I just purchased a new road bike and want the components interchangeable with my TT bike (wheels/cassettes and pedals/shoes/cleats). So I’m going to buy two pairs of pedals; the TT bike gets new ones too…
I’m switching from original Look Delta style pedals (perfectly satisfied for 15 years and various low-end/entry-level models, but getting harder to find) and have decided to go with Shimano SPD-SL 3-hole pedals. I really don’t need the bling and will not spend the extra $ for Dura Ace.
PD-R540 is their entry level “Road Racing Pedal” (Shimano’s own description)
PD-5610 is their 105 level
PD-6620 is their Ultegra
Seriously, other than a few GRAMS of weight, colors, and one degree of clearance, I don’t see any specification difference in these three tiers. Those minor things aside, all three have alloy bodies and steel spindles, adjustable tension, and optional cleat float.
I’m really interested in performance and durability. I can’t get an answer to whether the all-important “guts” of the pedals, the bearings, differ over this three-product tier range.
Anyone have any idea?
I’ve had 540s and 6620s. There is a world of difference between the two.
the 540s would end up in whatever position they felt like when you unclipped and put your foot down at a stop light. The 6620s are always toe up.
There’s a plastic inset on the platform side of the spindle of the 540s that broke after a couple hundred miles. Nothing structural but after it broke anything could get down in the workings and bearings. The 6620s have been going strong for a thousand miles or so with nothing but scratches from use.
I’ll stay with the 66xx series for future purchases, personally, or whatever replaces that tier is called.
I’ve had the 6620s for about 2.5 years now, without any issue. Highly recommended. Can’t comment on the lower-end models, though.
I have two sets of the 540’s. One on my road bike and one on the TT bike. The all black ones on the road bike have easliy 10,000 miles on them. Zero problems. I will say that I have regreased the bearings twice in three years. The TT bike has the Discovery Channel silvwr ones bought off ebay for under $30. No problems there with a little more than 1200 miles.
I would say they are great. Other than weight, they work and keep on working. Not high on the fashion scale, but again they do work well.
The 105 models up have a replacable plate on the pedal and the 540s don’t. So if durability is a factor go with 105 or Ultegra!
I’ve been riding the same pair of 540’s for years without any problems. If you’re looking for a functional, durable pedal, the 540 is a good choice.
Thank you so much for all the replies. I just purchased two pairs of the 105 level pedals. Two pairs for $160 total, a heck of a deal.
I did finally get through to Shimano’s customer service via phone. Same bearings all three models (Dura Ace different–better). The low end R540’s are a narrower design and not as stable. But no real difference between 105 and Ultegra.
Another satisfied SlowTwitch’er. Thanks crew.