateningly steep sections they are too hard to get out of quickly and are way too dangerous to consider. 0.0 of 5 .
Submitted by
Rich
a Racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
City Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Jenson.com
Strengths:
Good value with Shimano quality and durability.
Weaknesses:
As others have mentioned these pedals don't release easily when new, but there is an easy fix. Loosen the spring tension as much as possible and then leave your shoes attached to the pedals overnight. Do this after every ride for a couple days and you'll find that the springs aren't as tight. Don't buy these pedals if you want superlight pedals or if you frequently ride/race in mud.
Similar Products Used:
I'm ready to try Shimano's new 959s and Crank Bros Egg Beaters. Time Atac are still the industry standard.
Bottom Line:
There are alot of whiners writing reviews about these pedals. They need to go back to using platform pedals with toe cages and straps so they don't hurt themselves. These pedals aren't great but are solid performers for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$62.00
Strengths:
Easy, tight engagement between the pedal and shoe; relatively light.
Weaknesses:
Getting out of the pedal.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747s -- far superior; frogs.
Bike Setup:
Seven Sola; XTR; any pedal but the 858s!!
Bottom Line:
These pedals make riding on a flat, paved bike path to be a high adrenelin, potentially lethal experience. I rode them at Fruita on the Mary's/Lions Loop and Frontside trails. After riding for 30 minutes, the pedals put a death grip on my shoes that were almost impossible to escape. By the end of the ride, I only stopped at locations where a soft landing was possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maximus
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks, finish, weight
Weaknesses:
Do not release when used in gritty conditions - potentially lethal!!!
Similar Products Used:
SPD 545 , 525, 747 (x 2)
Bottom Line:
Background: I've used SPD's for 8 years. This is my 5th set. I used the cleat that came with the pedal. I am an expert level XC racer.
Shimano 858 pedal: Feels fine in dry conditions. Ok in standard mud. Used for first time in UKs Peak District yesterday. Sandstone grit everywhere. Pedals would not release when required on technical bail outs. Others in party (747, time, 525) all fine. I'm taking these pedals off my bike tonight - any takers?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
relatively light, engagement, price
Weaknesses:
wish it was lighter
Similar Products Used:
525, 747
Bike Setup:
on a xtr crank and diadora chili shoes
Bottom Line:
These are one of the best pedals on the market. They are XTR grade and if your not an XTR (x-country racer) type rider get different pedals. I had some problems getting them to dissengage after 3 months but some pedros x-tra dry to the pivots took them back to better than factory performance. Only been in the mud once and they performed fine, ride 95% of the time in the desert. I don't see any reason someone can't make a 250g pedal, come on its nearly 2002...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Edmonds Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Positive engagement, great mud shedding
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
747, wellgo, Time Atac
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi
Bottom Line:
These pedal are great! Riding in the Great Pacific Northwest you gotta ride in mud. While Shimanos 747 pedals work beautifully they don't shed mud worth a darn.
As you can tell from the price I paid, I got the 858's as soon as they became available. At the time most of the mountain bike mags were already bad mouthing them as being not as good as the 747's. Before riding the 858's I backed the adjuster all the way off and then added three clicks. Haven't changed them since.
I have never had any problems with these pedals. I find the pedal/cleat engagement more positive than any pedal I've had. They have never failed to release, and I ride the crap out of these things in all weather conditions.
I went to Moab last spring with a guy who had just bought a new bike that came with Time Atac pedals. The first time out on slick rock he fell over clicked in every time we came to a stop. When we got back to town he bought some 858's and never had a problem the rest of the week. Yesterday I ordered another pair of 858's so I would have a pair on each bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod
a Weekend Warrior
from Redondo Beach Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Solid clip in feel, light
Weaknesses:
Can't get out of them. Very dangerous.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 646
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown, XTR
Bottom Line:
Don't by them - unclipping is uncertain at best. They seem to work better after loosening tension all the way and applying a layer of grease on the front and back ends of the cleats. However, this solution came way too late after I crashed 3 times. I am a former road racer and have used many clipless pedals (the old Look, Mavic and Time for road - never had a problem releasing). These are truly dangerous and unpredictable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E Hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Leominster State Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Solid construction, quality bearings/seals, positive clip-in and clip-out.
Weaknesses:
None observed.
Similar Products Used:
CODA clipless (came stock on bike), various other incarnations of Look/Shimano road pedals.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale 2001 F700. Stock except for Thudbuster and Flite Ti seat.
Bottom Line:
I'm confused by other folks' ratings of this product. I've put on about 200 miles (solid offroad/CC) with this pedal, and I have had no problems. Its a *huge* upgrade from the CODA system, which had many problems. In contrast, I have not had to readjust the tension on the 858 since initial setup. It has a very positive clip-in, and I haven't had any problem clipping out.
I am a longtime clipless pedal rider, so maybe I am just used to the effort and "planning" involved with knowing when you're going to need to unclip. Sure I have fallen as well with my feet clipped in, but these are generally in situations where I fell first, and then unclipped during the fall (i.e., I did not fall _because_ of the pedals, as other people are absurdly claiming then did!)
Basically I think this is a very solid pedal. Good construction, small and light. I have not tried the 747's or other recent Shimano MTB clipless pedals, but I am pleased with the performance and price on this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a
from SF Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
It took Shimano some time - like a year - to work out the kinks both in quality control and cleat design for this pedal. Refer to one of the last issues of Mountain Bike Magazine where the point out the differences between the "old" 858 SH52 cleat and the new SH52 cleat, which disengages easier. It has to do with the nub on the older cleats. I noticed that some of the prior reviews are on pedals purchased from the deep discounters like Price Point, etc. I'm thinking this is old stock that suffers from the problems of a new product. I just bought a pair from new stock at Colorado Cyclist that have the new cleat and the pedals work fine. Not as good as my old 747s, but hey...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pokey
a Racer
from Richmond Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pokeyhantas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Strengths:
Takes a lickin'. This is a follow up to the previous verbage I posted when I dissed the 858s...
Weaknesses:
BReak in time...
Bike Setup:
TREK FUEL
Bottom Line:
Ok.. here goes... I read one of the posts below and tried everything short of firing up the blow-torch. You have to tighten the screws/settings as tight as you can. Squirt some chain lube on the springs just for fun. I realize that doesn't do anything to spring tension except keeps the metal from grinding when wound tight. Let it sit idly for a day. Loosen to the lowest setting ( before the screw falls out... BAH!! This happened to me and I went looking all over my garage floor with a magnet... the good news is that I found a screw in my car tire before it went flat.) Now clip in and... VAWALLLLLAH!!! I can almost slide out of them now... Wheeeeee!!!
BEWARE!!! Nothing I could find in that small elite fine print in the owner's manual said anything about this problem, but you may reward me by sending lots of cash to the Victims of the WTC attack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, CA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tractor Trail - Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Strengths:
Light weight... that's about it.
Weaknesses:
Shimano seems to have very poor quality control with this product or maybe just poor design. Very hard to release from *some* pedals to the point they are dangerous....
Similar Products Used:
As a road racer I've used Shimano/Look dura-ace and Time clipless road pedals as well as shimano SPD pedals on my old mtb for the last 6 years
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB, XTR Group, Mavic 517 wheels on Chris King hubs and some junk pedals!
Bottom Line:
I got the 858 pedals on my new bike since I was going for light weight with a cross country riding set up. I went with the supposed "top of the line" pedal, after all it was going on a Moots..... After three months the jury is in... I have the pedals have to be set to the loosest tension setting and am using the new cleats that came with the pedals. The right pedal works fine, however the left pedal is a death trap. In any situaltion, yank out, yank up, yank in, etc. You just can't get off the pedal...period. I feel like I'm going to tear my shoe off and tweak my knee with the force needed to get out of the pedal. I've been riding Time road pedals for years and they can be tough to get out of, but the 858 give an all new meaning to becoming one with your bike. This is down right dangerous is an emergency situation. I am very surprised that Shimano hasn't done something about these things other then offer them at super cheap blow out prices in all the mail order catalogs and on-line retailers. I read all the other reviews and can see I am not alone in my opinion. Shimano should recall the 858 pedals or at least figure out the deficiency and publish a fix and give out replacement parts to upgrade the existing pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pokey
a Racer
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Col. Cyclist.com.
