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Corroding Pedals

by Pisiform
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 09:00
11

Advice on new pedals please!

I bought a Genesis Equilibrium 20 last year which came with white Shimano SPD M520 pedals.

Although the pedals themselves are functionally great and what I need, I've not been impressed to see the rapid corrosion this winter developing around the bolt end which screws into the cranks as well as on the body of the pedal where my cleats have scratched them.

I've switched them to a pair of A520s which is the single sided touring pedal but they're heavy and I miss the double sided ease of use

I'm after a good recommendation for a double sided SPD pedal that won't corrode after 9 months.

Thanks in advance

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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11 comments

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chiv30 | 11 years ago
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I use Shimano M420 pedals on the mtb , only thing they get is a hose wash after a ride no corrosion plus they can be used without cleats for a quick pop to the shops due to the slightly recessed clip mechanism

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Bedfordshire Clanger | 11 years ago
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The rusty axle bolt is a common problem with both the M520 and A520. M540 and A600 are the next models up and do not suffer the same type of corrosion at the axles. A520 are around 100g lighter than M520 and about the same weight as M540. If you want to keep your bike looking good then you will have to give it a good clean up after every use. There's no substitute for regular mantenance and cleaning.

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Spangly Shiny | 11 years ago
0 likes

Look Quartz. 2 sided, very light & no corrosion problems in 2 years of use. GT85 after every wet ride.

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Squiggle | 11 years ago
0 likes

...or you could just go to motorbike dealer and buy a can of ACF50. 9 months winter riding without corrosion is pretty good init? 39

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Squiggle | 11 years ago
0 likes

Speedplay Zero Titanium 1

However I use the stainless version on my winter bike and they haven't corroded. I have had to take them apart and give them a good clean now and again though.

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Pisiform | 11 years ago
0 likes

Fair enough. I'll treat them to a bit of love and care initially.

Is the M540 actually made of anything different or would I expect the same problems with them?

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PJ McNally | 11 years ago
0 likes

same here - but when you've got salt and multiple different metal component in contact, you'll get some surface corrosion. just scrub them up, or failing that replace when they start looking too tatty, if you care about such things.

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dave atkinson | 11 years ago
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i normally take a stiff wire brush to my 520s when they start looking scruffy and give them a wipe with a greasy cloth. they tend to scrub up okay...

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bashthebox | 11 years ago
0 likes

I've had a M540 shear on me before around the tightening bolt due to corrosion or fatigue. Almost pinged into my eye when it went!

I've stopped commuting with clip in pedals because I prefer to wear normal looking clothes these days when not on proper rides, but I had considered the Crank Bros egg beaters because they've got more float.

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Gkam84 | 11 years ago
0 likes

I had the exactly same problem this winter, I did clean up my 520's and it worked for a week.

Then I went to the LBS, looked at their stock and ended up with a pair of PD-M530's GREAT

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therevokid | 11 years ago
0 likes

m540's instead ... slightly lighter, slightly better
built and so far on the various mountain bikes I've
had over the years totally bombproof 1

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