Last year I switched from standard 10 yr old Shimano 520 pedals to the ES600 pedals because I didn't like the rocking that my shoe (S-Phyre mtb) was doing on the pedal - SPD's have been like this forever, as you know. The ES600's are much better because of the small platform.
The problem with the ES600's is that they are 1-sided entry and I'd prefer 2-sided entry.
Shimano has so many pedals now. The ED500, PDM8120 XT, ME700 look to have larger platforms and 2-sided entry - are these models new? If they've been around for awhile, why is no one using or writing about them?
I use the older version of the 600 on my main bike, and the m530 on my other bikes. The shoe support feels pretty much the same. The other pedals you mentioned should be similar.
Why are they not talked about? Shimano makes so damn many different, but similar models.
Found some more info out about these. REI's website lists the ME700's as "GRX PD-ME700, so they look to be Shimano's new dual side entry gravel pedals. I just ordered a set.
As someone who rides SPD pedals exclusively (road, commuter, gravel, MTB) I think I’ve tried all of the variations from single-sided (A600/ES600), dual sided (A530/A520) and what Shimano MTB calls “race” (XTR M9000/XT M8000) and “trail” (XTR M9020/XT M8020)
The ME700 pedals—which I have not seen yet IRL—look similar (but heavier) to the XT/XTR “trail” MTB pedals that have a small cage around the pedal for an extra contact area when not clipped in, however the shoe shouldn’t make any contact with the cage when you are clipped into the cleat.
My 2¢: value for money, the M520 pedals are cheap, lightweight and bulletproof.
Note: *lots* of people have had issues with seals on the XTR M9120 pedals. Give that particular model a wide berth.
Look's x-track has two sides, and s small platform. They can accept SPD cleats. Last year, they even had a special edition gravel pedal. But it was just a different color, bronze. They sell for fifty bucks on up.
I second the Look Xtrac. I just installed a pair of Look Xtrac Race carbon and really like them. They have more adjustability than the Shimano, weigh less, and look cool lol. I can also feel the platform which is more comfortable for me on long rides.
I got the ME700's and holy cow they are big and heavy. I expected them to be about the size and weight of my ES600's but they're much larger. I'll be returning them and getting some XTR's I think - though I see there are reports of issues with the seal on these.
I've got a couple pair of what I think are 520's that felt a bit sloppy - which is the reason why I'm looking for new pedals. But, I think my 520's are 10? 20? years old. The cleat mechanisms work well but now I'm suspecting that they might just be worn out.
My A600's have been fine for 4 years, the previous set was fine longer than that until the bike was stolen. I've used the same (Shimano) shoes and cleats the whole time but I almost never walk in them. Wear on the sole could affect the tightness of the connection.
I'd prefer 2-sided entry but these pedals are otherwise so good I haven't been tempted to try anything else.
Another vote for the Look X-Track. The basic model is dirt cheap, and the Race version has a slightly larger body. I find the difference to be very subtle.