Strengths:
*Easy to clip in... like the Hotel California: You can check in anytime you like, but you can never leave. *Lightweight materials, especially the parts that are supposed to work. *The name Shimano - Unfortunately the name lives on longer than the quality.
Weaknesses:
Oh, let me count the ways... How many times can a person say "OUCH, this piece of crap...!!"
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel- the best frame ever made for MTB
Bottom Line:
*Ummm. can you say LAWSUIT? Seriously, if Shi*mano doesn't recall this bucket of scrapheap, somebody is going to get killed. Now, if you take 20-60 foot drops and you want to be absolutely sure your feet stay clipped in, even though your seatpost is where your Adam's apple once was when you land...this is the pair of pedals for you...unless you have already lost a leg on one of your many falls on these pedals... then you only need one pedal... *The price is good if you don't ever actually want to ride your bike...compared to the deductible of your insurance you will have to bill out. *Finally, this is a good value if you want to reach God in a hurry, speed up the aging process for fear that you may never live to ride again on your next descent, or feel an obligation to donate organs with your eventual demise of trying to unclip at a stop light with oncoming traffic... Yes, I know all of you Zen thinkers feel a closeness with your idea of Nirvana when you trail through woods, but these pedals will get you closer to God in prayer than any lotus position... I heard this guy who tried my bike out the other day say, as he was going downhill..."Oh, GOD, what's happening? My foot... Oh, God!!! Don't let me die!! OUCH!! THis piece of crap!!!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirt
a Cross Country Rider
from Surfa Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Singletrail forever !
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
bike-palace
Strengths:
Light, quick lock-in, good bearings
Weaknesses:
release mechansim
Similar Products Used:
Shimano's 747 clipless
Bike Setup:
'99 Zaskar LE Team, XTR, Easton, SID, Conti Explorer
Bottom Line:
Somehow strange for a Shimano Top-of-the-line product (I love XTR stuff!), but I also have to say that these do not meet my expectations. Especially when you have to get out fast in technical sections they sometimes do not release and that's really unpleasant in those situations. On the other hand they sometimes release, when I am lifting the bike from the ground for a jump and that's even worse. I did not experience such trouble with my good old 747s which worked really perfect for almost 5 years and which I only replaced cause I bought a new bike and the old pedals did not fit the style of the bike. I used the cleats that came with the pedals. I even bought new ones, taking care to puchase the right ones, but that did not change anything. The problem is, that they sometimes do not release very good when yu just turn your foot to the outside (like when you are in a hurry and want to get out fast !) but do release when you turn you foot outwards and pull up in the same time. But what's the alternative? The Shimano 545 is too heavy and I don't like the Time stuff (plain ugly, too much play, bad release) or other bulls#it. I hope the new top-of-the-line clipless for 2002 will be better...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin F
a
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Atlanta Cycling
Strengths:
Outstanding for climbing hills. Could be the next best thing to winning the lottery (i.e., law suit)
Weaknesses:
They will break you
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed 3.0, Shimano 858
Bottom Line:
Awesome pedals for the fearless, Iwannadie, cyclist. With the 858's, you literally wear the bike. I regularly fall in benign situations because I can't unclip. I have gashes in my legs (that match the chain wheel teeth), bruises all over, and scabs to boot. I have to prepare in advance to get out, and even that is difficult. The only positive experience I've had is climbing hills. But I don't trust the safety of the pedals to take them on a challenging ride. They are dangerous, and I recommend you do not use them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Duke's
Strengths:
They work flawlessly
Weaknesses:
Others here don't seem to care for them
Similar Products Used:
SPD 737s, SPD 747s
Bike Setup:
Bike has these pedals
Bottom Line:
Don't know what everyone's complaining about, they're a bit pricey, but work perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Abbott
a Cross Country Rider
from Sun Valley CA., USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Easy to click in.
Weaknesses:
With the right cleat, cannot get out of pedal very easy.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747, Speedplay Frog
Bike Setup:
2000 Ellsworth Dare. Freeride setup.
Bottom Line:
I was going to throw these pedals in the trash, when I decided to try something. So I took one of those small torches that you can get at a hardware store, and put the pedal in a vice. With a screwdriver I opened the jaws and heated the springs up, about a minute or so. Did both sides. Guess what? They now work perfect. Even had to adjust the tension a little. What was Shimano thinking?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Chung
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Trailblazer
Strengths:
Easy to get into and out of as long as the NEW shimano cleats are used. Dual sided engagement.
Weaknesses:
Takes a few rides to break in. The die-cast aluminum body scratches very easily.
Bike Setup:
cromo frame,LX groupo,mavicX517 wheels
Bottom Line:
Not a bad set of pedals, has just the right amount of float for me and very easy NO LOOK entry ( very positive tactile feedback ) and disengage. When I fall, and we all do, both my feet releases automatically. Now for the bad. Took a couple of spills, my fault. When I got home I noticed that the side of my left pedal was gouged. If I bought this new I would have been P***ed with the quality of the metal that Shimano uses. Overall good but not great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Work well, easy release and entry (with the correct cleat),price.
Weaknesses:
Scratch easily,
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
Great pedals. I bought them then read the reviews and was concerned since they were my first clipless, however they have worked flawlessly with easy entry and release. They don't work with the standard Shimano cleat, my wife tried them out and her shoes have the standard cleat and she could not release, could this be the problem that many people have experienced?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KGB
a
from CA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Shimano name
Weaknesses:
releasing
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey's, spec'ed
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro sport
Bottom Line:
How anyone can give these pedals a good review is beyond me. Perhaps it is my rididng style, as another reviewer noted you cannot pull-up and twist to release, but since putting these pedals on my bike my body has taken a beating. I have fallen over on tight uphill singletrack too many times. I keep waiting for them to "break-in," but I can't keep giving up the body. I will return to my specialized off the shelf pedals which are better and they s*ck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dick Vizins
a Cross Country Rider
from Linkoping, Sweden Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$77.00
Purchased At:
cyclecomponents.com
Strengths:
Works just nicely.
Weaknesses:
Don't really know yet.
Similar Products Used:
747's, Ritchey clipless, Onza clipless (remember those?), 535's etc.
Bike Setup:
Irrelevant. Shimano SH-M220 shoes.
Bottom Line:
I post this just to balance the situation some. I read all the reviews just AFTER buying the pedals. Needless to say this made me a bit nervous. But after trying them I am pleased to say that entry/exit is VERY easy, no problems. The new cleat also works very well with the old 747's. I belive that big S have made some corrections to the design or manufacture of these pedals. Obviously some of the early ones were deficient. The problem appears to be solved. My ratings are not very relevant since I haven't really been riding very much yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Kracker
a Weekend Warrior
from Carmichael, Ca Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
These pedals are not only Crap they are dangerous. I tried these pedals as did 3 other friends. On the lightest setting I still had to puposely yank to get my foot out to release. We tried lube , shaving the shoes etc. I tried to return them to price point and they would not take them back. I think Shimano should step up and recall these NOW! I have been a tried and true Shimano fan for 20 years. I have never been disappointed till now. When they F__K up they really do it right. Thanks for the scabs! Oh and thanks Price point for not standing behind a customer with a safety issue.
