Shimano PD-M424: The entry into the world of clipless pedals

Test: The question of whether clipless or flat pedals is better is difficult to answer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and both types of pedals are regularly found on the trails. While some enjoy being able to comfortably pull the clipless pedals uphill and thus save energy, flat pedal riders are in the best position in tricky situations.

The SPDsystem from Shimano is probably the most used click system. The Japanese bicycle giant offers several click pedal models depending on the area of application. One of them is the Shimano PD M424 Pedals, a cheap entry-level model, which can, however, enjoy a large following.

The PD M424 is primarily used off-road, but can also be used for trekking. For easy entry into the world of clipless pedals, the PD M424, as with most other MTB clipless pedals, via a click system on both sides. The hardness of this can be adjusted using an Allen key, which means that beginners don't feel too restricted and can adjust it depending on their driving level.

The very simply constructed system is protected by a solid plastic cage, which should also offer enough grip when using flat shoes or when not clipped in. The pedals are mounted with two compact bearings on a CrMO steel axle.

For immediate use, the appropriate cleats are included when purchasing the PD M424 included. If you hold the pedals in your hand for the first time, the beginners make a solid impression. The wide pedal body has a large chamfer at the ends so that they cannot get caught on contact with the ground and a fall can be avoided. However, the whole construction is very narrow. There is only little space between the individual components of the pedals and this already suggests a major disadvantage. Because the natural enemy of this system is mud.

But let's start with optimal conditions first. The pedals work the way you want them to in dry conditions. After a short familiarization phase, the cleats on the bottom of the shoe quickly find the system and you are quickly connected to the pedals. Depending on how hard you have set the system, it takes a little more or less force to click out again. The system triggers at an angle of 30 degrees. You simply turn the heel away from the wheel and you are quickly released from it.

The plastic cage PD M424 seems almost superfluous to us, but is definitely useful for beginners. On the one hand, the click system is protected, on the other hand, it should offer a large contact surface in case you don't manage to click in immediately. In this one, however, one wobbles around more on the pedal than being able to pedal properly. The click mechanism is comparatively high and thus protrudes quite far from the pedal. You can't really make contact with the plastic cage and the fun of driving falls by the wayside.

The advantage of clipless pedals is particularly evident on climbs. While you can only push with the flat pedal, it is possible to push and pull at the same time with the click system. The firm connection between pedal and driver thus ensures optimal power transmission and distributes the stress on several muscle groups.

weaknesses PD M424 in use under adverse weather conditions. Especially in mud, you often have to remove dirt from the cleats and pedals before you click them in. For the sake of simplicity, you can tap the pedals with the cleats, which they tolerate well and do not cause any damage. It's still an annoying procedure.

Conclusion

In our long-term test, they were convincing PD M424 with a reliable function. Even with great forces you remained securely connected to the pedals. Thanks to the adjustable hardness and the large cage, the pedals are a great entry-level model. In addition, the price is a slim 39,90 euros RRP (many online shops already offer the pedals for less than 30 euros).