Shimano SPD Pedal PD-M424 Product Review Final Review

I wasn’t able to race in my new Shimano SPD Pedals this weekend since this seems to be the summer of cancelled mountain bike races. I did manage to get out on a couple group rides, where clipping in and out and frequent stops helped me decide if these Shimano pedals were keepers.

Tension on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424

If you caught my on the trail report about the Shimano Pedals last week, you’ll remember I was having problems with the tension on the clips. I took the pedals out for their maiden voyage, only to discover half way up a tricky section that they were too tight and I couldn’t clip out. I’ve had my share of crashes due to clipless pedals, but typically you seem to pop out somewhere in the air and land unattached to your bike. Nope, not that time. Still completely clipped in.

After fiddling with the pedals some more, I think I’ve finally adjusted them correctly. I have to say, this whole debacle was due to my inexperience working on pedals. I definitely recommend checking the tension before you hit the trails.

Replaceable Resin Platform on Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424

Since I’m only half a dozen rides in on these pedals, I can’t completely attest to how well the replaceable resin platforms will hold up. Like I mentioned before, I owned a similar pair of Shimano SPD Pedals and had them close to eight years with absolutely no problems. On the other hand, the most common complaint I hear from other riders about these pedals is that the platform breaks easily.

To Go SPD or Not?

The clipless pedal market has been evolving, thanks to great new companies creating new technology. It used to be that the only decent clipless pedal you could buy was a Shimano and an SPD. Now there are companies sporting, friendlier clipping in and out and easier mud shedding. I considered this before reinvesting in my old favorite Shimano pedal, but in the end my shoes worked with SPD and I had fond memories of my old pedals so back to them I went.

I ride some very muddy trails, especially this summer. I found that while the Shimano may not be the best at shedding mud, it get the job done. A little touch up work post ride with a brush helps keep them clean too.

Final Thoughts on the Shimano SPD Pedals PD-M424

Overall, I’m still smitten with these pedals. Once the tension is adjusted correctly, they’re easy to get in and out of. They are also dual sided, making getting in and out even easier. The great wide platform, made from the replaceable resin cage, helps riders who like to unclip for technical terrain.

My past experience tells me that platforms should hold up to how I ride, but if you’re a crasher and burner type of rider, you may need to replace the cages more frequently. While the Shimano pedals aren’t super for shedding mud, with careful cleaning post ride they stay manageable.

Pros

Easy in and out
Platform for casual riding
Decent price point
Work with my bike cleats

Cons

Resin cage may break easily
May be difficult to keep clean


Photos





Even shooting a Panda with my pedals.

Read On the Trail Report about the Shimano SPD Pedals
Read Initial Thoughts about the Shimano SPD Pedals

Disclaimer: Product Reviews are based on opinion only and are not intended to condone, encourage, or promote a product. Some products are sent to me by the manufacturer or affiliates and are mine to keep. I mention this specifically on products sent to me. Compensation and/or product and/or services never interfere with the review of the product. Otherwise, products and services are purchased by me for personal use. Pedals were purchased by me.