Similar Products Used:
747 these Rock
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Element with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
If you like Scabbing, potential dental work, stitches and the like get these pedals. I have a pair I'll sell real cheap. On second thought, I wouldn't do that either, Karma.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael white
a Weekend Warrior
from austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Emma Long / City Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
bikesmart.com
Strengths:
Solid pedals. Quality I would expect from Shimano. Easily clip in and out. secure feeling while clipped in. Easy to ride difficult terrain while unclipped.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
richey clipless pedals that came stock on my bike
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper FS COMP - aluminum frame, Manitou Shocks, etc.
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews here after purchasing the pedals. I felt good about them because I have used various Shimano products and believe they are high quality. I did wonder if they would be easy to unclip in a hurry, since many reviewers were indicating this was a problem, at least at first. I installed them yesterday and went riding on a good technical trail to see for myself. Absolutely no problems! I love them - straight out of the box with no adjustments. You just have to know how to ride clipless. I don't think they would be a problem for a convert to clipless pedals - just get used to them first before hitting a challenging trail. I used the new Shimano toe clips that came with the pedals. I did angle them slightly so that I would have to turn my foot less for them to release. Overall, I think they are great and would recommend them to anyone wanting to ride clipless. I got a good deal on them as well - it pays to shop around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Solid all around pedal!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 515, Onza P.O.S
Bike Setup:
99 Tassajara, 2001 SID XC
Bottom Line:
I really don't know what all the complaining about, these pedals hold your foot rock solid! What more do you want? All my previous pedals had an uncomfortable amount of play, which makes for nervous descents. The secret to an easy release is a simple twist to the side, trying to pull up just locks the cleat tougher, which allows really strong up stroke pedalling power, but isn't too good for getting out.
All in all, a great pedal for the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Holmes
a Cross Country Rider
from Easy Yorkshire UK Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Collorado Trail Breckenridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
www.kenellerkercycles.co.uk
Strengths:
I find these pedals easy to get in and out of, no problems at all. Light weight as well. Good mud shedding capabilities.
Weaknesses:
In improving the mud shedding shimano have increased the space where the front of your cleat clips into the pedal. In doing so yes they've improved on the mud shedding but now this area can become a haven for small twigs, bark etc making the pedal almost impossible to clip into unless you stop and clean it out - not good when your racing!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD4 XT/XTR Race face seat post, Next LP cranks, Magura Louise Disks.
Bottom Line:
Overall these pedals seem okay. Don't sell your 747's to buy them but when your existing pedals wear out I think their worth buying. I would like to try some Time's to see how they compare as looking at their system I don't think they'll suffer with the twigs and bark clogging the pedals as happens with the 858's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
weight
Weaknesses:
Everything else
Similar Products Used:
Time atac, Ritchey SPD
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer, XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
I had to practically rip my shoe off to get it off these pedals. how can they even be selling them? I ould think the liability with a piece of cra@ like this would deter them from selling them. I actually had to take my shoe off to get out of these. If your a weight weenie AND a masochist have I got a pedal for you. If you actually want to survive your next ride look somewhere else for pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jojo
a
from Georgia Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$79.00
Strengths:
lite weight is the ONLY stength
Weaknesses:
very hard to clip in and out of, does not "shed" mud well either
Bike Setup:
2000 Jamis Dakar Comp
Bottom Line:
Do not buy! these pedals are deadly. I have had them for 9 months easiest tension setting, kept them cleaned and lubed, tried new cleats, tried different cleats, tried everything and they still were deadly. I have a very hard time clipping out of them. When I fall(this seems to happen alot) They never release! I am lucky I haven't broken an ankle cuz of this. Mud shedders? I don't think so, infact mud packs in them so well you can't even clip in never mind clip out. Bottom line.....try another pedal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K 9
a Weekend Warrior
from SLO, CA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
100
Strengths:
attractive design solid construction
Weaknesses:
engage/release mechanism (only the most important reason to buy a pedal)
Similar Products Used:
Time, Wellgo
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 XC
Bottom Line:
I concur with many of the other reviews in that this pedal is a total piece of s#@%. I have ridden clipless pedals for the last three years and have never fallen as a direct result of not being able to disengage (yes I know how to adjust the springs). Just one ride with these pedals has reacquainted me with sensations I haven't felt since playing soccer as a child (without pads). The springs can be adjusted from tight to need-a-prybar-to-get-your-shoe-out. I shouldn't need calf muscles the size of cantaloupes to disengage. 'Nuff whining, think I'll go try to get my money back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Harris
a Cross Country Rider
from Weston,WV Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tea Creek Mtn. Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Very secure once clipped in. Light weight. Cool looks
Weaknesses:
Too secure once clipped in. Very dangerous. May not release when you need them to. Also, they can be very difficult to clip in when you need to.
Similar Products Used:
Older types of Shimano pedals.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Factory Stock 2001
Bottom Line:
This is my first review submitted because I feel so bad about these pedals. I raced at the 24 Hours of Snowshoe this past weekend and the course was extremely muddy. You had to walk the majority of the single track sections. When I could get on the bike to ride my pedals were so packed with mud that I had a very difficult time clipping in and then when I needed to pull a foot out to dab or dismount I was often unable to disengage. I had two major falls and both were caused by not being able to disengage when I needed to pull my right foot out to dab. The pedals are very dangerous and I would not recommend them to anyone. I also had a fall in totally dry conditions when I first started using them. Do yourself a favor and find another pedal. Shimano should recall these pedals and give their customers an improved product. I never had these problems with my other Shimano pedals which I still use on my other bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Cross Country Rider
from Glen Allen, VA, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
York River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
HDK Cycles
Strengths:
Reliable, low-maintenance, light
Weaknesses:
Price (at the time)
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500, RS Judy C, Rolf Urraco wheelset, Michelin Comp S, XT drivetrain, Thomson post and stem, 858s.
Bottom Line:
If I had to get a new set of pedals for any reason, I would pick up another set of 858s, especially at the price they are going for lately. I actually ended up breaking my elbow after a couple of rides because I couldn't disengage. I credit this more (okay, entirely) to my inexperience w/ clipless pedals than with the pedals. After breaking them in (pedals, not elbows) I have had nothing but good experiences with them. They do take a little while to break in, but what doesn't? They keep me locked in when I want to be and I click out when I want to. No problems in the mud. Overall great pedal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, England Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any that lead to a pub
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$112.00
Purchased At:
Primera
Strengths:
Despite what other people have said I have found these pedals to be even easier than 747's to disengage. They are very much easier to get into than any other SPD that I have ever used. The beauty of these pedals is that they never ever release unless you want them too and also they are much better than any normal pedal in the mud...could'nt get on with Time as they had too much float. They also never squeak like some others I could mention.
Weaknesses:
Not built any where near as well as the 747's...the bearings and seals suck...these pedals have much better mud clearance but quickly die if used in wet conditions and trust me in England in the winter it rains... These pedals use a larger cleat than the older pedals but are compatible with them, however you cannot use the older style cleats with the 858's. This can be a problem if you own more than one bike and loads of different shoes.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey...crap, Wellgo...even more crap...,Time...odd...
Bike Setup:
Specialized S Works hardtail, full XTR with Hope hubs and XC discs...
Bottom Line:
Work really well but build quality is poor. These things RUST...my 4 year old 747's look much newer apart from the severe scuffing on the sides...lock in is better but this is due in part to the different cleats which also adds to the expense when using more than 1 pair of shoes...in the UK the cleats are about $18 a pair...and I have 5 pairs of shoes. If you are used to riding with clipless pedals and want a definite action use these...if you are a novice avoid or you may hurt yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vaughn Joslyn
a Racer
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Quality craftsmanship, good bearings, stable platform.
Weaknesses:
Must be modified to allow proper release.
