XT/XTR pedals

[rice rocket]

Are they a lot better than the entry level Shimano SPD pedals?

I like their DuraAce pedals, but I am less pleased with their entry level PD-M520. Release isn't smooth and I've gone down a few times when I've been unable to unclip. Should I be trying the XT level pedal before I give up? Or just go to Crank Bros or TIME?

[irideti]

My M970 have been trouble free for more 2 years. The clip-in and clip-out stays smooth and positive w/o any love. However I live in dry Southern California so I can't tell you anything about riding them in the rain.

[KF9YR]

I have the XTR ones on my mtb.

They are very very nice. Positive click when I clip in and smooth release.

I was unable to clip in a couple of weeks ago on a muddy ride but it was very thick mud that built up between the cleat and the rubber cleat that surrounds it. My buddy had the same experience with his eggbeaters and we had to find small rocks to dig the mud out.

I wear Bontrager RXL mtb shoes and he wears Sidis (there were a lot of other people cleaning mud out of bikes and cleats at the same spot though).

[crownjewelwl]

I had xtrs but the newer ones don't seem to shed mud as well

I switched to crank bros candy

[Sheldon4209]

I have found that the XTR pedals last much longer than the cheaper SPDs. I ride them on tandems on the road and the XTR pedals seem to last for ever.

[Gummee]

I've got a pair of 970s and a pair of 980s.

Coming from some ancient ATACs they feel a lot firmer when you click out. Can't tell you about mud clearance. :dunno

Rode the 980s today on a 3hr gravel road ride. Felt like pedals.

M

[sashae]

I'm still using older XTR M-959s. They're bulletproof, racing cross, riding mtn, fixed in the city... Love em. Great pedals.

[HenryA]

XT and XTR pedals are excellent and last a long time.

[ctbiker]

Any thoughts on the new Shimano M985 XTR Trail Pedals (with the wide-platform body/cage) vs the regular M985's ?

Is there a *real* advantage with the cage or is it just "marketing"?

Thanks,

Ray in CT

[likebikes]

love high end spds.

[gdw]

I haven't noticed any real difference in performance between 520's and the more expensive models. The higher level models are lighter, better finished, and use higher quality bearings which justifies the price. What kind of shoes are you using? Are the soles rubber or vibram?

[rice rocket]

The soles are carbon with rubber tread. I feel like I either need to dial down the tension and risk pull-out, or nearly break my ankle trying to release.:mad:

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Specialized-Pro-Carbon-BG-Mountain-Bicycle-Shoes-Clipless-Compatible-Size-40-5-/00/s/NzEyWDk1MA==/$T2eC16RHJFoE9nh6nwm0BP6k7y(2jw~~60_57.JPG

[Nelson99]

I use Time ATAC pedals on my mtb, cross, and commuters and I think they work great. I really prefer them over spd. I haven't tried the XTR pedals, but I did ride XT's for quite a while. Current ATACS come in lots of fLavors. I like the xs on commuter and cross, but prefer the platform style on my MTB. Never pulled out when I didn't want to, never had trouble clipping in when I did. Always found entry better than spd, exit too.

[gasman]

I didn't like the ATACs as much but I did use an older model.
I have XT's and XTR's. I prefer the XTR's-little easier engagement and dis-engegement.Never have had a problem unclipping even when racing cross. Only balled up with mud in one race but the mud was a lot of clay.