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Hey all,
After using crank brothers egg beaters exclusively for a long time, I’ve decided I need to have a bit of a change…but to what?!
Ideally, I’d like…
fit and forget (to a certain extent)
easily serviceable (refresh or service kit availability)
one cleat to rule them all / adjustability at the pedal (as opposed to a choice of cleats for different float/release etc) Something with a solid “clunk” clip in and clip out
Readily available on the high street cleats rather than relying on online ordering
cheaper to maintain (cleats and service kits) than CB offerings
I like the look of…
shimano m520 just because they have similarities to egg beaters
shimano pd-me700 small platform which are similar to…
ht t1 / t2 which I also like the look of
All being well, I’ll be buying three sets so low cost / used (if they’re serviceable) is an option I’d happily look at
who’s using what? What are the singletrackworld go-to clipless pedals of choice?
recommendations greatly appreciated
Can't go far wrong with a pd m520.
What is it about the Eggbeaters that you don't like?
PD M520 are quite a bit heavier, not really serviceable, On the plus side they are very very cheap - in fact they cost almost the same as a CB Pedal Refresh Kit. Not that you'll need to service them anyway, they go on forever.
PD ME700 even heavier, still cheaper than Eggbeaters, whether you'll notice a difference from the platform depends to some extent on your shoes.
What is it about the Eggbeaters that you don’t like?
it’s mainly the cost of everything associated with them,
Cleats don’t seem to be as robust as they once were and online seems to be the only place to buy them anymore
service / refresh kits cost (quite often) twice as much than most refresh kits from other brands
I’m not overly concerned about weight to be honest, largely, I’m after something that will last, are easily serviceable, and for which cleats are easier to get hold of if you needed them yesterday (voice of experience following a ruined week away)
Looking for recommendations of what people are using so as to whittle down a list of the hundreds (maybe) I’ve look at in the last few days
it’s mainly the cost of everything associated with them,
Fair enough. In that case, go for whichever Shimano fits your budget, but probably not the XTR as in my experience they're a bit fragile.
Time atacs or Shimano SPD. Just buy the best ones you can afford. There isn't a huge amount of difference in function between the cheaper and more expensive models, just weight. Time Atacs for slightly easier clip in action, SPD for harder wearing cleats.
Shimano pedal with the tension tightened up.
In that case, go for whichever Shimano fits your budget, but probably not the XTR as in my experience they’re a bit fragile.
I think the issue with XTR axels was the previous generation. I've got a pair of XTR M9100's and they're definitely nicer to clip into than the M540's on the rest of my bikes. I can't say I notice any difference once clipped in. M540's basically just work with zero maintenance and look slightly nicer than M520's.
Depends on what you prefer, want or like on this one.
Like someone said above Shimano spd seem pretty excellent apart from xtr which I had issues with too.
Im loving my Nukeproof horizons though, good platform, standard shimano cleat, rebuild kit (but need "special" tool but £5) and hence ace - but for what I want / need - you might be different.
They do come in a range of pimped anodised finishes to colour coordinate if that's your bag, or black like I have 😉
James
I’m in the Nukeproof Horizon camp too. Two pairs. Don’t need a special tool though, I used a drill bit I think.
Thank so far for all the replies so far
from what I can see, anything that takes a standard Shimano cleat, will at least take away one of my issues, seems a lot of people stock them, high street included, and they aren’t quite as expensive as the CB ones. Problem 1 solved
if I’m getting this right also, Shimano pedals, looking at M540 just work, not really any maintenance needed, fully rebuildable if needed, potentially ticks other boxes
really liking the look of the Nukeproof horizons, but I think I’d lean towards a smaller platform ideally, whether that’s because I’ve been on eggbeaters so long and am used to them I’m not sure.
maybe I should just jump in and buy clipless platforms, might be a game changer for me
like the look of the HT T1 or T2 as they look like they have a smaller platform than most but fear I’m falling into that “can’t get cleats without ordering online” thing again
A bit more reading and I’m narrowing the search down somewhat, I THINK I’m after anything that takes a Shimano cleat as they seem to be the most readily available cleats, and at a decent price too
Does anyone have any experience with me700 pedals?!
I've never bought a pair of Shimano cleats other than with pedals. They last a lot longer than shoes.
I’ve never bought a pair of Shimano cleats other than with pedals. They last a lot longer than shoes.
as opposed to the CB ones which are lasting me no more than 3 months…hence this here post…they seem to be made of play doh of late
...they seem to be made of play doh of late...
I think they're brass aren't they?
Shimano cleats are steel hence the longevity.
I'd just get some m520 to try, if you like them you can trade up to a posher pair, or keep them. If you're not a fan then there's Time to try...
I’ve never bought a pair of Shimano cleats other than with pedals. They last a lot longer than shoes.
This, although it's not quite never for me I don't think I've had a shoe that's had more than two sets and I run my gear completely into the ground. There won't be many bike shops or where you can't get a pair of pedals or cleats. Very much fit and forget.
PDM520 are serviceable in any way I’d want. Easy preload adjustment on the cartridge axle. Replacement axle assemblies available in case you don’t bother your arse correcting out of adjustment preload for a few months. Looks like the static parts of the binding mechanism are available too.
The batch of fragile XTR pedals were from the 980 10 spd group, so a long time ago now.
I’d agree with grabbing some cheap shimano to try them. I prefer the NP solely because they have pins on the platforms so less slippy when clipping back in when it’s wet.
I've got XT's on mine, but when they were available for a fair bit less than the silly prices now. Very much fit and forget (standard XT and the trail XT). The 540's look similar and have the steel lockring for servicing, which is where I'd go, rather than the 520.
Before you make the leap from CB to Shimano, remember that Egg Beaters have lots more float and are therefore much kinder to knees. I moved from Shimano to Egg Beaters years ago for that reason and my knee problems disappeared. They're much lighter and don't clog as easily either. Granted, they are expensive, fragile, need much more TLC and there's not much heel clearance to cranks / stays compared to M520s.
Wonder if Time ATAC's are a happy medium between Shimano and CB for float / weight / cost / robustness?
Thanks all, seems like a move to Shimano is a no brainer,
fit and forget - check
serviceable - check
cleats that last and are easier / cheaper to source - check
Following comments / suggestions from this thread, I’ve been looking at the xt and xt trail pedals a lot today and think I have have a winner(s)
going to look out for a used set for now in the hope that I can find a bargain priced pair to see what they’re like and see how I get on with them
Many thanks again singletrack hive mind