Similar Products Used:
Time ATAC, Ritchey, Speedplay
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD 4, all XTR w/Crossmax UST
Bottom Line:
*** FIX FOR POOR RELEASE *** This will turn your $100 paper weights into the best pedals you have ever had.
OK, having broke my foot this last winter, I have been searching for a pedal that would release easier for my right foot due to its poor mobility.
Had been using Ritchey but they are a poor durability pedal and hard to engage. Tried a Time ATAC with shaved cleats and they worked great except I couldn't get the rotation for dissengagement I needed. Tried the Speedplay and again couldn't get the rotation for dissengagement as well as inconsistant engagements.
Finally, tried the Shimano 858. They were a deathtrap when it came to dissengaging. The key to getting out was to rotate your heal out and parrallel to the ground. Any upward twisting would not allow release. However, most people use a combination of out and up twist to dissengage, especially in an emergency release. This pedal was the worse I encountered for release and one of the best for engagement.
Being an engineer I figured there must be some modification that will make them release better. After some grinding here and there I finally found the solution. The back half of the supplied cleat is basically a square shape and beveled. The fix is to grind the square edges down to produce a rounded shape and then bevel it to match the old bevel. The pedal entry is made even easier and the release will now allow an out and upward exit without the hangup it had.
To even sweeten the release further you can file the front jaw's edge of the pedal to produce a more rounded edge. A little hard to explain.
By doing this modification it makes this pedal go from one flaming pile to four flaming piles. I knock it down to four because I shouldn't have to do the engineering for Shimano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elvis Karate
a Cross Country Rider
from SW Mich Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
L B S
Weaknesses:
Quality control seems lax.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, Time, Speedplay, 757, Clipmans.
Bike Setup:
Pretty Sweet (Sidi shoes)
Bottom Line:
I rode these pedals in dry conditions and liked the feel except I couldn't unclip from left side very well. I tweaked the cleats and pedals and no improvement. I bought new cleats and no improvment. I have the pedals on the easiest release. I have noticed that on each pedal one side will be easier to release than the other, despite exact settings. Riding is a concern with the left pedal. I raced this weekend in a 24 hour event. Total rain and mud. The pedals clogged bad and when I clipped in I feel over alot not being able to clip out. I hate having to think about my pedals. Everybody on my team switched to Times. The pedals feel good riding but don't release well. The right pedal is acceptable but the left sucks. Maybe they don't work well with Sidis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TS
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Corte De Madera
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Velo Sports
Strengths:
This is my first clipless pedal. Once I set the tension to the minimum, I can consistenly release/exit fairly easily.
Weaknesses:
My 858 weighs more than 390 gram instead of 372 gram as Shimano claims.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Dean TI frame, Dean TI bar, Dean Ti Seatpost, XTR groupo
Bottom Line:
I think this is a reliable and durable pedal and I expect to enjoy it for a long time. It looks undestructible. Though I have my share of getting stuck when climbing some really steep slope and can't get my feet out, I don't think it's the problem of emergency exit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonds, WA Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Very positive cleat engagement. Clears mud easily. Trouble-free release.
Weaknesses:
Mountain Bike Magazine Editors hate them.
Similar Products Used:
747,Time,515,Welgo, Nashbar
Bottom Line:
Best mountain pedal from Shimano ever. I've been riding them when not only couldn't you get them at a discount, you couldn't get them. I had thought the 747 pedal was the top of the clipless foodchain, but these puppies are an order of magnitude better! They shed mud great, a must-have in the Great Northwest. I was recently riding with a guy who had just bought a Giant NRS equiped with Times. The only way he could disengage was to fall over. Times offer no tension release. Afetr the ride we stopped at the first shop for a pair of Shimanos. I have total confidense in this pedal, even though the MB rags dump all over them periodically (get it). If you want a pedal that you can trust, buy this one. If you're new to clipless, read the directions CAREFULLY. At todays prices the 858 is a steal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, CT Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$78.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Easy to get in/out, great visual tension adjustment, sheds mud like there's no tomorrow.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
first set clipless pedals
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse MT400 (old school hardtail)judy xc, xt v-brakes, deore levers, stx rc rear, body geo seat.
Bottom Line:
If you can find em cheap, and there's plenty o places to look, buy em! My buddy bought the Time pedals that are supposed to gods gift and he's still fumblin with em! Ride on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
-easy clip in -lightish (for Shimano) -can be had cheap
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
747's
Bike Setup:
Brodie Sovereign
Bottom Line:
For experienced SPD users, these are the way to go (unless you want to spend huge $$ for Speedplay or Time) I paid $69 for mine and they work very well. My 747's never felt completely safe - sometimes my foot popped out midair. The 858's bind you very tightly, but this is only a problem for those unfamiliar with clipless. Check out Pricepoint or Jenson and pick up a pair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Barnard
a Cross Country Rider
from Newton Abbot, Devon,UK Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Mud Dock
Strengths:
Light, looks good when new, positive action.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
737's,545's,636's
Bike Setup:
for riding
Bottom Line:
Excellent reliable pedals, best performance from an SPD in 7 years. Clear mud better than all the above. Not too big (Times) Best pedal I have used. Use the right cleat for best performance. If your have a light bike, this is the SPD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Frostick
a Weekend Warrior
from Owosso, MI USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
House of Wheels, Owosso
Strengths:
Bombproof
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None, first go round with clipless
Bike Setup:
Giant Sedonna SE; Specialized Allez A1
Bottom Line:
I buy products to make my riding more enjoyable, it seems everything I buy is getting badly dissed by reviewers regularly. Sorry, I just don't get it, with all the complaining, why do these people ride? It seems it makes them miserable to have to get on a bike and use a bunch of junk equipment. I have no complaints with 858's as my first ever clipless pedals, using Answer shoes with the cleats supplied with the pedals, without grinding or trimming anything.
I BOUGHT A SET FOR MY ROAD BIKE I LIKE THEM SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a
from juneau, Alaska Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light and simple
Weaknesses:
sticky and difficult to dissengage at first
Similar Products Used:
other shimano spd pedals
Bike Setup:
airborne zepplin road bike, ultegra components
Bottom Line:
these pedals seem dangerous and difficult to dissengage for the first ride or two. try and get past that and you'll be rewarded with a pedal that is light, simple, and trouble-free. they take a few rides to break in, i guess. adjust the tension back to the easiest engagement and go ride somewhere easy for a while. ride on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fells
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Light, tough, and they work great.
Weaknesses:
None...well sometimes they click a little when really cranking.
Similar Products Used:
545
Bike Setup:
Hardtail
Bottom Line:
I went from the 545 Shimanos which I loved and beat for thousands of miles to the 858 about 6 months ago. Like any pedal I adjusted the tension on the first ride or so and never missed a beat. They clip in and out great, as did my 545s, and are better in snow and have less unintended releases than the 545s too. I a price match from some random add in one of the bike mags from pricepoint and only paid about $50. Do the same and get a great pedal that will shed some grams of your ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brent wiruth
a
from tulsa, ok Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
break in time
Similar Products Used:
onza, 747
Bike Setup:
cannondale, xtr, 9.0sl, avid
Bottom Line:
after long break in time they work prety good. i had the same problem everyone else has had with getting out the only problem i have with them now is the cleat is wearing the pedle body badly. i don't know how much longer they will last at this rate. they don't work as good as my old 747's. should have bought another pair of 747's. if it aint broke don't fix it!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin County, CA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
B-17
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
www.universalcycles.com
Strengths:
Easy, precise clip-in. Sealed bearings. Durable. Predictable clip-out (once broken in). Light. $70 at universalcycles this month.
Weaknesses:
Price (when they first came out). Not 100% SPD compatible.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano PD-545.
