Review from
Cycling Plus
These are Shimano's cheapest road-specific pedals, and the cleat that comes with them is uttlerly different from the small SPD's on mountain bike shoes you might use for touring. Because it doesn't need to be recessed - you're not walking far in road shoes - it can be much bigger. It looks just like a road cleat in fact. The pedal platform is bigger, which provides a solid platform for the foot without the 'hot spot' over the cleat you get with some systems. Entry and exit is confident and secure, with little fishing around with your foot to find the pedal, and there's a few degrees of float (you can adjust the release tension of course). The axle uses sealed cartridge bearings. Although heavier than Time's equivalent pedal or Look's, the R540 compares pretty well - both to those and to pricier Shimano pedals.
In conclusion...
Good value, comfortable, secure road pedals. Why pay more?
Rating: 8/10