Using Shimano A520 pedals without the cleats as a regular pedal
08-22-12, 10:41 AM
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Using Shimano A520 pedals without the cleats as a regular pedal
I use typical 'cage' type pedals on my commuter bike. They look like this:
https://media.nashbar.com/images/nash...-NCL-ANGLE.jpg
What I don't like about them are:
* I end up with cuts and scratches on my legs from the teeth on the pedals
* I would prefer narrower pedals -- makes it easier getting in and out of elevators and doors
What do you think of taking Shimano A520 (or A530) pedals, removing the cleats in the pedals, and using them with normal sneakers? I saw it once on the street but didn't have time to ask the guy.
A520 image: https://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...-.pd_road.html
* They are narrower than standard pedals so they won't get caught on doorways as much.
* Is it annoying to always have to flip the pedal to the proper side?
* Is the pedal (without cleats and bike shoes) too narrow for adequate power transfer?
Would love to know if anyone's tried this.
https://media.nashbar.com/images/nash...-NCL-ANGLE.jpg
What I don't like about them are:
* I end up with cuts and scratches on my legs from the teeth on the pedals
* I would prefer narrower pedals -- makes it easier getting in and out of elevators and doors
What do you think of taking Shimano A520 (or A530) pedals, removing the cleats in the pedals, and using them with normal sneakers? I saw it once on the street but didn't have time to ask the guy.
A520 image: https://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...-.pd_road.html
* They are narrower than standard pedals so they won't get caught on doorways as much.
* Is it annoying to always have to flip the pedal to the proper side?
* Is the pedal (without cleats and bike shoes) too narrow for adequate power transfer?
Would love to know if anyone's tried this.
08-22-12, 10:54 AM
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Haha, of course... but doesn't look as cool as the A520 in chrome without the cleat in.... 
08-22-12, 10:57 AM
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08-22-12, 11:17 AM
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Those things look really small to use as a platform pedal. I think you would be a lot happier with bigger platforms. I got some BMX pedals from my LBS, and I'm really happy with them. You can get snazzier pedals.
08-22-12, 11:47 AM
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I think it'd work. If I were to do it, I'd have two main concerns:
1. The pedals are so small my feet not be quite centered enough and might slip off at some inopportune time. I've had this happen when, in a pinch, I've used regular SPD pedals with normal shoes.
2. The pedals might be very slippery when they are wet (could exacerbate 1). I ride in the rain and snowy conditions; non-issue if you don't.
There are also other pedals that are cage/platform that don't have such pronounced teeth - both metal and plastic that would be a lot cheaper. However, if you really just want the A520 and like that look, and have seen someone else do it, you know it could work.
1. The pedals are so small my feet not be quite centered enough and might slip off at some inopportune time. I've had this happen when, in a pinch, I've used regular SPD pedals with normal shoes.
2. The pedals might be very slippery when they are wet (could exacerbate 1). I ride in the rain and snowy conditions; non-issue if you don't.
There are also other pedals that are cage/platform that don't have such pronounced teeth - both metal and plastic that would be a lot cheaper. However, if you really just want the A520 and like that look, and have seen someone else do it, you know it could work.
08-22-12, 12:21 PM
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Buy a pedal wrench..
I find Ergon pedals a fine thing, they are a platform, contoured to center your foot.
but the traction is a patch (skateboard deck stuff) in the center,
not spikes around the edges, so no wounds from the foot slipping off the pedal..
they fit with an 8mm allen wrench. huge reflectors to be seen ..
narrower ? foot hanging off the sides ?
FWIW you can get a Winwood Deckster , it is of like aluminum deck plate.
has the Spud cleat that comes with the pedal, screwed to it.
then It becomes a platform on any SPD compatible pedal.
I find Ergon pedals a fine thing, they are a platform, contoured to center your foot.
but the traction is a patch (skateboard deck stuff) in the center,
not spikes around the edges, so no wounds from the foot slipping off the pedal..
they fit with an 8mm allen wrench. huge reflectors to be seen ..
narrower ? foot hanging off the sides ?
FWIW you can get a Winwood Deckster , it is of like aluminum deck plate.
has the Spud cleat that comes with the pedal, screwed to it.
then It becomes a platform on any SPD compatible pedal.
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-23-12 at 02:40 PM.
08-23-12, 12:49 PM
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I'm not clear why you want to remove the cleat/clamp from the pedal. It doesn't get in the way of using them as platforms.
That being said, I agree with others who suggest that dual-sided platforms are a more convenient and likely cheaper choice, and that the A520s will not be the most grippy platforms by quite a bit. They do look quite nice though.
That being said, I agree with others who suggest that dual-sided platforms are a more convenient and likely cheaper choice, and that the A520s will not be the most grippy platforms by quite a bit. They do look quite nice though.
08-23-12, 01:40 PM
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Why don't you try Deep Design R1C pedals? They're very narrow platform pedals. I'm quite happy with mine.
https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/pedals.htm
https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/pedals.htm
08-23-12, 01:56 PM
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I think it'd work. If I were to do it, I'd have two main concerns:
1. The pedals are so small my feet not be quite centered enough and might slip off at some inopportune time. I've had this happen when, in a pinch, I've used regular SPD pedals with normal shoes.
2. The pedals might be very slippery when they are wet (could exacerbate 1). I ride in the rain and snowy conditions; non-issue if you don't.
1. The pedals are so small my feet not be quite centered enough and might slip off at some inopportune time. I've had this happen when, in a pinch, I've used regular SPD pedals with normal shoes.
2. The pedals might be very slippery when they are wet (could exacerbate 1). I ride in the rain and snowy conditions; non-issue if you don't.
08-23-12, 02:18 PM
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They will likely be slippery wet or dry. I have the 540s which have more "tread" and still I slip off them on occasion. The 520s look smaller and don't have as much grip.
08-24-12, 10:03 PM
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08-24-12, 11:09 PM
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are you really gaining anything??? maybe an inch or 2. Not an issue worth asking about. either do or do not.
but since you brought it up. I did see some platform pedals someone posted about on here that actually fold up flush with the crank arms. No idea what they are called or how much they cost.
but since you brought it up. I did see some platform pedals someone posted about on here that actually fold up flush with the crank arms. No idea what they are called or how much they cost.
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08-29-12, 10:01 PM
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