Bike Setup:
Aeon Isis L frameset, XTR brakes & hubs, XT BB, crankset & front derailleur, Mavic 517 wheels, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 tires, Raceface 1" riser bar & RealSeal headset, Thomson post and stem, '01 SID 100 fork, Stratos AR-1 shock, SRAM 9.0 shifters & rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:
These pedals have worked very well for me. Initially, clip-out was difficult. I lightened the tension to the minimum when breaking in, only had a couple of anxious moments. The clip-in is solid and precise, and clip-out is now very consistent. The SPD compatibility issue is debatable; the pedal does come with the proper cleats. I've been able to use other's SPD pedals with the 858 cleats and vice versa, although those combinations are not optimal. The pedals are able to take quite a beating- I've slammed them hard against rocks, immersed them in sandy mud, and so far the only maintenance has been water spray and White Lightning. They will pack up with mud, but a quick spin before re-engagement will allow clip-in; with my 545s I had to squirt water on them to get 'em to clear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shahim
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No unexpected clipouts strength light quality control mud shedding
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Time ATACs
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bottom Line:
These are great pedals. I paid a bit more but I think I got my money's worth. I don't know what is wrong with the rest of the pedals but I can clip in and out easily. I've used clipless pedals for more than a year and a half and never had a problem with any of them. I guess it takes practice and discipline to learn how to work them. Like many mechanical things, they require a break in period. I give the 858s 5 flaming taquitos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aVF
a
from Houston Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
-Lightweight -construction -looks
Weaknesses:
-VERY DIFFICULT to clip out
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager RE-1, Shimano 646
Bike Setup:
00 Klein Mantra with assorted goodies
Bottom Line:
They are a steal at $69 for a "top of the line" Shimano pedal. To get things straight, I have mucho experience with clipless pedals. I installed the pedals and clipped in while stationary-one shoe at a time to see how much tension it took to clip out. Before hand, I adjusted it to the lightest release tension. The pedals would not let go of my shoe. I twisted heels out to try to release it, per instructions. About 2 minutes later and a sore ankle, I gave it one hard twist and it released. I tried the other foot and same thing. I tried breaking them in about 30 times each but still the same. My ankles are sore as hell now. They do however release easier if you twist your heels in. That I can't do. I'm used to twisting out. It's either my way or the highway. Maybe your other guys got lucky. I'm glad I didn't decide to ride without testing them first. I bet I would of busted my ass. I just added another set of pedals to my parts bin. Buyer beware!!!! Time ATAC, here I come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC, USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
These pedals are great. I hate coming out of my pedals when I don't want to. The 858's take care of this problem. They shed mud very well, and are pretty lightweight (371 g), although not as light as the Titan Carbon Time's (352g. The tension setting options are great. The tension indicator is also a nice feature. You can make these about as tight as you want. Everyone who says these are dangerous needs to learn how to ride clipless. If you want to come out of your pedals, check into a type called flats, they're even cheeper and maybe lighter weight. As for people who like high end products and know how to use them, these are for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the dump
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
MEC
Strengths:
Consistent Smooth entry and exit
Weaknesses:
Pricey 858 cleats are NOT SPD compatible. shame on Shimano special pedal tool required to repack. shame on Shimano
Similar Products Used:
Ritcheys, VP, Wellgos, Times,
Bike Setup:
who cares, it is a pedal review. My pedals are affixed to RF cranks
Bottom Line:
Best pedal I have used but is also the most expensive pedal I have used. Excellent mud clearance during very mucky local winter riding and very CONSISTENT entry and release after a short break-in period. The pedals came set up with tension in the 50% setting. This was too much to start and I backed it off to about 25-30% (there is a little indicator to tell you roughly where you are at). After about 3 or 4 rides I was back up to about 40-50% tension and have left it there. I can bunny-hop with NO accidental releases yet bail out as required. As far as a comparison, 858s are light years ahead of the Ritcheys in all respects and simply smoother than the Wellgos. The Times I just didn't like. 858-A good product, that with the OPTIONAL Shimano pedal tool, can easily be re-packed when the grit gets to be too much for them. Recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Thomson
a Cross Country Rider
from Gorinchem,Holland Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Druinen
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Mammoet,Den haag
Strengths:
build qaulity,looks,wheight
Weaknesses:
price,dodgy foot exit
Similar Products Used:
545's
Bike Setup:
Scott g-zero world cup custom,complete xtr,crossmax disc,hope xc4's,kore elite stem,raceface post,chris king headset,profile carbon bars& ends
Bottom Line:
Verry nice qaulity looking pedals. If you are new to spd's i would avoid these,these pedals are great in dry conditions, infact there is not mutch better, but when the mud appears things get very difficult, trying to release your foot can become extremely difficult and at time dangerous, when new the pedals are quite hard to use but through time the mechanism loosens up a bit. If you are a little more experienced in the use of spd's then you will learn to overcome the problem more easy, but for a beginner they can be really dangerous and i would strongly advise against them for anyone except the experienced
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Solid construction, sealed bearings, great engagement and relase, loud snap when your clicked in.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
TIME attacks, Bontrager re-1
Bike Setup:
Santa Crus SL, XTR, MARS Elite
Bottom Line:
I am an experienced rider who has riden many pedals over the years. After sanpping the binding mechanism on my Bontrager RE-1's (like many others have I might add - check out the reviews on those pedals:( I decided to give these a try because they are well and my buddies at the shop reported good mud clearance. I'm glad I did.
These are without a doubt the best pedals I have ridden. I love the solid and reassureing "click" when engaging the pedal, and to my surprise very easy exit. In regards to those who say that these pedals are difficult to engage and disengage, my experience has been just the opposite.
It seems that in EVERY pedal review, reviewers complain about not being able to disengage from their pedals. This would certinaly be expected during intial learning curve of using clipless pedals, however after that, I have not had any pedal hang my up, except the Bontragers that would disengage ACCIDENTALLY when riding (Most frightening). I don't know what others are experieceing by not being able to get out of these or other pedals.
If you want a bombproof pedal, reasonable weight, good float, solid and sure click in and easy exit, as well as good mud clearence - these are the ones to buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: January 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Quality construction - all parts look real solid (no tiny screws to rip out, like some brands), smooth-feeling bearings, no accidental releases
Weaknesses:
Cost, initial break-in
Similar Products Used:
747's, Ritchey's
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mt Blizzard hardtail
Bottom Line:
These pedals work great! They were a little tough to engage and disengage at first, but not too bad (maybe my size 12's give me a bit of extra leverage). They took about 3 rides to get fully broken in. Now they engage every time and release is consistent and predictable. They generally click-in with a nice solid-sounding "Thwack", but sometimes there's no real click, and I have to check that I'm really in them.
I experienced the same clicking sound on the downstroke (on one side only) that others have mentioned, and solved it as suggested, by grinding of the little tab at the back of the cleat. Save yourself some hassle and do this before you even mount them the first time! Or maybe Shimano could get with it and lose the little zit in the first place!
Performance on the trail is flawless- no squeaking or clicking (any more), just the right amount of float, and solid retention. They give a good solid platform for hammering.
Now if they were just about 40% cheaper...! Fortunately, I got mine at a great discount from a shop-owner friend!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derric Grady
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
ExcelSports
Strengths:
Positive locking; Lightwieght 371g Ease of cleaning
Weaknesses:
None this time
Similar Products Used:
Shimano M535
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lucky Strike
Bottom Line:
Wow What a difference a pedal can make. Just got back from a ride in 30 degree weather tonight and needed to get this written, to let fellow riders know that shimano M858's are the pedals to get. I stepped up from the M525 this year and have been using the M525 for 7 years, man what an itch that was to finally get scratched. Ladies and Gents these pedals are not for those that have weak ankles. By this I mean if you are have or have had problems getting out of your normal pedals then these are NOT your pedal of choice.
