Well, after owning my first "proper" mtb ('97 specialized ground control comp) for a whole week now, I decided that I had to change something on it. That something ended up being the pedals.

I swapped out the standard platform pedals for a pair of Shimano m520s that I got off of the ebays for a wallet emptying $20 I installed them the second I got them and spent all of 15 minutes doing to best to get use to clipping in and out. And I have to say, they pedals feel incredibly nice. Super smooth, light, very nice mechanism, and they're going towards my scheme of red and black.

So I gotta ask, what is the appeal of all those fancy $80+ pedals when some $20 ones work so darn well. Am i just missing something or do the expensive pedals come with a certificate that guaranty to make you a better rider 

Hopefully no one is woefully offended by this question
-Sam

I know for some reason, my xt's are easier to overhaul then my 520's. But I I can't remember why. But 520's are very good pedals. I would think that if you had a bike where every gram makes a difference. Then you would go with XTR By the way, I found a brand new pair of 520 trail for around 25 bucks a couple years back.

It's a tarp... don't fall into the hole.  Lighter=more expensive=less durable=replacement sooner=more money.

I have wasted a $hitton of money on "performance" this and "lighter" that.  Unless you are sponsored stay away from that pursuit and just RTMFB

Agreed with everyone here so far.  Usually the more expensive pedals will be lighter and easier to service.  I used a pair of 520's for about 3 years and never had an issue with them.  I ultimately ended up switching to a pair of eggbeaters due to the increased float they have which is easier on my surgically repaired foot.

I guess improved bearings and serviceability are a plus, and specific to the Shimano XT the larger surface area can help with comfort. But like Ridefour15 said, for $20 they're(m520s) practically expendable.

Now, if the pricier pedals(and cleats to an extent) used ceramic bearing, were made of tool steel and tungsten Carbide, and were powder coated, I'd probably shell out a good $80 for a pair. After all mountain biking puts A LOT more stess on the entire bike than something like greenway biking.
  But from what I can tell, most of the $75+ pedals(spd only) are just aluminum(hopefully 6061-t6) and glass particle(not even fiber) reinforced ABS plastic. 

-Sam

Here's why some folks prefer the PDM-540's or XT's over the PDM-520's.

You'll notice the 520's need a special tool to remove the axle for service.

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Here are pictures of the 540's and XT's. Notice you don't need a special tool to remove the axle only a common open end wrench.

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As far as them being expendable I would say you would be foolish to do that.  It's both wasteful and unneeded unless the bearings, axle or cones are totally trashed.  These pedals are ridiculously easy to service and adjust with simple hand tools (and the special tool for the 520)

NOTE:  DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO REMOVE THE AXLE ON THE 520'S WITH OUT THE PROPER TOOL!  THE LOCKING COLLAR IS PLASTIC AND I GUARANTEE IT WILL BREAK IF YOU DO OTHERWISE!




Hope that helps.

BTW I've had all three of those pedals and all worked great.  The 540 and XT's are a little lighter and have a better coating on the engagement mechanisms making them work a little better and not have mud stick to them as much.

Some really good advice here. I guess like most parts, the advantage depends greatly on how you ride.

I've noticed the same thing StevenA, the heaviest part on my bike seems the thing between the tires and above the saddle. it can definitely do with some lightening  and maybe even be replaced with a stronger version

Thanks for the help everyone,
-Sam