Shimano R540 Pedal

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2009-07-31 12:33 PM

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Atlanta
Subject: Shimano R540 Pedal
What is everyone's thoughts on these?  Good/bad?   Cause problems?

2009-07-31 7:42 PM
in reply to: #2319817

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Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
They'll do until you can get real pedals.

They don't go to a known position, they crack a lot easier than other pedals and they will wear out a whole lot faster.

2009-08-05 12:44 PM
in reply to: #2319817

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal

They are the entry-level Shimano SPD-SL pedals.  I've got the mid-level Ultegra version and like them a lot.

They have two cleats choices: you'd probably want the yellow with 60 of float, as opposed to the red with no float.

Not sure about the R540's but my Ultegras hang in the same position and I can clip in without looking most times.

Mark 

2009-08-06 2:31 AM
in reply to: #2319817

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Extreme Veteran
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Cornfield in Northern Iowa
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal

x2 on the entry level. just like anything else, you get what you pay for.

I have been riding on my 540s for 2 years and not had any problems with them. That being said if you are fine with spending the extra few bucks I would go with the Ultegras

2009-08-07 8:15 AM
in reply to: #2320713

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DC
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
"... and they will wear out a whole lot faster."

I have DA's on my tri & the 540's on my road. The 540's seem to not "stick" as well to the cleats (same shoes/cleats used for both bikes) whereas w/the DA's, I'm like one w/my bike. Is that what you mean by wearing out? From reading your response, I'm wondering if I can make my road bike (complete 105 save the pedals) a better ride w/pedal upgrades.
2009-08-07 8:55 AM
in reply to: #2333740

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Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
Porfirio - 2009-08-07 9:15 AM

"... and they will wear out a whole lot faster."

I have DA's on my tri & the 540's on my road. The 540's seem to not "stick" as well to the cleats (same shoes/cleats used for both bikes) whereas w/the DA's, I'm like one w/my bike. Is that what you mean by wearing out? From reading your response, I'm wondering if I can make my road bike (complete 105 save the pedals) a better ride w/pedal upgrades.


Basically. Whatever they use to make them seems to give a little easier than my Ultegra pedals and seems to stretch a bit after a while so the cleat doesn't feel as attached.

As I said, they're good pedals for the price. They'll get you going until you can get better pedals and they'll give you time to get the money together. If you stay with Shimano you don't even have to change cleats


2009-08-07 9:59 AM
in reply to: #2319817

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Expert
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Austin
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
I've been getting a pain in my right knee from using the R540's, as far as I can tell the cleats are even and I've had my peal stroke looked at multiple times at the LBS with no apparent problems. Could this be due to the float in the pedal? or that I'm using the lowest of the low with regards to pedal quality? Or do I just need to keep fiddling with the fit to try and fix the problem?
2009-08-07 10:09 AM
in reply to: #2334013

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Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
F1longhorn - 2009-08-07 10:59 AM

I've been getting a pain in my right knee from using the R540's, as far as I can tell the cleats are even and I've had my peal stroke looked at multiple times at the LBS with no apparent problems. Could this be due to the float in the pedal? or that I'm using the lowest of the low with regards to pedal quality? Or do I just need to keep fiddling with the fit to try and fix the problem?


It could be any of those or a combo of them or moon angle and no regard to any of them. I'm only partially kidding. If I were in your (bike) shoes I would
1) Get better pedals
then
2) Spend the money and get a tri bike fitting, $200-300.

It could be as easy as changing the pedals out to ones that don't give at all. It could be you need a shim in your cleat on that side. It could be a lot of things.
2009-08-07 11:26 AM
in reply to: #2319817

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Austin
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
It's only money right Tongue out
2009-08-07 12:00 PM
in reply to: #2334263

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Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
F1longhorn - 2009-08-07 12:26 PM

It's only money right Tongue out


If your knee hurts which is cheaper, the new pedals and a fit or the ortho appointments 10 years from now?

Just something to keep in mind.
2009-08-07 9:47 PM
in reply to: #2319817

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Expert
1139
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Austin
Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
Actually went back to the LBS today and tweaked around with the pedals and ended up buying a new set of cleats (apparently wore them too often off the bike). I'll put some miles on them and possibly move them around some more and see how that goes.

2009-08-07 11:05 PM
in reply to: #2319817

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Subject: RE: Shimano R540 Pedal
hmmm, I've got almost 10,000 miles on my R540s, still going strong
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