Shimano PD-A520

Price Paid:  $80.00 at don't remember (onli

Bike Setup:
Bianchi San Jose, single speed

Summary:
I bought these for my commuter, hoping I could use them with normal shoes for running errands. I like them as a clip-in pedal, but the platform side is a big disappointment.

Strengths:
The SPD side works very well, in fact better than I expected. Maybe because I used to ride with Nashbar or Performance imitations in the past, never Shimano?

Clipping in and out is very easy and repeatable, with a positive click.

No accidental unclippings.

Wider platform eliminated hot spots I used to get with Crank Bros and Bebop pedals on longer rides (40-50 miles).

Weaknesses:
Platform side not flat. I don't like slight bulge over the axle, doesn't feel good through a soft sole.

Platform cage is also very smooth, making this side very slippery when wet.

Pedals are not well weighed. They usually position themselves with the SPD side down, but do so reluctantly and not always fully. Sometimes they get stuck somewhere in between. The end result is that I pretty much always have to look down to clip in.

Similar Products Used:
Crank Bros, Bebop, platform pedals

Price Paid:  $46.00 at Philippines

Bike Setup:
giant tcr w/ ultegra 10spd, including ultegtra wheelset

Summary:
Big improvement in comfort from previous product used-pdm540. NO more sore foot on long rides. I suppose using road pedals will improve sole stiffness and performance even more. But I personally like using mountain shoes over road shoes when out of the bike

Strengths:
stiffer than standard mountain pedals.

Weaknesses:
heavy compared to pure road pedals. Still not as stiff

Price Paid:  $65.00 at bike shop

Favorite Ride:
Old mountain bike

Summary:
I needed something cheap for riding around town. I would have sworn that Shimano would have weighted these pedals so they would flip down when released, but nooooo. You must look down to see if the pedal is upside down before you try to clip in and half the time they are.

Strengths:
Look good.

Weaknesses:
Pedals are not weighted so they will flip in the right entry position.

Similar Products Used:
speedplays

Price Paid:  $60.00 at nashbar

Favorite Ride:
Pisgah nat. forest

Bike Setup:
Cdale Synapse carbon w/ Ultegra.

Summary:
This is not the lightest, flashiest, most high tech pedal around. You will never see a set under Lance's feet. But it's a GREAT pedal for casual roadies. You can wear MTB shoes and actually get off the bike and walk! No more skating thru a convienence store mid ride for a bottle of gatorade! What a revelation!

Strengths:
being able to use MYB shoes [Wakability]

Weaknesses:
Using these "recreational" pedals means you admitting you are never gonna win the tour.

Similar Products Used:
Many, many Look, campy, shimano pedals over the past 20 years. I can finally walk like a human! Hoo Nu?!

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Wheat Ridge Cyclery,

Favorite Ride:
Three Capes Scenic Loop

Bike Setup:
2008 Trek Madone 5.2 OCLV Black (two weeks old)
Previous bike was a 2006 Trek Madone 5.2 SL, which these pedals were installed on.

Summary:
I have used this pedal for about 2 years now, and it was my first road pedal. I chose it because of compatibility with my older mountain-type pedals, price, and because the overall weight of the pedal/cleat system was pretty comparable with some of the other pedal systems I was considering.
After about 7000 miles with these pedals, I have no complaints about durabiltiy or performance. Clipping in takes a little practice, but I still find it easier than any of the double sided SPD-type pedals I have ever used. I have never pulled out of these pedals even on sustained, high-effort climbs of 12-15% grade.
This pedal is not the latest, greatest, lightest, or snazziest pedal on the market, but it is solid, reliable, durable and a good value.

Strengths:
SPD compatibility, good value, durable & reliable. Not flashy.

Weaknesses:
A little bit heavy, some foot fatigue after rides of 80-100 miles. Not flashy.

Similar Products Used:
Scott 2-sided SPD type mountain pedals (ca. 1995), Nashbar "rodeo" pedals (platorm on one side, SPD on the other)