the description on these two pedals are just so similiar but the 540 cost twice as mush as the 520 has anybody tried both and can let me know if it is worth spending the extra bucks... they look identical in the pics also.
pd520 vs. pd540 pedals
adumb
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Joined
·
730 Posts
it is not worth the extra money buy the 520's they work exactly the same. There is zero performance difference between the two, just a different spindle and the 540's are a few grams lighter
The body is exactly the same on both pedals (I have both of them in front of me on my desk 
), the only obvious difference is the way the spindle is attached to the pedal's body - 540 is thinner, looks cleaner. The weight differs only a few grams ... that was already pointed out above. Maybe the bearings/ seals of the 540 are a bit better(?) - there was no need for me to service them by now.
I don't know if it's important for you, but the 540 can only be mounted with an 8mm hex key, the 520 can take both a 6mm hex key and a regular 15mm wrench.
), the only obvious difference is the way the spindle is attached to the pedal's body - 540 is thinner, looks cleaner. The weight differs only a few grams ... that was already pointed out above. Maybe the bearings/ seals of the 540 are a bit better(?) - there was no need for me to service them by now.I don't know if it's important for you, but the 540 can only be mounted with an 8mm hex key, the 520 can take both a 6mm hex key and a regular 15mm wrench.
Joined
·
4,921 Posts
IME the PD-M540 are a superior product. The Lock Bolt is metal, stays tight, doesn't crack, and requires no special tool to service. The PD-M520 uses a plastic version that can crack, work loose, wear, and need a special tool to service.
Shimano really does itself a disservice in terms of not defining the differences in their component groups. Just because they look the same does not mean that they are. Things like cast vs. forged alloy, higher strength steel, and higher grade bearings are rarely even mentioned. These pedals are a good example of that.
The 520's will definitely work, but the 540's are more refined.
Shimano really does itself a disservice in terms of not defining the differences in their component groups. Just because they look the same does not mean that they are. Things like cast vs. forged alloy, higher strength steel, and higher grade bearings are rarely even mentioned. These pedals are a good example of that.
The 520's will definitely work, but the 540's are more refined.
couldn't agree with your more on shimano and other companies doing themselves a disservice for not really tell you the difference between products. if they don't tell you what is better or worse then how are you sapost to know what you are getting for your money.AL29er said:
Joined
·
310 Posts
540's for the better spindle mount and the polished body. I had the 520's for over 10 years great pedal, but the seal wore b/c of how it was placed. Hell I rode for 2 years with no seal on one pedal and I still can't call them dead! Recently bought the 540 for myself and happy. Polish also does not show scratches from laying down on concrete like a black pedal will.
I have 540s on my hardtail and single speed, and 520s on my road bike (I know, I know, mtb pedals on a road bike isn't cool). The pedals feel pretty much the same and have all lasted well. The 520s do weigh a bit more. I also notice the 520s are more prone to rusting. After 4 years the spindle and jaws of the 520s are pretty rusty but the 540s are still pretty good.
For my money I'd definitely go 540s. For $50 you can't go wrong (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3760)
For my money I'd definitely go 540s. For $50 you can't go wrong (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3760)
520 is fastened with a nylon fixing bolt, so it'll strip easily if you (or your buddy mechanics) aren't careful. Perhaps that's why the tool itself is nylon.BobShort said:
Anyway how does this bronze color hold up? It's kind of weird 3-color combo (black spindle, silver fixing bolt and cleat platform with bronze body...), and "shimano" on my 540 came off within 2 rides. So the bronze wear off to a silver in no time?
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
