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Shimano M520 question

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tkerr

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Getting ready (I think) to dive into clipless. Looking at Shimano 520s to start. Sounds like that's what a lot of people recommend to start with. What's the difference in the different models of 520s? There's the PD-M520, PD-M520MTB and PD-M520-L. Is there any difference between the three models? The Shimano website shows only the latter one. Thanks in advance for info/advice.

tkerr
 
#2 ·
I'm not perfectly sure what the answer is - but I think the 520's come in both black and chrome, which may explain two of the three different 'part numbers' you list. My hunch is that other than color choice, there is no real difference (they're all mtb pedals).

I would be interested to know what your experience ends up being, as I have 520's (with the Shimano SPD platforms clipped in) and will likely be switching to clipless in the spring. I think the only real diff between the entry-lvl 520 pedals and the higher end models is the weight.

If you scroll way down on the main page, there is a Shimano forum where you could ask as well.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I'll keep you posted, provided I don't kill myself trying to get used to them. Just got back from the LBS with 520s and Specialized Tahoe shoes. The guys at the shop didn't know the difference either. Guess there's not any. Well, wish me luck.

tkerr
 
#4 · (Edited)
With the risk of breaking stride from your original question, this is the pedal I began riding clippless in. I still have them on 1 of my bikes..Its a PD-M324. It is half clipless, half regular platform.

Image


Positives:
*Allowed me to "learn" to ride clipless with being "stuck" riding all sections clipless. I could easily go to platforms when warranted
*I can comfortably take my bike to the corner store without my riding shoes.

Negatives:
*1 sided clips make it hard at times to get in.

For anybody who multi-uses a a bike or is afraid to ride clipless on every trail/section, these are a viable option.
 
#5 ·
The 520's are a fine pedal to start on. Just make sure that for your first few rides, you have the tension dialed all the way down. That will make it a snap to pop out of them in the event that you take a tumble. Also beneficial would be the multi-release cleats, but that may be a moot point since you already have your stuff.

Good luck and don't get discouraged if it doesn't seem to be working. It takes a while to get the hang of clipless pedals, but if you're patient and give them a chance, they're great.
 
#6 ·
I first started with 520s and still use them today. Just take it easy on yourself and stay off anything technical and just practice getting in and out on flat ground if you can. After you get the hang of it...you won't want to run without clipless anymore. :thumbsup:
 
#7 ·
Swthrtsuzy said:
The 520's are a fine pedal to start on. Just make sure that for your first few rides, you have the tension dialed all the way down. That will make it a snap to pop out of them in the event that you take a tumble. Also beneficial would be the multi-release cleats, but that may be a moot point since you already have your stuff.

Good luck and don't get discouraged if it doesn't seem to be working. It takes a while to get the hang of clipless pedals, but if you're patient and give them a chance, they're great.
Click to expand...
I have both the 520's and 540's (not to mention my original 535's as well!). I have been happy with both! 540's are slightly lighter.

As for tension, the lighter the better to learn. But then again, I still like the tension pretty light after 13yrs with clipless.

Have fun learning the new pedals! :thumbsup:

Chris
 
#8 ·
Twenty Times said:
With the risk of breaking stride from your original question, this is the pedal I began riding clippless in. I still have them on 1 of my bikes..Its a PD-M324. It is half clipless, half regular platform.

Image


Positives:
*Allowed me to "learn" to ride clipless with being "stuck" riding all sections clipless. I could easily go to platforms when warranted
*I can comfortably take my bike to the corner store without my riding shoes.

Negatives:
*1 sided clips make it hard at times to get in.

For anybody who multi-uses a a bike or is afraid to ride clipless on every trail/section, these are a viable option.
Click to expand...
Agreed 100%

I started on these and after a few months I felt comfortable with clipless I upgraded. They are solid pedals, plus you can find them cheap used. I even did a race or two with them.
 
#9 ·
One tip for a faster exit when needed is to spray the pedals with dry lube. And most would say not to do this but dial the 520's all the way loose too. Do both of these things when your starting out; I have ridin plenty of miles like this and never had a pop out due to a hard pedal stroke.
 
#10 ·
The 520's are fine pedals. I have 505's on a road bike, 520's and 540's on my MTB's. I notice a small difference clipping into the 505's (520's and 540's seem to 'snap' in better).

520's and 540's are easy to find, economical (good value) and just plain work well. Hard to beat IMHO.

I have used the 324's on a variety of bikes to have the option of being clipped in or not and found the PITA of finding the correct side to either be clipped in or not to outweigh the convenience of having the choice in most situations. If I will be riding in shoes without cleats, I'll just swap out to some flats and I only do that when on I take a bike on vacation to ride around the campground or casual path rides with the family.

Stangely enough, I even like being clipped in on most technical sections (black diamond stuff).

At any rate, 520's are good to start with and great to stick with over the long haul.
 
#12 ·
tkerr said:
I'll keep you posted, provided I don't kill myself trying to get used to them. Just got back from the LBS with 520s and Specialized Tahoe shoes. The guys at the shop didn't know the difference either. Guess there's not any. Well, wish me luck.

tkerr
Click to expand...
I picked up this exact same combo a few weeks ago for my first clipless setup and it has been great so far. :thumbsup:
 
#14 ·
louisssss said:
Is it possible to ride the m520 pedals without the cleats? Like with sneakers?
Click to expand...
for a quick ride down the road yes, but for trail riding I would not want to do that. Clipless pedals are a good bit smaller than a platform and dont have nice cleats to stick into the rubber n your shoes.
 
#15 ·
It is possible if you get a pair of the plastic Shimano SPD platforms that clip into the pedals. They are like $10/pair, and can be taken in and out with relative ease (and a screwdriver). It is extremely uncomfortable to ride with normal shoes on just the pedals- no traction either.
 
#16 ·
jeffj said:
The 520's are fine pedals. I have 505's on a road bike, 520's and 540's on my MTB's. I notice a small difference clipping into the 505's (520's and 540's seem to 'snap' in better).

520's and 540's are easy to find, economical (good value) and just plain work well. Hard to beat IMHO.

I have used the 324's on a variety of bikes to have the option of being clipped in or not and found the PITA of finding the correct side to either be clipped in or not to outweigh the convenience of having the choice in most situations. If I will be riding in shoes without cleats, I'll just swap out to some flats and I only do that when on I take a bike on vacation to ride around the campground or casual path rides with the family.

Stangely enough, I even like being clipped in on most technical sections (black diamond stuff).

At any rate, 520's are good to start with and great to stick with over the long haul.
Click to expand...
I agree with Jeff.....I started on 520's about 5 years ago and still ride the same model today. You can't really beat the $50 price tag ($40 when they're on sale).
 
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