Shimano M520 vs M530 pedals

[Craig Armstrong]

So the time has come that I need to replace my trusty M520 mountain bike pedals.

 

I'm now considering getting the M530's rather than the 520's. 

 

Just wondering if anyone has tried both or has anything to say about the 530's 

( https://www.cyclelab.com/product/shimano-pdm530-mtb-pedals )

 

Also, can anyone tell me the difference between the LX520's and the M520's?

 

Cyclelab don't seem to have the M520's, only these https://www.cyclelab.com/product/shimano-lx520-mtb-pedals

They seem exactly the same though

[Skubarra]

First a dropper post now pedals - did you get a bonus at work? 

 

But to answer the question, why do you want to replace your pedals? Do you want the platform for more stability or do you just want a better specced pedal?

[Craig Armstrong]

First a dropper post now pedals - did you get a bonus at work? 

 

But to answer the question, why do you want to replace your pedals? Do you want the platform for more stability or do you just want a better specced pedal?

 

Hahah well I "need" new pedals because I got my new (second hand) bike without pedals.

 

I could take the M520's off my old bike, but they're a bit worse for wear. I either inherit the old pedals and leave the buyer for my old (cheap) bike to get their own pedals, or I just leave the old pedals on there and get new ones.

 

So I'm not getting the pedals to upgrade spec or for more stability. I'm just in the market for pedals and want to make an informed decision. 

 

I've read some people say that the M530 has better contact and stability, and others say that that doesn't really make a difference when you've got a proper stiff mountain bike shoe.

I tend agree with the second opinion. My shoes are so stiff I can't imagine that I'd really notice that difference. 

 

The ones who say its not about the stability say that its more about ease of clipping in and also being able to put down more power before you've had the chance to clip in properly. That seems like a really nice benefit to me, because I've often got that issue when I'm clipping in and trying to get moving while on a bit of dodgy terrain.

 

I guess the question is whether those benefits are real and worth the price and weight difference

[Skubarra]

Hahah well I "need" new pedals because I got my new (second hand) bike without pedals.

 

I could take the M520's off my old bike, but they're a bit worse for wear. I either inherit the old pedals and leave the buyer for my old (cheap) bike to get their own pedals, or I just leave the old pedals on there and get new ones.

 

I guess the question is whether those benefits are real and worth the price and weight difference

 

If the M520 worked for you and you just want to upgrade to something lighter I think the XT pedals are the next similar pedal (although the price difference is quite steep). Don't know about other brands.

 

Whether it is worth it is entirely subjective, personally can't imagine it will make a massive difference. For me clipless pedals have always just been the thingies that attach my feet to the bicycle, but I'm clearly not the most technical minded cyclist...

[slickjay007]

If you stretch your budget just a little then you can get a pair of XT pedals from Easybike @ R1100.

 

https://www.easybike.co.za/shimano-xt-pedals-pd-m8000.html

 

You won't be disappointed in the build and quality. They are literally bombproof.

[Jewbacca]

The LOOK x-track offer a few price options and are also really good. They use Shimano cleats too.

 

Platform is slightly bigger than the M520 but isn't a cage.

 

Just another option 

[MrJacques]

I haven't tried them, but from the photos I've seen the M530 pedals don't seem to offer that much extra contact area. It also depends on your shoes, some may make better contact with the pedals than others.

[Twaatie]

So the time has come that I need to replace my trusty M520 mountain bike pedals.

 

I'm now considering getting the M530's rather than the 520's.

 

Just wondering if anyone has tried both or has anything to say about the 530's

( https://www.cyclelab.com/product/shimano-pdm530-mtb-pedals )

 

Also, can anyone tell me the difference between the LX520's and the M520's?

 

Cyclelab don't seem to have the M520's, only these https://www.cyclelab.com/product/shimano-lx520-mtb-pedals

They seem exactly the same though

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/shimano-xt-m8000-pedals

[Goodbadugly]

Best value for money pedals are the shimano 540's.

[rorydewet]

https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/shimano-xt-m8000-pedals

 

 

THESE ARE ON SPECIAL FOR 2 HRS AT CWC

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/181697-cwc-sneaky-little-2hr-deal/?do=findComment&comment=3486440

[Skubarra]

THESE ARE ON SPECIAL FOR 2 HRS AT CWC

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/181697-cwc-sneaky-little-2hr-deal/?do=findComment&comment=3486440

 

Thanks guys

 

Craig - I have been eyeing the XT pedals for a while. You wont find a better price (my lbs doesn't even stock them at the moment because they didn't get that in stock from Shimano)