Reddit mentions of Shimano PD-M520L MTB Sport Pedals with Cleats

I use SPD clipless pedals, along with these shoes. I prefer MTB clipless shoes because they have a recessed cleat and are much easier to walk in than road-oriented kicks.

The difference you notice when using a clipless system is astounding, and I would never go back to platforms/cages. So much more efficient and natural feeling.

1. Seems you've got that covered.
   
2. Hmmm ... big subject. Avoid things that are bigger than you. Avoid things that are pointy and smaller than your tire. Keep the rubber side down.
   
3. Lock your bike well if you leave it unattended. This is a nice bike ... I wouldn't lock it up in public much, try and find a "safe" looking bike rack if you must.
   
4. Primarily ... wipe it down and keep it clean. Degrease and re-lube your chain every 100 miles or so ... or immediately if riding in rainy/dirty conditions. Measure your chain wear regularly, and replace your chain early to save your cassette and chainrings. Depending upon your bearing types ... headsets, bottom brackets and wheel hubs occasionally need to be torn down and re-lubed ... every couple seasons or so? Depends a lot on your riding conditions.
   
5. I know nothing.
   
6. I like SPDs. You get at least 90% of the benefit of a "dedicated" road shoe without looking like a deer on ice whenever you get off your bike. I use these. I realized I'll be pilloried by the "Road Shoe Mafia" for this statement.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WYAENC/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00

I built up a Disc Trucker last spring. I stuck closely to Surly's build in the gearing department as it mainly is a touring bike. I went 9-speed because the chains are a touch more durable and when you get into 10-speed, Shimano's road and mountain offerings start having some incompatibilities. With a 9-speed drivetrain, you can mix and match road and mountain to whatever extent you like.

I actually have two different gearing setups. One for true touring with a mountain rear derailleur and an 11-34 cassette and another with a road rear derailleur and a 12-26 cassette.

Here's relevant parts off my list:

|Part|Model|Other|Notes|
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|Crankset|Shimano Deore M590|175mm arm length|Has the trekking gearing 26/36/48 and Hollowtech because why not.|
|Rear cassette|SRAM PG-950|11-34 for touring, 12-26 for commuting|Yes, as far as casettes go, it's a heavy bugger. But when we're talking about LHTs, who really cares overly much about weight? As a side note, you'd need a mountain derailleur to use the 11-34, but you'd be just fine with the 12-26 for your 105.|
|Shifters|Shimano Dura-Ace 9-speed bar-end||If you're using this for touring, I'd recommend the bar ends. Otherwise, get whatever brifters you like, use a couple of Travel Agents and get some V-brakes.|
|Brake levers|Tektro RL520|Long-pull|Those guys are long pull, so they work with V-brakes and mountain-pull disc brakes. Ergonomics are decent, if a tad too pointy for my tastes.|
|Handlebars|Salsa Bell Lap||No longer being produced, sadly.|
|Saddle|Brooks Champion Flyer||I've put thousands and thousands of miles on this saddle. Love it. It's a little heavy if you're doing light commuting. For daily commuting and touring, though, it's hard to beat.|
|Pedals|Shimano M520||They're pretty low on the totem pole as far as component level, but I've had nary a problem with multiple sets. Clipless that won't break the bank.|
|Chain|SRAM PC-951||It's a cheaper chain more than adequate for commuting and touring.|

All the drivetrain stuff is 9-speed, but you can find the 10-speed equivalents rather easily. In your case, if you're not setting off across the country or across the world on your LHT, I'd say go for a set of brifters. If you want to go 9-speed, I'd look for an older set of Ultegra shifters. For 10-speed, I'd keep it 105 or above...or Rival or above for SRAM. SRAM has a lot more tactile feedback on the shifts while Shimano tends to be smoother. I prefer SRAM, but to each their own. Bar-ends are great and low maintenance, but not being able to shift from the hoods can get a little annoying after a while.

As to online retailers, a lot of parts can be had reasonably from Amazon. I also use Jenson USA. They ship fast, have free shipping on orders above $50, and price match on parts. I use Nashbar occasionally, but their shipping department is woefully slow and I avoid buying from them whenever possible.

Pedal: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WYAENC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1395772017&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

There are other options, but those are the most common, they're cheap, and use the same cleats as the bikes at spin class. You can always upgrade later if you find a reason not to like these; pedals usually come with cleats and most or all MTB cleats use the same 2 bolt mount so they will work with your MTB shoes.

Shoes: go to LBS and try some on. All MTB shoes should be good for walking, but different brands fit differently. Or order online from somewhere with free returns in case they don't fit; the Shimano M-088 are a good start, I love the ratchet buckle.

If you get SPD pedals, the M520's are inexpensive and built like tanks. However they don't have much of a platform, so they can make your feet numb when road riding. I'd suggest something with more a platform for road use when you eventually purchase pedals for the road bike.

As for shoes, you won't go wrong with the Shimano M088. I have the R088 which is the road version, and they're very comfortable and come with ratchet adjustment.

