Canadian Cycling’s editors favourite gear of 2018 | Spd Pedals

The Shimano M530 SPD pedals are an old favourite and such good value, we put another pair to the test to make sure Shimano are still on the right tracks where these budget busting workhorses are concerned. We’ve used both the M530′s and the more expensive XT SPD’s and we’d be lying if I told you we could tell the difference between the two without looking down. This test set have been used them on average five times a week, in all conditions, the sealed bearings have kept their promise and barred entry of water and mud, providing me with a durable pedal you can rely on. 

Specialized 2FO Flat 2.0 Air mesh on the tongue and uppers provides protection, while most of the stitching on the shoe is hidden beneath a protective layer of rubber. Claimed weight 347g in size 42. $150 USD.

In general, women have narrower ankles than men and smaller feet. Women’s shoes are therefore a slightly different shape, and some models are available in smaller sizes than the 36 that’s usually the lower limit of men’s ranges. Women’s shoes are not always different in design to the men’s version though, sometimes it is just the colourway that changes so check before you buy. As with all shoes, it’s personal preference with regards to fit and just because you are female doesn’t necessarily mean you will be better off in a female style shoe. Try before you buy.

I can use SPDs comfortably, did for the first time on a road bike for a week on holiday, took to them quickly and didn’t fall off sideways once when stopping.

I’ve found platform clip-in pedals ruin my knees. They can effectively remove the free rotation in the clip-in pedal because the sole is in contact with the platform. How good a grip the pedal has on the shoe depends on the combination. I learnt to avoid them many years ago… YMMV

We tried a similar update to the “bar pedal” design years ago. While that proved extremely light, we had trouble clipping reliably. The Pitbull update, however, excelled in ease of use thanks to its large clip-in surface. This comes with a few extra ounces, but Lohmeyer isn’t aiming at a Tour-ready pedal with this system.

Shimano’s SPD-SL system is the clear favourite amongst our team, with US tech editor James Huang, CyclingTips founder Wade Wallace, roving reporter Dave Everett, Australia senior editor Matt de Neef, US editor-in-chief Neal Rogers, and myself all going this route.

The HT X2 pedals fall into the ‘snappy and secure’ category, which won’t work for everyone – especially those new to clip-in pedals. However, it’s their combination of platform shape, cleat options, adjustability, and the robust clip mechanism that saw the X2s take top honours here.

There haven’t been many changes in road bikes in the last 50 years that actually make a big difference (electronic shifting, disc brakes, tubeless tyres, integrated shift levers and clipless pedals are my top five). I’m calling tubeless the second most important (after clipless pedals) with lower rolling resistance, lower weight, greater puncture resistance and better ride quality.

Most riders will want to pair the Hellcats with a clipless pedal that offers a decent platform, like the Crankbrothers Candy or Shimano M530 pedals. In spite of the deep recess, clipping in took very little extra effort compared to shoes with a more front-and-center cleat placement.

Without question, the laces are the defining feature and are a contrast from what’s expected of the Japanese manufacturer. These laces flow in a traditional orientation from the knuckle of your toes through to the top of the shoe’s tongue. At the forefoot, the laces deviate through short loops connected directly to the shoe’s upper, the goal being to help tension and wrap the upper more snugly around the curviest part of your foot.

Apart from the slight squeaking I experienced they performed well – comfortable and secure yet still allowing your joints some freedom thanks to the float.