Reddit reviews SHIMANO PD-A520 SPD Pedal, Without Reflector, Includes Cleat, Silver, One Size
We found 9 Reddit comments about SHIMANO PD-A520 SPD Pedal, Without Reflector, Includes Cleat, Silver, One Size. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Shimano pedaling dynamics - spd performs whether you're on or off the bike; makes pedaling more efficient with a wide variety of shoe and pedal styles; and the recess cleat makes walking more comfortableInnovative - by eliminating toe-clips and integrating the pedal and outsole into a single; unified power transfer system; shimano changed the industryIncredible performance - spd not only boosting power to the pedal; but also the rider's control over increasingly adventurous styles of ridingBetter control - you can pedal with greater efficiency; stability and comfort with the spd systemSuperior mud-shedding design - an open binding design allows mud and debris to be flushed out when the rider steps in
I have Shimano A520s on my road bike and I think they're great. Wide platform, easy to clip in and out of, and I love being able to walk around a bit if needed (especially since I live on a dirt road).
The only downside for me is that the shoes I have are pretty heavy and not as well ventilated as some regular road shoes.
Yes, I'd recommend getting a pedal like these or these for your commuter. Both are SPD with one side for the cleat and a platform for when you're not wearing cleats. Feel free to shop around for the best price, I just did a quick search on Amazon. I have the M324's on my commuter and have no complaints. The A520's were the other pair I considered when I went into the shop a year ago for this.
For the roadie I'd recommend something like the Shimano PD-M540
For commuting purposes I'd also recommend getting a pair of shoes for mountain biking. These tend to have the cleat within a recess which allows you to walk more comfortably from your bike to your desk when commuting. I'd highly recommend going to your LBS and letting them know your intentions. They should be able to find you a pair that fits you well. You may decide you want road shoes which is fine if they fit well and you don't mind how it feels to walk in them.
Of course, having road shoes are more ideal but if money is tight and you're not quite ready to drop the money, then this will save you from having to drop money on an extra pair of shoes. For reference, I commute 5 times a week and do additional cycling 4-6 times a week. I hear some people complain about "hot-spots" but I have never had any problems with my SPD mountain bike pedals and bontager mountain bike shoes. It has been close to a year since I bought my pedals and shoes though and I think it's about time that I get some road shoes and road specific pedals--mostly because I'm tired of my shoes getting wet during my commute and then having to put up with them being wet when I'm on the trainer at home.
+1 for the one-sided pedals. I bought these. They're great. The platform for non-SPD use isn't massive but it's fine for leisurely cycling or a quick blast down the shops if I can't wear my shoes for some reason.
Last year I got my first "real" bike and decided to take the plunge and get some clipless pedals, after about 2k miles I will never look back. A friend in the cycling industry recommended Shimano SPD pedals, they are cheap and easy to exit, (road specific pedals and shoes tend to be more expensive) and also tend to have a recessed cleat. I have Shimano shoes they are comfortable, and relatively inexpensive (as far as bike shoes go) you might be able to find some better deals on nashbar or other sites like that though.
I am about to order some Shimano PD-A520 which is more of a touring pedal, it has a bigger platform which will reduce hotspots on long rides (which wasn't a problem until recently, probably due to shoe wear.) You may also want to check out these which give you the choice to use clipless shoes or just regular shoes.
*sp
I am a girl, have a Giant Avail Composite, size 9, bike recrectionally/exercise and long distance so we are similar :) I opted for SPD shoes which you typically use for mountain biking and spinning but I like that versatility. These are them in a size 41 since they are european sizes You are able to walk fine in them as the clips are recessed. I found road bike shoes + pedals to be very specific and the lighter the weight the more expensive bc of carbon and people use those for racing which wasn't for me just yet.
I was told by my LBS that this wasn't unusual that I opted for non road bike pedals & spd shoes to start. I like that I can clip into my Trek mountain bike too and also take them for spinning in the winter. Win- win in my book :)
These are my pedals but I got them from my LBS:9 I may upgrade to clips on both sides as I advance but for now these allow me to clip-out at stop signs and hold my feet on a little platform so that I don't get hurt when stop then crossing.
I just bought biking shoes (Shimano with SDP compatibility). I was hoping for some advice on which pedals to get. I'm looking at lower/cheaper end pedals (such as this one, another one, or another, or finally this one).
I have a road bike, and am looking for double sided pedals that I can use with both my clip in shoes and my regular shoes. Do you have any advice?
Thanks in advance :)
Thanks for your reply, I ended up going to REI, but ultimately, got my deals online.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SBN2JE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for the shoes. I got a 44, which was a tiny bit small, but ultimately work well so far.
and I went with http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YB31II/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I went with the SPDs because I like the ability to walk easier. As a solo rider around town, I feel the ability to not have to carry a spare set of shoes around pretty valuable to me.
I love them and dont know how I cycled before without them. I've also only forgotten to unclip once, but I saved myself before falling completely over.
Shimano A-520: http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-A520-Sport-SPD-Pedal/dp/B000YB31II
Those are MTB SPDs. http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-A520-Sport-SPD-Pedal/dp/B000YB31II