You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I'm using a set of the famously bombproof M520 pedals on my not-MTB (and have been for a few years). They work very well and are ideal for what I need except that after a couple of hours on the bike I start to get pains along the outsides of my feet.
I think this is because the pedals are relatively short and don't give any support to the outer edge of my feet. I don't have this issue riding flats (Superstar Nanos) and before anyone asks, I prefer riding clips on road and flats off so don't want to switch to flats on this bike.
My shoes are comfy (Shimano MT54s) and I'd rather not change them if possible as it took me aged to find a pair of shoes that felt right.
Do platform/cage style SPD pedals such as the M420 give appreciably more support to the foot than the non platform M520s? and,
Will they work with a more trainery style of shoe with an inset cleat?
Is new shoes the answer?
Any suggestions gratefully received.
I have the Saint M820 SPD pedals and they are outstanding with trainery style shoes like the AM9.
Not cheap mind you.
I've got some nukeproof cage SPD style, very happy with them. Good for long days or bit more technical riding.
LI idea if they’ll solve your problem but the Nukeproof Horizon clipless pedals have a big platform. Not had any pains using those with AM7 shimano shoes. They aren’t the slickest clicking in / out at the moment - I think I need to play with the tensions.
I do wonder what the platform Time pedals would be like - back in the day I was on Time Afan pedals and they were easy to get in and out of and were relentlessly reliable. Only issue if they aren’t shimano compatible so when I uplifting with a mate we can’t swap bikes without twiddling pedals on and off etc
I bought the Saint pedals mentioned above, solved my foot paint troubles.
Yes, I think it helps a bit. Especially for longer rides on the road bike, if your shoes aren't super stiff. Will depend on your shoes, but can give a bit more support and stiffness.
Shimano have a few road-style SPD pedals with a small platform. Should be lighter weight than most mountain bike pedals. eg PD A530 or PD A600.
I had the shimano SPDs with the nylon bumper, had issues with numbness and odd feelings in the edge of feet and ended up picking up some specialized sole inserts which relieved the issue.
I have then since picked up some DMR V Twin and some Nukeproof CS trail pedals, neither which really support the foot when pedalling IMO, I find them nice for when I unclip by accident and have something to stand on.
Saint M820 SPD here (used without the pins - which don't seem to add anything except the potential to slash your legs when pushing or carrying)
List is over £100 but I picked mine up for 60 on eBay.
I've got the xt version of that Saint pedal with a slightly longer wider platform than the 520 and yes it does help a little. Moulded insoles helped a bit as well. Neither completely solved it but together it made a noticeable improvement for me
Shimano M530, about £30 - just as good as those Saints and XT ones really - especially if you're just testing
tendonitis (the soreness you have on your foot) probably isn't going to be solved by changing your pedals really. Might support them for a bit, but if you've got an underlying issue, bunions, arthritis, ankle issues, tendon issues, you're probably better to get that looked at rather than changing your pedals.
Thanks for the replies.
Think I'm going to try a pair of the M530s and see how it get on.
Interesting suggestion re tendonitis. I think it's more a pressure thing rather than an underlying issue with my feet as I only get the pains with this pedal/shoe combo. Will seek medical advice when we're allow wed out again if the platform pedals don help.
I personally didn't find that M530's provided any more support than 520's and not really any more support for if you unclip. I think you need a proper a more DH/Enduro style pedal with a slightly more flexible shoe to get extra support.
think you need a proper a more DH/Enduro style pedal with a slightly more flexible shoe to get extra support.
Id argue the other way , a stiffer shoe will be of more benifit than a more flexible shoe which will exacperbate the standing on a pebble
I have used the M530 too, they don’t offer any extra support compared to 520s.
I bought some of these for knocking about. They're Shim 'Trecking' pedals. Big platform SPD one side, flat platform the other. Good for riding in normal shoes/trainers.
They're not expensive either if you're experimenting...
I guess my point was that if you have a stiff shoe then it doesn't matter what pedal you've got beneath it as it won't flex to ever be in contact with anything other than the cleat mechanism.
A more flexible shoe with a platform style pedal allows the pedal cage to provide support where the shoe doesn't.
I've tried many clipless shoe and pedal combinations and the one that had the best support, almost like a clipped in flat pedal feeling was Crank Bros Mallet DH with some cheap touring style shoes.
I had the exact same problem. Got some saint spds and it totally sorted it. So much more support and comfort.
Why do some people have to talk about Shimano pedals by using the code numbers, it means nothing to me and probably others unless you’ve owned that pedal and have memorised the number 🙈.
I have some Shimano enduro jobbies with not much support and the spd and I’d like to upgrade, not sure what they are mind. The Crank brothers Mallet look nice, and the Saint.
It's not the code number, it's what they're called....
Shimano M530s seem less durable than 520s and 540s, bearings in one went bad very early on and I have heard several others having same problem.
I have the Saint M820 SPD pedals and they are outstanding with trainery style shoes like the AM9.
Not cheap mind you.
I agree entirely. I tried several including nukeproof and mallets but the Saints are head and shoulders better for me