4.8.2020

I’m a fine-weather cyclist who is happy to go out for short rides or to undertake half-day excursions without any hesitation. Previously, I’ve also enjoyed touring but those days are gone.Throughout, I’ve used toe clips and been reasonably happy with them. Recently, however, I got caught in a sudden downpour and one of the real disadvantages of my toe clips returned; my feet would slip off the pedals in the wet.I made the typical mistake (for me) of not reading the instructions and made the fitting harder than it needed to be. Removing the existing pedals requires one side to be turned on one direction and this is reversed on the other side … good to know beforehand to save some futile grunting.I also managed to put the cleats in facing backwards in my shoe. I didn’t fancy riding sat on the handlebars, so that mistake was quickly rectified!! The cleat screws need to be reasonably tight (allen key required), otherwise the cleat rotates on the shoe and won’t release without prising the clip mechanism with a screwdriver (another lesson learnt the hard way).To fit the cleats, I had to remove a cut-out on the sole of the shoe (a basic, old style Shimano) to reveal two slots. There weren’t any other fittings so I had to buy a plate that fits in a recess inside the shoe. The slots would clearly allow water in so I’ve put some good quality, weatherproof Duct tape on top of the plate, an insole covers the plate and tape. If I find my feet getting waterlogged, I may try some silicone sealant as well. I can’t feel the plate when I’m pedalling.Both of my feet tend to have the toe marginally pointing outwards when riding and I was relieved to find that the cleat can be twisted slightly in the shoe fitting and also there is some movement within the clip, so I can be comfortable.I don’t know why I’ve hesitated. Having fitted the pedals and cleats, I’m perfectly happy with the new system. So far, I’ve had the spring setting on minimum so it is really easy to get out of the cleats (you just twist your heal out sideways). I started on a quiet lane and repeatedly stopped and nucleated to get used to the experience and to develop some muscle memory. I still have to think to twist my foot a junctions but so far, no tumbles. With the toe clips, I needed to set the pedal upright before I could position my toe but having clips on both sides of my new pedals negates this requirement. I don’t find it too difficult locking the cleat into the clip and expect I’ll become more adept with practice.I like to get off my bike and look around places that I’m cycling through. The cleats are slightly recessed into the shoe so walking isn’t too restricted. The really keen cyclists seem to use a different cleats that require them to walk rather awkwardly; not the case with this system.If you’re feeling tempted to try out this pedal, I’d recommend having a go with them. I’m pleased that I’ve made the transition to clipless pedals (ie the pedal doesn’t have toe-clips).

4.2.2014

Update 2: Since buying these, I bought some of the PD-M520 pedals, which are like these but without the platform. I never ride these pedals without proper shoes, and find the cheaper M520s to be just as good as these for riding, with the advantage that they're lighter and cheaper (not much more money that buying the replacement cleats that come with them). I'd recommend the M520s over the M530s now as they're cheaper, lighter and there's no discernible difference when riding clipped in that I can tell.Update: Now the weather has got warmer I've been riding with these, and so far have found them very nice. They're easy to clip in and out of, look good on my bike (which is black) and spin with little effort.

6.1.2015

A number of people advised me to go clipless after I bought my first road bike (although I still don't fully understand why they are 'clipless' given you clearly clip into them. However...) I went for these because of the price, Shimano's reputation and they fact that they have a bit more of a platform - giving you longer to clip in. They are also double sided, so you don't need to have a pedal perfectly positioned.The pedals are a doddle to fit, and easy to adjust. I have the loosest setting, which allows me to clip/unclip every time I stop. It's a weird feeling at first and, sure enough, I fell over the first time I stopped at a busy junction (and was focused on traffic rather than unclipping).

4.1.2014

After a few months of deliberation, I finally decided to drop the bills and get a clipless system as a replacement for my bicycle's toe clips. I wish I had done so sooner – now I can not imagine ever owning a bike without clipless pedals. My pedaling efficiency has gone through the roof, accelerating from a stop is a blast (literally), and my stroke has improved greatly as well. If you are at least semi-serious cyclist who wants to take their riding to the next level, I guarantee you that a set of clipless pedals will do the trick. A feature I really like about the M530s is that, in addition to the wider platform, the pedal is double sided, so clipping in is never a hassle.

23.5.2016

I have these pedals installed on three road bikes. I love them for commuting and weekend riding. Clipping in and out is made easy due to the double-sided clips. You can also adjust the clip-in strength, and on the lowest setting, it is very easy to clip in and out. These pedals are perfect if you are just moving into the clip-less world, or for instilling on y our commuter/city bike where you need to clip in and out of your pedals a lot. Used for 2000 miles so far on my main bike, and still look great. Minimal maintenance required and for £20, I am very happy. MTB SPD cleats (which are used with these) are also very easy to walk in (compared with standard road pedals). A set of cleats are also included in the box,

29.7.2016

Should have bought a set of these 25 years ago. Have used Look cleats on the road bike for years. Recently started riding mountain bikes with platform pedals over 100 miles/week to get off blood pressure meds and the Viagra. Started having tendon problems when my feet would slip off the platforms. Decided to go clipless to ensure proper foot placement on the pedals and hopefully eliminate the tendinitis.Installed these on Saturday night and rode 60 miles on the NCR trail the next day. I set the release very loose for the initial ride but was extremely impressed with how easy they are to get in and out of. Foot placement is very natural, they just seem to find the cleat without having to think.

