Shimano’s PD M540 SPD pedals are some of the most classic options you can get for your gravel or mountain bike. They offer very reliable performance in a serviceable package at a very affordable - although not the cheapest - price point, making the a very strong contender amongst the best mountain bike pedals.
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Shimano PD-M540 Pedal - Technical details
The PD-M540 (we'll call it the M540 from now on) is one of Shimano’s most popular dual-sided SPD pedals, claiming to offer classic reliability and performance.
The pedal body of the PD-M540 is compact but the open design aims to help clear off mud and muck. The cleat entry and release tension can be dialled in easily with an Allen key. The spindle on these pedals is made of Chromoly and inside the pedal body, the pedal is turning on a low-maintenance sealed cartridge bearing.
There are two colour options for these pedals; silver and black.
The claimed weight for a pair is 352g - which was exactly what they came in on my scales. The pedals come in a box with a pair of brass SPD cleats - those are not included in the weight, though.
Shimano PD-M540 Pedal - Performance
I’ve been testing the M540 pedals alongside Shimano PD-M520s and hence, have been closely comparing every aspect of the two models, which are pretty identical, including their performance. Both M540 and M520 are basic SPD pedals - they are not claiming to be the lightest or made with fancy materials, but rather offer you a reliable, affordable pedal that will serve you for years - and that is exactly what they do.
The major difference between the two is the axle, which on the M540 is slimmer, meaning that it doesn't work with a pedal spanner, and the only way to attach these to your cranks is an 8mm Allen key. Whether anyone uses pedal spanners outside bike workshops - and when your pedal is stuck - is up to debate, but if you want the option you will have to look at the PD-M520 instead.
The way these pedals work is simple; the pedal is dual sided so your SPD cleat clicks into the locking mechanism on either side and for me, this system has worked faultlessly. You simply push the cleat in to lock and twist the foot outwards to unclip. The degree of this twist can be adjusted. I usually find that the pedals are slightly too loose out of the factory, and loosen in use over the years, but adjusting the tension is dead simple even mid-ride with an Allen key.
The open construction of these pedals has been good for keeping them clean and maintained. The only thing that I found the pedals struggle to shake off is sticky snow - but that is a rare thing in my usual surroundings. The spring tension system doesn't need much maintenance but spraying any muck off is easy with a hose, and I've followed that with a protective, moisture-and rust-repelling spray such as Muc-Off Bike Protection or GT85 which keeps the pedals working smoothly for years. The bearings themselves rarely need replacing as they're sealed, and in the three months I've been riding with these pedals, I've not noticed any wear at all.
The parts, from bearings to the pedal body on these pedals are fully replaceable. Replacing parts instead of buying a new pedal might not necessarily save you loads of money, as one side axle replacement set looks to retail for around £20, but the fact that the pedal is serviceable is a sustainable bonus.
Shimano PD-M540 Pedal - Verdict
Shimano PD-M540 Pedals retail for £70. In comparison, the M520 retails for £45 , which is substantially less considering both of the pedals feature the same materials and structure.
The only difference between the two is the spindle, which on the M520 has a pedal spanner flat, whereas the M540 has a sleeker body that only takes an 8mm hex key. I really find it hard to pinpoint if this makes a difference in performance, and would argue that it doesn't. The weight difference between the two is 28 grams which again, for an amateur rider is likely unnoticeable.
While the PD-M520 is cheaper than the M540, both of these pedals are still in the very affordable category. If you go up a notch and look at the Shimano XTR SPD pedal, the price doubles (£140). Simultaneously, you get two spindle lengths, a low 310g weight and a wider contact area that aids stability.
If you want an affordable, reliable and sleek-looking pedal then the Shimano PD-M540 is a great dual-sided option that will serve you for a very long time.
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