Review on Black SHIMANO SPD-SL PD-R540 Cycling Pedals by James Mayfield

These are good entry-level pedals for those of us just starting out in road cycling. They are strong, easy to install and have protection. feel stable when you get stuck. The finish is ok, as with any pedal you will no doubt scratch the sides if you rub the bike on objects. As some other reviewers have pointed out, they don't tend to stay level, so you might have to pedal when you turn them on until you move it in the right direction. But when you stop at a red light and start rolling, it should be right where you need it, and crashing into it is as easy as kicking your foot (it takes some practice, but after a while it's quite easy). In fact, I accidentally clicked a few times while I was about to drive a few yards to the next stop sign. The included yellow SPD spikes provide 9 degrees of buoyancy, just enough to give your knees some mobility. Work, but still enough to get off the pedals quickly if you spill. They wear out if you walk the pavement for too long, so be sure to get KoolKover SPD spike covers, especially if you have a long and awkward walk home ahead of you. The red SPD cleats offer no buoyancy, which I think will be uncomfortable after a while, but some people don't want play when pedaling.