11.7.2016

I love these pedals! I run SPD's similar to these on my other bikes, they're basically the same pedal without the cage around the cleat. I have close to 4,000 miles on a set of those pedals, and they've required 0 maintenance at that time. I expect these pedals to fare exactly the same way.I bought these for my downhill bike, I just don't feel secure on flat pedals. I figured the cage might give a bit more foot support and might be a bit more forgiving if I become unclipped while descending.They came set up great out of the box, I like an easy release and these were perfect. Also, the fact that you can clip in on either is very convenient.You just can't beat Shimano pedals, they last and last.

8.6.2016

Absolutely superb pedals. I am new to cycling (not just new to cleats) and after about 30 miles I've getting more and more used to these. I've fallen off twice but just yesterday a friend recommended I loosen the tension on the pedal; after watching a video online, I did just that with one pedal (the one I clip out of most when I reach traffic lights - the other stays clipped in most of the time). Since I have loosened the pedal, I've not had another 'clipless' moment again and I don't think I will.I have paired mine with some "Louis Garneau Multi Air-Flex Urban Sport Road Shoes", which I also really like.If you're a beginner like me, then just get on and do it. There's no point learning to ride a bike without SPDs,

12.3.2015

If you're like me, your pedals are going to take abuse. Also like me, you're probably not a professional with a sponsor to pay for top-of-the-line XTR pedals. But these have a similar design and are still made by Shimano so you know they're going to be bulletproof. They aren't as light or fancy as XTR, but at 1/4 of the price they are a steal of a deal.Now picking between these and the similar PD-M520 is a matter of personal preference. Personally I like to have a bit of platform so I can keep pedaling if my cleats don't immediately clip in. Either way you're getting an incredibly durable pedal at a great price.

16.6.2013

This is my first set of clipless pedals & I didn't know what to expect. I still struggle a little to clip in, but I'm getting better. Unclipping is natural, which I discovered when I lost my balance (a very relieving revelation!). I was surprised at the power I was able to produce with them. I live on a steep hill and was riding up it when I veered toward the curb. I swerved out from the curb, powering away as I did so. The pedals allowed me to pull the front wheel off the ground, which I rode UP HILL for about 15+ feet. This is something I don't ordinarily even attempt (never really saw the point) and yet it happened quite by accident. Haven't had the bike out on the single tracks yet,

17.12.2015

These are great as a first introduction to clipless pedals. I've got a pair on my roadie and another on the MTB so I can share shoes between the two.I did have one fall due to these but from what I've heard from riding buddies pretty much everyone has one when they first start. I just forgot I was using them and stopped without unclipping at which point I comically tipped over sideways :/Nice and lights, don't seem to clog up with mud or anything and the cage provides a bigger target than the smaller cageless ones when you're trying to clip your feet in. This prevents the pedal just rolling or slipping down the sole of your foot, and as an added benefit means you can comfortably ride (for short distances)

10.8.2013

This is the first set of clipless pedals I have used, so my opinion is only based on this pedal. However I had been intimidated to switch from flats to clipless because of the being clipped in part. After reading way to many reviews and product descriptions I figured for the price I could give them a try. After getting the pedals I was informed to loosen them all the way so it was easier to unclip. That was good advice- It has been at least 10 rides since I switched and I really do love them, only a few rides to get comfortable with the pedaling and a few more for mastering clipping out. So if you are thinking about switching or need new pedals these are great.

13.8.2014

i like these , i fitted these to my road bike along with the touring shoes , with these you get the best of all worlds the shoes and pedals look great, you can walk almost normally off the bike unlike all those road peddle spd-sl`s who walk like penguins with a crab stuck between the cheeks of there backsidethere easy to clip in and out of and the cleats will last a long long time as there in a recess unlike road cleats which last about 3 months if ur lucky !!i see one review at least mentioned these pedals are heavy what a joke ! lose it of your waist line and have a far better cheaper to maintain bike pedal and cleat ,road bike snobbery has no limits !

15.5.2012

I have to say, I'm very pleased with these low priced spds. They do weight in a little heavy compared to my spd-sl shimano ultegra pedals, but I have them installed on my 2 daily comuters, and I'm not exact watching grams. They clip in on both top, and bottom, and hold steady without any non intentional releasing, they roll as smooth as butter, and in can even ride them with regular flat bottom sneakers, for those days when I have rain booties in the morning, and sunshine in the afternoon. I give them a 4 star instead of 5 only because of the extra ounces, but really a 5 star for price, and function of their intended purposes. SHIMANO RULES!!!!!!!!

4.1.2015

Wasn't sure about buying spd's at first, but these seemed like a good price to try them. They do take a little getting used to, and at first there is an 80% chance you will fall off.I hadn't realised which foot I placed down first when coming to a stop. Which meant I slowly fell to my left as I came to a stop during early use.You do have to prepare for stopping by unclipping and resting your foot on the top of the pedal. But after a short while this will be second nature.These pedals do allow you to adjust the spring tension, which is good if you are a newbie. The size of them also means they are good when just resting your foot on top.

Shimano PD-M530 - Reviews

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