most roadlike mtb pedal

[AngryScientist]

i may have asked this before, but i'm thinking about it again.

i really like SPD-SL pedals, and use them for everything short of off-road rides where i KNOW i will spend some real time on my feet. i just like the secure feeling they provide. i never warmed up to the mtb pedals i've tried, so...

i've tried ATACs, didnt like them. generally have been using SPD pedals for when conditions dictate.

i'll probably just stick with the SPDs, since i use them so un-often, but is there anything new or different that i'm missing? a 2-bolt mtb type pedal that is closer to a road pedal feel?

[R3awak3n]

SPD ES-600 I think is the new model...

however I have heard the older model (A-600) which is what I actually have and REALLY like is better because apparently the new model is harder to clip into (the weight is all wrong so it does not sit in the best position to clip in).

But this pedal is great, looks like a road pedal, decently light and I have been using it for many years and really like it. I actually was looking for another to have, still a bunch around on ebay.

[John H.]

I think part of the equation is proper shoes that interface well with the pedal.

I use Crank Bros on several bikes- Eggbeaters and Candy. But I use the tread adaptors- These pieces allow for a tight interface between the shoe and pedal.

I am using Bont Vapor G shoes- It is a road shoe, but with mtb tread. Specialized makes similar shoes as do most mfg's- Get something with a stiff and rodlike carbon sole.

I hate slop and gave up n both SPD and Time Atac because they are sloppy. Get on a steep climb with high power and low cadence- both start to creak or squeal.

[mtechnica]

By secure feeling do you just mean less float? SPD pedals can hold really well especially when you crank up the retention spring. As others have said the ultegra SPD pedals (A600) are very good IME, although there is also a 105 level one that's pretty much the same except a little heavier (A520). They're good as well.

[alfordjo]

I have the A600 and just built up a bike and put M8020 on it. I know the M8020 is a more traditional MTB pedal, but I like it better than the A600 for one main reason....

The A600 is 1 sided and the clip side always ended up down for me after a stop. The M8020 is double sided (probably a little heavier also) but on the few rides I have been on these pedals I like them better.

[veloduffer]

I use the Shimano A520 on nearly all my bikes. Simple, clean looks and inexpensive (<$50). Works with Shimano mtb cleats.

I pair them with high-end mtb shoes with carbon soles, so I pretty much get the lightweight of road pedals but walkability of SPDs.

[cyat.es]

I’ve been using Speedplay Syzrs. The get bad reviews as mtn pedals, which I can understand, but with a stiff shoe they’re pretty road-like, as the interface is entirely in the cleats, not with the shoe soles.

The thing I don’t like about them is the weird front release. If your toes are pointed down on really rough terrain they can release unexpectedly. Not great.

[NHAero]

Also thinking of a change in clip-in pedals and like walkable shoes. Have used Eggbeaters for years, thinking about a change. Would these A-600 pedals work with standard MTB shoes? My current pair are Diadora carbon X Vortex Pro, with dual boa closures, which I really like.

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

SPD ES-600 I think is the new model...

however I have heard the older model (A-600) which is what I actually have and REALLY like is better because apparently the new model is harder to clip into (the weight is all wrong so it does not sit in the best position to clip in).

But this pedal is great, looks like a road pedal, decently light and I have been using it for many years and really like it. I actually was looking for another to have, still a bunch around on ebay.

[Jaybee]

Any shoe that accepts Crank Bros 2 bolt cleats will accept SPD 2 bolt cleats.

[warren128]

I standardized many years ago on Shimano PD-6500 Ultegra SPD road pedals. They are single sided SPD pedals. They just work for me, and I'm not bothered by the fact they they are single sided.

Since these are no longer made, I have some spares stored away, just in case.

They come up for sale on eBay every so often.

[AngryScientist]

SPDs seem like the majority win!

i've got a few majorish gravel rides planned this year that i'll swap to mtb pedals for, since chances are good i'll have to foot it a bit.

[rwsaunders]

The Shimano A600 pedals work with MTB shoes that accept SPD cleats and the platform is similar to a road pedal. My only complaint is that the pedals can only be removed with an Allen wrench and not a pedal wrench. I use the pedals most frequently in the rain and slush and they are a bear to remove with an Allen wrench when they don’t want to release, regardless of how well I’ve greased the threads.

[NHAero]

Thanks all.
Timely thread, as my Eggbeaters were chirping the last few weeks and I've been thinking about going back to SPDs, and was totally not up on current tech.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by NHAero

Also thinking of a change in clip-in pedals and like walkable shoes. Have used Eggbeaters for years, thinking about a change. Would these A-600 pedals work with standard MTB shoes? My current pair are Diadora carbon X Vortex Pro, with dual boa closures, which I really like.

as said, yes they would and work very well.

Also you get a nice platform which is why I prefer them to say 2 side SPD pedals. They are very nice, easy to clip in, look great on a road bike. Only thing you might miss is 2 sided but to me not something I ever need when I ride my roadie.

[Duende]

Late to the party, I know. But another Syzr user here. Yes, the unexpected tow-out release can be a pain. But after a few years of use, I have to say they have held up really well and feel more like road shoes than prior MTB pedals I’ve used. Recommend them for gravel riding only. Not MTB or cyclocross