I however like the fact that when pulling (pulling up on the pedals)a hill at Hall Ranch or Winter Park that my equipment is not the cause of my fall, funny most times it is, but not anymore. I've replaced old for new cleats but some how as all things do they wear out. Poor design excess wear ect... you know the routine. I like my M525 but when i was shopping for replacements i wanted a more solid feel M858 give you this and not skimp on the material to manufacture a grweat pedal. I know there are better pedals out there but when Value vs cost it was a hands down vote. Look at it this way no RECOUNT need here.
Shimano just released these this year and i belive they are listening to the general public as to what we would like to see. Prior to the purchase or new shoes the pedals worked GREAT with the old (7yrs) shoes. But now the ride is like no other. Positive lock, Ease of enter, Comfortable feel when riding even at 30 degress. Shimano is like the Rockport of Shoes and pedals. My the wind always be at your back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Houghland
a Cross Country Rider
from Brighton Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch Golden, Co
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
ExcelSports
Strengths:
Very positive entry. Excellent verticle holding ability. You will not be pulling your foot out of this pedal.
Weaknesses:
They take a little getting use to if you are coming from a Shimano-clone that is worn out.
Similar Products Used:
Wellgos, Richies, other Shimanos
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lucky Strike XT
Bottom Line:
This is the pedal that you should look for after you have pulled your foot out of your old pedals for the umteenth time on a hard climb and found yourself stalled and/or on your butt after a fall. With other pedals, after the cleat and/or the pedal gets a little wear, you continually are tightening up the tension to compensate, usually starting at a tension setting more than half way through the available tesion to begin with. The last pedals that I was using, I had just replaced the cleats and had the tension on it's highest setting and would still find myself in situations that I would be pulling hard,(or in possibly a weird angle a little off center), and out came the foot. I wanted a pedal that held on as hard as I could as I pushed myself to the limit of my riding abilities. I am not bad-mouthing other peoples products or pedaling abilities, on the contrary, to each his own, I say. This pedal is rated 'XTR' for a reason. Besides being light, it is for riders that want a lot of HOLDING power. Shimano should make that more obvious in their advertisements of this product. There is no wiggle in the connection between my foot and this pedal. Great bearing rotation and good solid power transfer. This pedal is not a good choice if you have to put any mental effort into the direction that your foot should be moving to release from the bike. And I will not BS you into thinking that there isn't going to be times when you have just screwed the pooch and you have founnd yourself with your favorite 2-wheeler on top of you, laying on the ground with your feet still attached. Such is the price we pay for performance. I would not recommend this to be your first or second clipless pedal. The 747's,(and the like), are excellent pedals with a more forgiving release and holding characteristic. They both are similiarly priced. The list on this was $129.95, I got mine for $89.95, and I am a statisfied customer. It is easy to bash a product. I think the point of these reviews is to give other riders benefit on the mistakes that we have made by having bought products that haven't been what we were expecting. And for those who want the kind of performance everyone is describing. You out there that hate these pedals, there are plenty of people like me that are looking for something in a piece of equipment that you don't care for. Sell the junk you don't want and move on. If it is something like this product, you won't loose much money. Life is too short to spend much time worrying about the lessons that we have learned. But do yourself a favor, share the information to help the next guy. What comes around, goes around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Rogers
a
from Dallas,Tx. Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tyler State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Good mud shedding, positive clip-in, easy exit, nice float range.
Weaknesses:
None, price
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR, SID SL
Bottom Line:
Bontrager pedals came on my Trek 8500 and they had very little float and a small platform. I bought the new 858's and they looked and felt like excellent pieces although a bit pricey. I used a dremel tool to add some clearance to my Sidi shoes when I installed the new cleats. I hope the other riders that complained of difficult exit's will find this to help solve their problem. The amount of float helped my cranky knees as I tend to crash on occasion but exiting this pedal was never the culprit. Usually having my head up my ass does the trick. These pedals have actually kept me from crashing as you can exit inward as easily as outward.I keep mine clean and oiled as well. Some of these other complainers probably still have last summers mud on their bikes. Take care of your stuff and it'll take care of you. Clearance your shoes, keep em clean and lubed and you'll love em. Shop around. Don't pay more than $99.00. Overall I give them 5 flaming piles, but for value, 3 heaps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregory Brylski
a Cross Country Rider
from Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any road in Sarawak (they're all bad!)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Singapore
Strengths:
Strong, solid design. Appears to be reliable (which is why I bought them).
Weaknesses:
Clip out is really difficult. These are really dangerous pedals!
Similar Products Used:
Speedplay Frogs, Svelte Odyessy
Bike Setup:
Custom touring, Phil Wood BB and Hubs, Campy crank, seatpost and headset, XTR deraillers, Specialized seat and tires.
Bottom Line:
I used Specialized Rockhoppers with the cleats that came with the pedals. Disengaging from the pedals is really tough even at the lowest tension setting. Many falls ... Amazingly, it seemed to be easier to disengage by turning the heel inward rather than outward as specified by Shimano. I tried exchanging the cleats on the shoes - same thing. I thought it was just me that was having problems with this pedal but after reading other reviews, I don't feel so bad. Anyway, I figured my health was more important than using the 858's so I chucked them in my junk box and went back to my old Odyessys until I can find something better. My opinion is that Shimano should voluntarily remove this product from the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Goucher
a Cross Country Rider
from Florence, Al Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Laural Mtn. Ashville, NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Peddals Plus - Muscle Sholes, AL
Strengths:
Light, Easy Click In, Mud has little affect on them
Weaknesses:
Do not release!!!! DANGEROUS
Similar Products Used:
Spd 535 & 727
Bike Setup:
Diamondback v-link 3.1
Bottom Line:
I have scratches, bumps, strained wrest - elbow - neck and ego. These things will not release on a regular basis. I have the cleats that come with the pedals on my shoes and the pedals are on the lightest setting. I've been down at least ten times and they are going back to Shimano. I can not believe that Shimano put these pedals on the market. Thay are dangerous! Please don't spend your money and risk your health on this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Racer
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Uh...can't seem to think of any at the moment.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistant release!!! and Price
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra Race
Bottom Line:
I read the reviews and read all the comments on inconsistant release problems but since I really liked the 747 pedals, I decided to give these a try. After riding over a thousand miles off-road on these pedals, and waiting to see if the release got any better, I am now ready to say "THESE PEDALS SUCK!". In perfectly dry conditions, the pedals have a tendancy to not release. This doesn't happen all the time, but does seem to happen a lot when you need to release very quickly. Seems like Shimano went out of their way to F#@! up a perfectly good design (747's). Even more disturbing is the fact that they may have done this simply to redesign the cleat so that, until aftermarket mfg's caught up, you are forced to buy their WAY overpriced replacement cleats (does this surprise anyone?). I also have experienced the clicking sound that others have mentioned and I'm certainly not going to start grinding the cleat to try and improve release or to quiet them (what a friggin joke). I'll be returning these pedals to REI and getting some Time pedals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt M.
a Cross Country Rider
from east TN Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$87.00
Purchased At:
e:bay from cpmantra (he has more for sale now)
Strengths:
Positive entry and release; buttery, serviceable bearings.
Weaknesses:
Ummmm...let me see...they cost a wad of cash if you pay suggested retail. Also, other SPD cleats don't work properly with them, but they come with 858-specific cleats.
Similar Products Used:
Wellgo 700s, Wellgo 800s, Shimano 535s
Bottom Line:
These pedals are excellent. The release was a little tight on the first few rides, but now it's perfect. When you open the box and get done grinning, I recommend that you back the tension all way off (don't back the screw all the way out, just till it barely has the notchy feel) and lube the mechanism well(put judy butter on the underside of the little clamps that grip the cleats). You might want to tighten the tension a notch or two after they're broken in.
The entry is very positive--there's no doubt when you've clipped in. I don't feel like I have to wiggle my foot around to get clipped. They just pop right in with a reassuring "snap!" when I plant my foot on the pedal.
The float is perfect, in my opinion.
