Not another pedal question...

[Cadel]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone has tried both Shimano R540 and the 105 SPD SL (or Ultegra) and noticed a big difference?
To me they look the same and apart from the weight saving can't really explain the price difference

[usernameforme]

Shimano R540 and 105 5700 here,

The 105 has much less float, has better bearings and requires less tension to get the "tension" (the clicking out difficulty) I want. The finish of the 105 is also nicer, with a metal plate instead of a plastic one for the body

[Rex Chan]

I thought float was due to the cleats used, and not the pedal?

Also, release tension is adjustable on the pedal body. I went with 105 cos not much price diff ~40 vs ~$60, and aforementioned metalness.

[usernameforme]

The R540 has an extra 3 degrees of float built in

[Xplora]

I'm absolutely HATING my entry level SPDs (actually, I'm going to swap them over today with my good SPDs, it's making me angry just thinking about it) because Shimano is prepared to let customers suck it and see when it comes to clipless. If you are seriously tight, don't get anything. I'd save the extra 20 bucks and get the metal Ultegra pedal because they DO spin a million times better. Get them online, you're laughing.
It's a worthwhile investment because you'll be able to sell them easier, and honestly, you just don't want ANY problems with your entry and exit on clipless.

[Cadel]

Thanks guys,

I think I will wait until my current R540 die and then buy the 105s

[Reman]

I'm absolutely HATING my entry level SPDs (actually, I'm going to swap them over today with my good SPDs, it's making me angry just thinking about it) because Shimano is prepared to let customers suck it and see when it comes to clipless. If you are seriously tight, don't get anything. I'd save the extra 20 bucks and get the metal Ultegra pedal because they DO spin a million times better. Get them online, you're laughing.
It's a worthwhile investment because you'll be able to sell them easier, and honestly, you just don't want ANY problems with your entry and exit on clipless.

You do realise the only difference between the different SPD levels (at least the M series) is the axle and cosmetic changes? That's why I got the M520s, not worth the extra cost.

[warthog1]

The R540's won't die they'll just keep going and going. What they will do is wear out the plastic wear plate in a short period of time and the cleats will then commence eating into the body of the pedal resulting in vertical play between the pedal and cleat/shoe. Get rid of them and upgrage to the 5700 or 6700 with the broad stainless steel wear plate. You wont regret it.

[Xplora]

I'm absolutely HATING my entry level SPDs (actually, I'm going to swap them over today with my good SPDs, it's making me angry just thinking about it) because Shimano is prepared to let customers suck it and see when it comes to clipless. If you are seriously tight, don't get anything. I'd save the extra 20 bucks and get the metal Ultegra pedal because they DO spin a million times better. Get them online, you're laughing.
It's a worthwhile investment because you'll be able to sell them easier, and honestly, you just don't want ANY problems with your entry and exit on clipless.

You do realise the only difference between the different SPD levels (at least the M series) is the axle and cosmetic changes? That's why I got the M520s, not worth the extra cost.

Sorry, got to disagree on this. Used M324s and I think its M505 (the lowest level), and I have the M770 XT and the XT is like a completely different system... it's like forks vs splades. They both poke food, but holy moly... it's just not the same thing. Cervelo vs Chinarello... that's with the same SPD cleat as well! I really have to swap it over actually.

[usernameforme]

how did the discussion from road pedals move into the MTB realm?

[Cadel]

The R540's won't die they'll just keep going and going. What they will do is wear out the plastic wear plate in a short period of time and the cleats will then commence eating into the body of the pedal resulting in vertical play between the pedal and cleat/shoe. Get rid of them and upgrage to the 5700 or 6700 with the broad stainless steel wear plate. You wont regret it.

SOLD!
thanks warthog1

[mikesbytes]

What's the difference between 105 and Ultegra ?

[Ozkaban]

What's the difference between 105 and Ultegra ?

I'd like to know this too. I have 105 on my otherwise full ultegra bike and have been pondering upgrading the pedals as the 105 ones are getting scrappy looking... The price difference in remarkable though, and I've wondered if it's worth it.

[Xplora]

This is only experience from a display at the Rouse Hill Trek shop, but the smoothness of the bearings was DRAMATICALLY better as you go up the food chain. I think that you aren't really getting the value with DuraAce, but I thought that with the carbon Ultegra as well. Eat more fibre and you'll lose that race weight easily.

[warthog1]

What's the difference between 105 and Ultegra ?

I have 2 pairs of ultegra and 1 pair of 105. Just went out and spun each of the pedals. If I was blindfolded I could not pick the difference, the bearings feel the same. The weight is almost the same I think, so I am buggered if I know what the difference is. Save your money and get the 105 I reckon

[Reman]

What's the difference between 105 and Ultegra ?

I have 2 pairs of ultegra and 1 pair of 105. Just went out and spun each of the pedals. If I was blindfolded I could not pick the difference, the bearings feel the same. The weight is almost the same I think, so I am buggered if I know what the difference is. Save your money and get the 105 I reckon

As per my previous post, if you look up the Shimano tech docs for their pedals all models are identical except the axle and cosmetics. The reason for axle changes are probably weight related.

Save your money it's not worth it except for bling.

[Ozkaban]

Looking into it, the weight difference is about 11g per pair. Guess I'll stick with the 105s....

[mikesbytes]

105 vs Ultegra - is there any differences in bearing quality, impacting durability?

If not then it sounds like if going down the SPD-SL path I should use 105 on bikes not being raced on and Dura-Ace on the ones used for racing.

[Reman]

Bearings are identical on all models, 105 through to DuraAce. Axles are identical between 105 and Ultegra.

http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/EV/bikecomponents/PD/EV-PD-5600-2573_v1_m56577569830608602.pdf

[mikesbytes]

Thanks for that.

Looks like the only differences of note are;
- 540 plate is plastic, others have metal plate.
- Weight. 2013 Durace carbons are 70gms lighter than 105 Alloy pedals, which in itself is 11gms lighter than 540. IE there is 81gms weight difference between the very cheapest and the most expensive.

[warthog1]

As per my previous post, if you look up the Shimano tech docs for their pedals all models are identical except the axle and cosmetics. The reason for axle changes are probably weight related.

Save your money it's not worth it except for bling.

Thanks, I don't need anymore but they'd be 105 if I did then.

[bellarinebiker]

Get yourself a pair of Look Keo blades- you won't look back!

[MarkG]

I got DA 9000 last month. Awesome