Shimano PD-520 vs PD-540?

[sigsegv]

I've got two bikes. My newer bike has Shimano 520s. My older bike has toeclips. I've (finally!) gotten used to riding with clipless pedals and want to replace the pedals on my old bike to clipless. I'm thinking about getting 520s for my old bike or maybe getting 540s for my newer bike and moving the 520s to my old bike.

Are the differences between the 520s and the 540s worth the extra cash and effort of moving pedals vs just installing the new 520s on my older bike?

Thanks.

-sig

[seanb1974]

haven't used em, but I found a few opinions here...

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=1919147&t=1919147

[markie]

yeah, all the shimano pedals that use the same cleats (858's or something like that used a different cleat) feel the same. I cannot tell the difference. You could probably just get some cheap 747's or M515. I seem to get them second hand for about $10 -$30 and they all seem unbreakable. They are all heavy and all about the same weight.

Although some shimano clone pedals are significantly lighter, Xpedo.....

[sigsegv]

Thanks. Looks like I should just get the 520s and save a couple bucks.

-sig

[saxman]

I believe that the difference between the 520s and 540s is that the 540s have sealed bearings. We did a thread earlier in the year on this forum when I was switching to clipless pedals and the 540s seemed to be the pedal of choice if I was planning on sticking with SPD compatible pedals, which I was.

I've been running the 540s since May and I think they're great. I also have a set of Ritchey Comps on my old bike, and the 540s just blow the Ritcheys away in terms of ease of use, ability to operate under muddy conditions and maintenance.

[mtrostle]

I've run the 520's for about a year and a half now and can't complain. They're a bit heavy but I'm hard on my pedals and they've taken the brunt of just about all my stupid mistakes. Like others have mentioned, the difference between the 520's and 540's are the sealed bearings. If you don't mind spending the extra few dollars, I'd say go for the 540's and put them on your new bike. Your cleats will fit with both.

[markie]

At jenson the 520s are $32. The 540s are $90.

Why anyone buys the 540s is a mystery to me. The retention parts that hold the cleat will probably expire before the bearings.

[BadMammaJamis]

520 Features Per Shimano

Open design pedal in economical price
The open binding mechanism is designed to better shed mud
Low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle
Colors: Black and Silver

Specifications
SPD Cleat Surfaces both surfaces
Pop-up Floating Cage No
Spindle Thread BC 9/16” x 20T.P.I.
Spindle chrome-moly
Cartridge Spindle Yes
Cleat Retention Indicator Yes
Cleat Retention Adjuster Yes
Mud Shedding Design Yes
Pedal Body "aluminum/ barrel (silver) painted (black) "


Cage —
Reflector SM-PD22
Average Weight 380g (pair)
*********************************** ******************************
540 Features Per Shimano

Mud Shedding Compact Open Design
Easy Step-in and Step-out
Lightweight Compact Design
352g (pair)
High performance racing pedal as PD-M959 in affordable price.
The open binding mechanism is designed to better shed mud.
Strong and durable chrome-moly spindle with 8mm Allen key.
Low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle.


Specifications
SPD Cleat
Surfaces both surfaces
Pop-up
Floating Cage No
Spindle Thread BC 9/16"x 20T.P.I.
Spindle chrome-moly
Cartridge Spindle Yes
Cleat Retention Indicator Yes
Cleat Retention Adjuster Yes
Mud Shedding Design Yes
Pedal Body aluminum/painted
Cage No
Reflector SM-PD22

Average
Weight 352g (pair)


Synopsis: 540 can use an 8mm allen (dont need a pedal wrench), both have Low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axles, 540 is slightly lighter, 540 is silver, 520 is black and silver. both received high and close ratings on MTBR.COM. FYI... I got the 540 at Jensons for $50 with a price match (why anyone would buy anything without a pricematch is a mystery to me), which is still more expensive than the 520.