I'm wearing Sidi Dominator 2s and don't have any shoe interference problems; therefore, you don't have to have Shimano shoes for these pedals to work or to avoid the clicking noise others have complained about.
I recommend the 858s to anyone who rides enough to justify spending 100 bucks on a set of pedals. If you're a once-a- week rider, buy Wellgos or Nashbar pedals and rock on. They last quite a while and will work just fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from phila Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
better mud shedding than 747
Weaknesses:
NOTE* I work at a shop and called Shimano,they recomend grinding the little nub off of the cleat.There is a 1mm mub on the rear of the cleat-grind this off and you should be ok-
Similar Products Used:
shimano747, Ritcheys
Bike Setup:
Specialized S works
Bottom Line:
after I modified the cleat the pedal seemed to work a bit better, it got rid of most of the click that others have experienced. I would not recomend these pedals to a beginner,they take a while to break in before the release becomes easier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
secure, easy in & out
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Pro
Bike Setup:
Stumpy
Bottom Line:
Dudes, I'm sorry all of you are having problems with these pedals. I haven't had any YET. These pedals feel like butter to me, especially compared to my Ritchey. I didn't do a thing to the adjustments of these when I did the install. They were perfect right out of the box for me. I've used them in dry, wet and muddy situations and haven't had any problems getting in or out. I have yet to pull out of them when I'm throwing it down hardcore. I knew that the 747s were the best and thought that these would just be as good if not better and I have yet to be dissappointed. I'll write back if I do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
initial break-in, slight clicking upon pulling up really hard
Similar Products Used:
Onza H.O's, Ritchey's, Shimano 747's, 535'5, 737's, Time
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caad 4, Fatty Ultra, XTR, HUGI Hubs
Bottom Line:
These products have been receiving poor reviews when compared to other products on the market. Once they are broken in, I believe they are the best product on the market. They are the easiest pedals to enter which I have tried (other than Time's), they have never prematurely released me, and their performance is good in mud. The only pedal which gives them a run for their money are Time's. Time pedals work great, until the bearings/bushings are immersed in water. Once this occurs in the Time product, its TIME for new bearings and/or axle assembly. Also, Time's are less friendly to being bashed on rocks, since they are composite, and therefore are not as durable. Everyone who seems to be hacking these pedals has not ridden them long enough to break them in. It took me more than a month of riding (5 days a week or more) for this to occur, but once broken in, the pedals are equalled by none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Queretaro, Mexico Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light weight,good clip-in, they are shimano, so I expect then to last
Weaknesses:
Average release in mud(they tend to jam), price
Similar Products Used:
737, 535, girvin mag ti(too weak, they broke)
Bike Setup:
Pro flex 957 w/shimano xtr, mavic etc.
Bottom Line:
Not the performance I expected from Shimano, but not that bad in dry situations; they are supposed to perform well in muddy situation, but they not, at least I expect them to last, and not break, like my girvins did!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Calvin
a
from Levittown,NY Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
looks,weight, foot closer to the axle, large platform
Weaknesses:
inconsistent release...kinda dangerous, secure..maybe too secure.
Similar Products Used:
wellgo 800
Bottom Line:
alot of people have totally different opinions on this product so my bottom line is these pedals are kinda hairy to release when almost to a complete stop(tipped a few times). the trick is when u want to release with one side make it so one pedal is on top so u get more clearance to release and it sould be easier.(u shouldnt have to do that though)even with all the bad things about it, im comfortable with these pedals and sticking with them. theres no clicking sound with mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bassam
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis,IN, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Easy clip-in
Weaknesses:
Release is very inconsistent
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher, Aquila 98
Bottom Line:
These are dangerous. I adjusted the tension to the lowest setting and yet release was difficult. I just returned them to the bike shop where they informed me that others were having the same problem. (They called them the death traps). Please buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlene
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easy, consistent entry and release. Good looks, quality finish.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
747s
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, SID 100, all XTR drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Unlike some of the reviewers below, I've had no trouble clipping in or out of these pedals. I've also experienced no clicking noise while pedaling (I have Northwave MTB shoes with 858 specific cleats). I have found these pedals to be very smooth with consistent, easy entry and exit. No accidental unclips while pedaling hard.
Haven't gotten these muddy yet, so I can't comment on their performance in the mud (my 747s are absoultely awful in the mud). So far I've been very please with this product and would recommend these to anyone wanting to go clipless.
Prices vary, so look around on the web before purchasing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SFER
a Racer
from Buenos Aires, Argentina Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
looks, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
it's very difficult to release, price, no float, clicking sound, new cleat design.
Similar Products Used:
737s, 636s, 747s
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE, SID SL, XTR, KORE Elite
Bottom Line:
These are the worst pedals I've ever purchased. I backed out the adjuster all the way, but it's still very difficult to release. The left pedals makes an irritating clicking sound every time I pedal hard. I sent my 858s back to Shimano and they game new ones. The problems persisted. I'm currently riding my old venerable 747s. Do NOT the 858s. Ormtnbiker is right, they are pieces of crap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ormtnbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
I have used Shimano 535 for appx 5 years and loved them. I assumed this was the next step...boy was I wrong. After two huge crashes due to lack of traction and me trying to get out of my pedals...the bike shop said that Shimano had told them to grind the nub on the cleat. The bike shop did this...two crashes later, I was ready to sue Shimano for putting out a defective product. I wouldn't recommend these pedals to anyone. Unless you are into pain, buy something else...as for me the bike shop warrantied them and I am currently riding Time. Too bad Shimano would actually put out such a piece of crap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mohd. Azmi Zainudin
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
too many 2 mention
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Slightly lighter BUT not by that much when compared to my all time favourite, the 747s. Very positive/secure(sometimes way overboard!more of this later...)click in. Is good in the looks department but it's NOT the looks we're interested in That's about it...sorry, Shimano!
Weaknesses:
I've had quite a few "hairy" incidents with this unit of mine specially when I need to un-clip suddenly or in a real hurry, resulting in unnecassery tumbles! I just simply could NOT unclip once SECURELY clipped in! And this is with the least tension setting! I've been using ( Shimano )SPDS for around 7 years(from the introduction of the 737s & 525s ) & I have never encountered this "scary" experience/problem before. I have tried other friends bikes equipped with similar 858s & they all shared the same complaint/predicament as me! I've returned my unit to my lbs who is kind enough to make a claim from Shimano for me & I am currently awaiting a replacement unit...hopefully this time I would not have a repeat performance!
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747s,525s,434s/Girvin Mag(this is a pretty good alternative to the 747s,and lighter too!)/Time A.T.A.C Carbon WCS(now, this is the best yet!)
Bike Setup:
Klein Adroit,XTR f & r derailleurs,brakes/levers,SRAM X-ray shifters 8 speed,XTR cogset 12-32,XT Hyperdrive Chainrings 42-22(bomb-proof!),Cook Brothers E-Crank(light,strong not to mention it's cool looks!)Bontrager Race-Lite rimset,Hutchinson tyres Python Front/Chameleon Rear,Syncros Ti Seat posts,Control Tech Team Issue Stem,Easton EA70 handle bar,Onza Raw Bar-ends,San Marco Era Seat & of course Time A.T.A.C WCS Carbon spds(easy in, easy out & with just the right amount of "secureness"!
Bottom Line:
I'm really disappointed with this 858(which is also very expensive to own here in Malaysia!) unit of the big "S"! One would've come to expect much improvement from the 858s specially with their previous highly touted 747s,unfortunately(for me?)it was not to be so with their 858s! I've always known/felt confident using Shimano products regardless of the range ie. lower models STXs, LXs right to the high end XTRs! Shimano really ought to go back to their drawing board(s)for the 858 spd & do a re-think to exorcise/address this problem of difficulty in un-clipping with the 858s!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL USA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Shimano, the take a lot of crap, but in the end they do put out a good product.