On a side note: I also started out with the PD-A530, however switched to double-sided clips (e.g. these PD-M520)

Can only recommend, e.g. when unclipped at a stop light, you don't need to worry about finding the "correct" side, you can just clip in.
No need to look down to and fiddle with the pedals when accelerating in traffic. You can just keep your head up and watch your surroundings (e.g. right-turning vehicles!!).

Short and leisurely rides with normal shoes can also be managed with these double-sided pedals (however, slightly less comfortable than with your suggestion).

Definitely. If you're new to clipless, I suggest these shimanos:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B000WYAENC/ref=aw_d_cr_sporting-goods

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004XG5XNG?qid=1331411493&sr=8-4

• Fork: JRFOTO Carbon Fork
  
• Wheelset: Weinmann DP18 (already had these)
  
• Pedals: Shimano PD-M520L
  
• Saddle: Charge Spoon
  
• Crankset and BB: SRAM S300
  
• Stem: Not sure of the brand. Took it off of a Surly Steamroller.
  
• Bars: Fyxation Rodeo Pursuit Bullhorns
  
• Bar Tape: [Cinelli GEL Cork] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067ST9XS/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) (I'd never wrapped bars before and this tape is one of the easiest to wrap)
  
  So pretty much the only thing that's the same as when I bought it is the seatpost and seatpost clamp.

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 was in your situation, but I felt that I have a cross bike so I can pull off a SPD cleat.

I use them for 40km rides, haven't gotten fit enough to go higher yet, still practicing hydration and eating while riding. They're great. I would consider them adequate training shoes if you're starting out, and want to commute/ride for fun as well. That's basically what I do, I have one bike that does it all.

I got these shoes from the LBS with these pedals from amazon and I'm happy. The shoes are nice and stiff (they don't bend at all under my bodyweight), and the pedals work, haven't had an unclip incident yet - it was my intro to clipless.

The stiffness makes it awkward to walk on, but not nearly as bad as I imagine SPD-SL cleats to be. I can go into stores without looking like a duck, I can even carry my bike and run with it. (CYCLOCROSS FTW)

Now, in a few years when I may be a more serious roadie, will I want something much lighter and road-specific? Probably. These will do for me until then.

These are what I use:

http://www.amazon.com/Giro-Rumble-VR-MTB-Shoes/dp/B00NEX46ZA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1453674965&sr=8-5&keywords=spd+shoes

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453675001&sr=8-1&keywords=spd+m520

People downvote me because I'm a little weird, but some of these are good, they have the capacity of being clipless, but still having the option of using regular shoes if you feel like it. If you want to save the weight and use only clipless these are good, they're simple clipless pedals, both are rather inexpensive, and if you feel like spending more money

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1310767731&sr=1-1

free ship w/ amazon

2011 Salsa El Mariachi. List of specs here. The only upgrade I made was clipless pedals. I love this bike and I'd be happy to answer any questions about it though I admit I'm a bit of an MTB newb.

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 :)

Lots of us commuters use SPD shoes and pedals. You don't have to, but they're pretty nice. The shoes you'll have to check out for yourself as every foot is different, but I would recommend the Shimano M520 as a great and cheap starter pedal.

I'm not a big fan of campus pedals (one side flat, other side clip), but some folks are. If you really want the best of both worlds I think you'll be better off with something like the Shimano M424.

These will do. http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC

SPD/Speedplay, theyre all very good, but if you want to wear regular sneakers and look normal walking around, i would suggest the following:

The SPD cleat hides in the soles, so you can walk around flat footed without the clack clack clack of normal cycling shoes.

http://amzn.com/B000WYAENC
http://amzn.com/B0058YFFV2

I say this because you have a langster, if you have a traditional road bike and do 80-100 miles or more on a single ride, i would say go with the speedplays, theyre a solid system and so simple, you don't have to think much after you set them up.

You can possibly get them from Amazon for much cheaper than retail. I got my pedals + clips for around $32 (Shimano SPDs). You can get non name brands for cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WYAENC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

My shoes were from the Amazon warehouse, and I paid $40 for them. Someone had bought them, tried them on and they didn't fit well, and did the free return thing. They were in their original box with tags and everything. Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seeks, retailed at my REI for $110ish. Shop around!

Right on, there are so many its hard to know which one to get

what do you think about these?

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Clipless-Bike-Pedals/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_3?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1527762415&sr=8-3&keywords=clipless%2Bmountain%2Bbike%2Bpedals&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011%2Cp_85%3A2470955011&th=1

whats the difference between this and the m530?

You don't need anything as expensive as those - although they are good!

I would personally recommend these http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425894661&sr=8-1&keywords=Shimano+520

They will work with any MTB/SPD type shoes. Such as these http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Off-Road-Sport-Cycling-Shoes/dp/B008K3P6VW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1425894703&sr=8-6&keywords=Shimano+cycling+shoes

So, if I buy them from here what would I do about shoes? Would any biking shoe work and I just pop in the cleats, or do I have to get a certain type?

