new reviews browse reviews search
submit a review
rframe
User image

Shimano PD-R540 review

  • Price Paid:$26.00
  • User rating:
    (4.7)
  • Would buy again from this company: Yes
  • Used product for: 3 months
  • # of logged workouts:

"Outstanding value clipless road pedals for beginners, budget-concious, and commuters."rframe

(5)

Ease of installation

Easily installed with a standard bicycle pedal wrench

(4)

Ease of use

The PD-R540 is an entry level road pedal that is simple to use. Cleat tension is easily adjusted with the allen screw on the back. If you are new to clipless pedals start with at low tension that is easy to clip out of, as you gain experience you can tighten them for a more secure binding. If you are used to double-side clipless pedals the PD-R540 can take a little getting used to. I find it takes a little more "searching" to get the cleats aligned and locked into the pedal. Also if you are taking off quickly (like from a city stop light) and you kick at the pedal to clip in, it's possible to flip it and be pushing your foot against the now upside-down pedal... which simply wont work. You can flip the pedal with your toe, but it can be annoying if you're in a hurry and find yourself glancing down at the pedal in traffic. Many road pedals are like this though.

(5)

Quality of Construction

This is a very sturdy pedal, the body is aluminum and the spindle is steel. It's a good looking pedal as well and can be purchased in white or black to compliment your bike and/or kit.

(5)

Fit

There's really no fitting involved with pedals. The cleats that come with it give 5 degrees of float and I believe you can purchase other SPD-SL cleats with varying float if you need it.

(5)

Comfort

These give a nice wide area of support for extended pedaling comfort on long road rides.

(5)

Adjustability

Good range of tension which is easily adjusted with an allen wrench and audible clicks to recognize setting increments.

(5)

Durability

These are sturdy and well built. With their aluminum body they should hold up as well or better than any pedal out there.

(5)

Value

These list at $60 but can be found for $25 regularly. They are an incredible value at that price. At 330gr they are heavier than top of the line pedals, but they are not that heavy and are idea for a new cyclist or someone more interested in durability than in counting grams.

(5)

Appearance

Sleek look with clean lines and two color options.

(4)

Customer Service

I have no experience using Shimano customer service.

(4)

Performance

Great value, with a small weight penalty traded for durability. Great overall use pedal.

Strengths

Low cost, strength, clean lines, good platform size.

Weakness

Slightly heavy for a racing pedal.

Read 3 more reviews  
Buyers clubPD-R540
  • 2 people use
  • 84 workouts logged
  • 1343.53 miles / 88.8 hours logged