Weaknesses:
Shimano, everything has to be Shimano.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 747's
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
I used the 747's for the last five years. They were consistent on entry and release in dry conditions. Fairly lousy in mud, but back then only Time's worked in mud. Got the new 858's in March with a new bike. Entry is consistent. Mud performance is much, much better than 747's. Release is inconsistent. I noticed some of the other testers saw problems when not using Shimano shoes and switching cleared up the problem. I am riding Answer's. Release is not so bad that I have tipped over, but not as good as the 747's. Maybe I'll get a pair of Shimano shoes. I would not recommend these pedals to a beginner, but someone who has clipless pedal experience should be fine. Overall a fairly good product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very stable feel! Awesome mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
So far, none.
Similar Products Used:
Speedplay Frogs, Ritchey Logic
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon, XTR
Bottom Line:
I have read the other reviews on these pedals and everybody seems to complain about the clicking noise, but I haven't noticed anything. I think these pedals are the best I have ever used. They hod you to the bike very well, almost too well, but they release when you really need them to. If you're in the market for a good pedal, these are great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corstian
a Downhiller
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything technical/big hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Incredibly Dependable regardless of conditions.
Weaknesses:
After this past weekend Adveture racing, ABSOLUTELY NONE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
No longer a relevant issue
Bike Setup:
Somewhat modified Giant Warp DS-1, see previous review for details
Bottom Line:
OK folks, in my last review (see below) I gave an overall rating of 4 flamers to this pedal and a value rating of 3 flamers. That my friends was before this past weekend and my first adventure race of the season. There was rain throughout the night before the race and the MTB leg of the race literally had some sections turn into bog. Our team had to walk our bikes through many sections, as a result, jamming our cleats with goo and assorted hard goods. Amazingly. even though the body of the pedal also filled with mud and assorted objects, never once did the pedals hesitate to clip. NOT ONCE!!!! Never did my cleat pop out because the pedal was jamming. NOT ONCE!!!! Every time I clipped in, there was a firm and positive engagement. EVERY TIME!!!!
IF YOU RIDE IN ADVERSE WEATHER MORTGAGE YOUR HOUSE AND BUY A PAIR OF THESE PEDALS. THEY ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU WILL SPEND. Just do yourself a service and lube them evry now and then, just to keep the action smooth. OK??
I am giving these babies a 5 flamer rating, go and get yours today!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corstian
a Downhiller
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very positive "clip-in" with easy "clip-out". Resists mud clogging and will clip through almost anything on the cleat of your shoe.
Weaknesses:
Price will scare many people.
Similar Products Used:
Previous incarnations of Shimano pedals. (Mud clogging pieces of shinola.)
Bike Setup:
2000 Giant Warp DS-1, SH XT shifters, XT Rr D, Deore LX Crankset, Fizik Atlas saddle, and the 858s. (Awaiting delivery of firm springs for my Judy XCs and a Black Spire Ring Protector)
Bottom Line:
These suckers clip through mud, stones and twigs. The open body with the hardened steel teeth resists clogging extremely well. I ride rain or shine and this spring/early summer has seen a great deal of rain where I live. Rain + clay = sticky mud. I have yet to fail get the pedals to clip or for that matter unclip. As a matter of fact tonight, while out riding, I didn't even notice that I had actually managed to clip through a twig/stick caught in the cleat of my shoe. 'Nuff said there!
As to the shoe suitability issue. I wear Specialized Rockhoppers and have had no real problem with engaging the clips. (Ok, other than a good 15 minutes spent the first night getting the tension right to get in the blessed things.) The only issue as far as I can tell is ensuring there is sufficient clearance for the teeth of the clip to engage. The teeth are broad and the weight bearing surface is rather long as well, so ensuring enough space for the cleat to engage is key. That is likely why the previous reviewer's friends acheived good results by trimming rubber or buying new shoes which (unknowingly)accomodate the wider clips. (Note I am talking about the clip portion of the pedal and not the cleat size itself which is no bigger than normal SPD cleats.)
For those of you experiencing the annoying clicking problem check the following two things.
One, check to make sure that when "clipped in" the teeth of the clips lie flat against the bottom of your shoe and do not "tent". If the clip is not flat the clip/cleat are not fully engaged and the sharp edges of the clips may be working the bottom of your shoe or the square upper edges of your cleats where it rests against the sole of your shoe. This motion of clip against shoe or cleat can cause that irritating click. Those with extremely dirty shoes/cleats/clips may also excperience the click for the same reason.
Two, make sure that the cleat is lined up perpendicular to the pedal axle when you are pedalling. In other words if you "heel out" or "heel in" angle the cleat on the bottom of your shoe so that your normal foot position still positions the cleat square or 90 degrees to the pedal axle. Otherwise you may catch the square upper edge of the cleat, the part that sits next to the sole of your shoe, on the clip teeth and "voila" you click.
I love these pedals, and can't imagine not having bought them, yet I am not sure whether they are worth more than Time Extreme Condition pedals. The design kicks butt, however, the price seems high to me. Three flamers for value and 4 flamers overall. (If the price was better I would have gone 5 flamers as that is the value of the pedal's performance.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from raleigh, nc Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn state park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
performance, looks, ease of maintenance
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
time atac, specialized comp
Bike Setup:
99 specialized m2 pro, monkey lite carbon, raceface crankset, Kore lite 3 stem
Bottom Line:
Awesome pedels. I dont know if the first production batch had problems but i love mine. If you dont want to unclip, you dont, if you do want to unclip, you do. All you have to do is step on them and you are clipped. No more holding on to a tree so you can clip. I have tried in muddy conditions and they may get a little harder to clip in, but takes normal effort to get out. Price may seem a bit high, but after hearing from other people about how long they have had 747's i think i will more than get my money's worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Better mud clearance than prev. Shimano designs
Weaknesses:
Price a little steep if you are buying them after-market (which I didnt)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano 535, Code, Tioga Clipman
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Mantra Comp
Bottom Line:
At the beginning of the seaason I was using my 535's and rode a very muddy race. I could not clip in and out because of the mud.
My new bike came with 858's. I raced in thick mud with the new pedals, and noticed all the difference in the world. Mud clearance is really good, and I like the float, as I have bad knees.
The release is a little stiffer than I'm used to, but at least I know I'm clipped in. With my old pedals, I sometimes could not hear that satisfying "click" as I clipped into the pedals, which I like. SLacken the tension screw off a little more than you would with other Shimano products, and you'll be just fine.
With regards to all the complaints that they don't work well with non-Shimano shoes, I use DiaDora shoes (pretty goods shoes for about $80 less than Shimano equivalent, by the way), and have noticed none of the problems these other people describe. Either I got lucky, or Shimano's initial batch of these products was defective.
Easily the best pedal I've used yet, and I should know, having been through four pairs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Mejia
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
b-17
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Mud clearance, float, in and out, emergency/brain-dead release
Weaknesses:
Not the best initial product release
Similar Products Used:
Scott, 747
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Racelite XT, 80mm Judy XC, Pana Fire XC
Bottom Line:
Absolutely effortless utility after 600 miles of dirt and mud. Certain engagement, unbelievable emergency release. Some rider friends have had trouble with release; one rider removed some of the rubber around the cleat and another replaced very old shoes; excellent results. I feel badly for the people having problems with these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, Pa Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very easy in and out.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
shimano 747's
Bike Setup:
99 GT xcr 3000 with a couple upgrades
Bottom Line:
the float on them is amazing, I myself havent had any problems with mud or the ticking noise yet. Ive read alot of good reviews and bad ones but I guess I got lucky and got a good pair. I didnt have any problem with the shoe thing cause I bought new shoes at the same time and the cleats come with the pedals. Overall these are the best pedals I have ever ridden.
$ 149.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
