Clipless pedals are essential for any serious rider. Not only do they prevent you from losing grip on the pedal but also allow for a greater energy transfer from your legs to the bike. Shimano SPD pedals are a specific type of clipless pedal - SPD stands for “Shimano Pedaling Dynamics”. Although Shimano invented the SPD system there are a number of other manufacturers who produce pedals using the same system. Prices for Shimano SPD pedals can range up to around $160 depending on which type you go for.
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Shimano PD M424 SPD PedalUS $49.99 |
New Exustar PM25 MTB Clipless Pedal SPD shimano xt m lUS $49.99 |
CLIPLESS MTB BIKE PEDAL SHIMANO SPD CLEAT SEALED SILVUS $49.99 |
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SHIMANO PEDAL PD A520 SPDUS $50.00 |
SHIMANO PD M324 SPD BIKE MTB URBAN HYBRID PEDAL CLEATSUS $52.45 |
New Shimano M324 Clipless SPD pedals MTB pedal platformUS $54.85 |
One of the main advantages of using Shimano SPD pedals is that the shoes which work with them use smaller cleats that don’t protrude from the sole as much as others. This means that it’s possible to walk relatively comfortably in an SPD shoe although this depends on the make and model. SPD pedals also help to maximize power transfer through the shoe and pedal combination. The cleats are designed to make disembarking easy which is important for difficult trails.
A potential problem with SPD pedals is the amount of float that comes with a specific model. Float is the number of degrees which the knee can rotate before excess pressure is put on it. Cheaper SPD pedals have a much smaller range of float and hence alignment of the cleats becomes essential in order to avoid knee injuries.
Shimano SPD XC Pedals
Shimano have a number of different PD pedals which are specifically built for XC bikes and riders. These pedals are the lightest in the collection. Some of the models include the PD-M970 and PD M540.
Shimano SPD All-Mountain Pedals
These mountain pedals were originally built to be used by BMX racers but since then have become more popular for a wider range of cycling types. Some of the models which are included in this category are the PD-M647 and the PD-M545.
Shimano BMX SPD Pedals
These pedals are not just useful for BMX riding but also for general downhill and slalom riding. The two models included within the BMX Pedals range are the MX30 and M647. MX30 pedals for sale often cost around $80 depending on where you buy from. You could always find second hand or used SPD pedals if you’re looking to cut down on costs.
Shimano Multi-Purpose SPD Pedals
As the name suggests, these pedals are built to be used on a variety of different bikes and hence are perfect if you plan on doing more than one type of riding. If you’re going to be using your bike for commuting or just want a casual bike then the Multipurpose pedals are probably the best choice. Models included are the Shimano SPD A530 and M324.
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