Shimano has a new value trail pedal, for mountain bikers who prefer a larger platform.
The Japanese component giant recently introduced its new Deore 12-speed groupset and to complement the company’s value offering, there are now SLX-equivalent SPD trail pedals, too.
For three decades Shimano has dominated the market for clipless mountain bike pedals with its SPD system and robust axles. The brand’s new PD-ME700 replaces its M530 pedals, which has been a default option for trail riding mountain bikers, on a budget, for nearly a decade.
Trickling down features first seen on the XTR trail pedal redesign, more than a year ago, these new PD-ME700s have an upgraded pedal cage. Overall pedal structure expands by 7.7mm across, compared to the M530, yet is 1.2mm lower in its side profile.
Shimano’s engineering logic with this new pedal cage is to design a platform that intuitively guides riders to the clip-in mechanism, especially when a swift reengagement is required, after coming unclipped in technical terrain, at low speed. A larger cage structure also shields the binding mechanism from terrain impacts.
Mindful of contact point ergonomics, Shimano’s designers have shaped the ME700 with a raised aft section, which allows for 12.2% greater pedal contact with your shoe. The ME700’s slightly thinner profile should also lessen the probability of pedal strikes, in rocky or rooty terrain.
As with all Shimano SPD pedals, the ME700 spins on a chromoly axle, rotating sealed cartage bearings, with proven cup-and-cone internals. The durability of this configuration has made Shimano’s SPD system by far the most popular pedal, fitted to mountain bikes, by manufacturers.
Shimano’s PD-ME700 weighs 540g and is priced at £49.99