Thanks for the tip, seems like they have a good rating everywhere.

I went clipless rather recently (yesterday). Go to your LBS, get an accurate shoe size and pick em up online cuz you have more choice and reviews. Good ones come at around 70-100. I bought these guys for 90 bucks and shimano m520's for 30 bucks. Good stuff. Just love them.

I was using Shimano PD-M520 MTB Pedals. Here is the amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374823558&sr=8-2&keywords=shimano+pedals

At that price you may as well get these which are more likely to hold up

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC

I ride something like these and it works with regular shoes but is not ideal:

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520L-Sport-Pedals-Cleats/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1376258412&sr=1-10&keywords=SPD+Road+Bike+Pedals

Funny enough... the pedals I have on there are SPD pedals that came on the bike I previously purchased. They're similar to THESE, which I found on Amazon.

The pedals I will be putting on soon though, are THESE, of which I am a massive fan. They've got SPD clips on one side and a platform on the other side, which means I can clip in when I am using cycling shoes, but can also just hop on with sneaker or any flat soled shoe that I could be wearing. Great for commuting if you don't have room in your bag to switch shoes!

Bike originally retailed for $1,129.99 source

He does say that the shifters need replaced, which is going to run you about $40-$50 for the parts, if you can install it yourself.

I'm a fan of the pedals on the bike, although they aren't that expensive to pick up, about $40. If he isn't selling cleats with the bike, and you don't have cleats, they are going to cost you about $16. I can't tell what kind of bike computer is on there, but low end bike computers can be had for $10-$20, so they usually don't drive up the bike price.

It is nice that it was overhauled recently, but the items listed sound like the bike has not been used gingerly, however that is the norm for mountain bikes. The bike seems reasonably priced, but if you are looking to talk him down I would quote the "scratches and stuff", shifter replacement, possible lack of cleats, and the fact that the drivetrain is previous generation 9 speed, not 10 speed. From the unwillingness to ship and the overall state of the bike, especially the lack of cleaning prior to picture taking, I would bet that the seller is largely trying to get rid of it, as he quoted, "I am buying a new bike & do not have room for a lot of bikes".

My personal strategy, were I negotiating on this bike, would be to cite the problems with the bike, give a lowball offer at $300, and be happy if you were able to scoop it up for $350, though $400 does not seem unreasonable considering the equipment.

Overall I have found that X-7 and X-9 perform well, and personally do not mind running 9 speed kit in my mountain bikes. I have had a lot of success picking up older bikes on craigslist / ebay, and the huge cost savings far outweighs the fact that your bike isn't as shiny.

Don't do a combo. They won't be grippy enough for flats.

https://www.amazon.com/Race-Face-Chester-Pedal-Purple/dp/B018J1IX3C/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1502130991&sr=1-3&keywords=raceface+chester

https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-PD-M520-Clipless-Pedals-White/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502131024&sr=8-2&keywords=shimano%2Bclipless%2Bmountain%2Bbike%2Bpedals&th=1&psc=1

Shimano PD-M520L MTB SPD Pedals with Cleats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_tZRNub0A6ZMNZ

On sale for $36

4.5 stars 400+ reviews.

I've got a TCR Advanced too!

Here's what I use on both my mountain and road bikes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WYAENC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_M1PAzbFHBZ9AA

And my shoes:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O2JMCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z3PAzbXKEGNZ8

A little lower priced than most suggestions here.

It's worked perfectly, but I would stay away from the less expensive SPD pedals not made by shimano, they don't feel nearly as good.

I'm currently using these Talon Fly II's with SPD-M520's. The pedals are great but the shoes do have quite a bit of flex, I also made the mistake of getting them a tad larger than I normally wear.

Yeah I'm on the hunt for a new frame right now, I'm hoping someone will buy mine with the carbon fork for $350. At that point I have $600 to drop on a frameset, but this frame might not sell.

I switched to clipless about a month and a half ago.

Shoes

Pedals

The pedals came with the correct cleats.

Whatever shoes you get make sure they either have or can take toe spikes. They make running up a muddy hill so much easier!

I've used Shimano PD-M520 spd pedals for three years now, with no complaints. Even if you miss a clip in, or if it's clogged and you can't, there's enough of a pedal there you can still lay some power down.

For shoes, last summer I got Shimano's M162 shoe. It's been pretty good, except for some cosmetic stuff. They have removable toe spikes so if the race isn't muddy, or doesn't have a super steep run up, you can still run pretty good in them.

I am wrong and you are right, but the market is still dominated primarily by two types: SPD and SPD-SL. OP, I still recommend you do your own google research and LBS research because everyone has different preferences on pedals and cleats. I ride SPD on my road bikes, yet these are considered mountain bike pedals. Talk to someone at your LBS. As far as cost (and the reason I ride SPD), these are some of the most affordable/cost effective pedals on the market. If you are new to clipping in, you can get nice mountain bike style shoes that will allow you to walk around comfortably also. Also, I apologize, I didn't intend to sound condescending, but I do think a google search will give you more info faster than reddit.