(similar to DaveC's thread)
I have been a long time user of SPDs with shimano mtb pedals. On longer rides I sometimes get hotspots. There are now shimano road pedals taking SPD cleats e.g A520. Anyone tried them?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Stuff
A520 pedals
(12 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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I've used A530's for a while. While the A520 is a one-sided pedal, the A530 is cleat and platform - awfy handy if you need to use your bike but aren't in a position to use SPD shoes.
The most I do is 50-55 miles and am delighted to say that the pedals have given me no complaints.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Ive used A530s for commuting and touring and runs on the winter bike quite extensively. No issues cycling c. 60 miles-ish in them and even longer runs up to 100 miles. Main reason for switching from "regular" MTB-type SPD pedal was so I could use them with a regular shoe on occasions. That and I think they look nicer :)
The A530 has a platform for a regular shoe on one side and SPD mechanism on other. The A520 has a streamlined underside that you could probably use with a regular shoe at a push, but would be like using the "wrong" side of a Look or equivalent sort of pedal.
The body of both the A520 and A530 appear as if they provide extra foot support when you are clipped in to them, however your shoe sits just proud of the pedal and I don't think that is actually the case. A530 seems slightly better made than A520.
So if you were moving from regular MTB-type double-sided SPD pedal, you would get a marginally lighter pedal but lose 1 side. MTB-type might provide extra longevity because you have 2 faces therefore you should wear through each mechanism half as fast?
Posted 12 years ago # -
Although I thought they were Shimano it turns out the pedals I have that I really like are Wellgo WPD-982. In general, the dual use thing is good on a bike that there's a fair chance you'll use them without cleated shoes. If the likelihood is that you'll be using them predominately cleated or uncleated you'd be better off with more specific pedals. Otherwise, half the time, your pedal will be a PITA.
Posted 12 years ago # -
A530 is weighted so that the mechanism face is upwards in the neutral position, so more of a pain in regular shoes than cleated.
Posted 12 years ago # -
From what I can see on t'net about these pedals, the A520 seems more roadie oriented than the A530, with the platform being more for the SPD side (so a true one-sided pedal) rather than acting as an alternative to the SPD. Anyone actually tried them?
Posted 12 years ago # -
These are the ones that I have though by the sounds of it you may have these two. Have used these platform only on a few 30 mile rides with little problem.
Posted 12 years ago # -
@amir the 520 has a more streamlined / compact profile and is slightly lighter, so assume it is aimed at weight weenies who want an extra 1 or 2 degrees of tilt clearance for tight cornering!
Posted 12 years ago # -
I have A530s on the winter single speed. I got them for those occasions when I might want to go without cleats but in truth these have been few and far between. The non SPD side is close to a BMX pedal face, and excellent at providing grip for flat shoes. However, don't expect any foot support from the SPD side. They are good enough, strong and versatile pedals and get me around safely in the winter, but I'm considering A520s for the cyclo cross to see if they gets closer to road pedal speed.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I've got a pair of A515 which are the A520's predecessor. They are are a true "one sided" pedal which is soon apparent if you try to ride unclipped with your foot on the wrong side of the pedal. They do feel as if you have a larger contact area than double sided MTB pedals. My one criticism is they hang upside down when unclipped (not sure if this a problem with A520) and can be a bit fiddly to "flip and clip". However I still favour Look pedals for audaxes and longer distances.
Posted 12 years ago # -
The hanging upside down is, I think, intentional so that when you push off the cleated face is upright as you bring your foot to it. Similar to the way my old Time pedals were weighted to place the clipping surface in the right place to put your foot straight into it. Took a bit of practice to be able to do it consistently.
Posted 12 years ago # -
They do seem to hang differently from other pedals. I've no problem clipping in to Look, Time, Vitus or Shimano Ultegra pedals but A515 are right faff.
Posted 12 years ago #
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