Pedals

The Shimano PD-M540 is basically a slightly more refined version of the PD-M520 which I've previously described on these pages as "a classic and one of the best value pedals out there."

These look a bit smarter, they're 25g lighter and £20 more expensive at RRP; in reality you can pick up the 520s for around £17 while the 540s tend to be about thirty quid. If it was my money, I'd save the difference and get the cheaper ones, although both are excellent.

I am looking to buy a new bike. I intend, probably being a bit optimistic here, up to £2500. I already have a 20 + year old Brian Rourke 531 frame road bike [it is a tourer really] and a 20 + year old Specialized mountain bike. I prefer the road to the off road. I am cycling to get fit and I hope to cycle to work occasionally [not on the new bike yet though] with a train journey as well. Not sure if now is the time to get the new bike or wait until the spring/summer. I want to have everything included for the £2500 not just frame.

DMR V8 pedals are a mountain bike classic that does sterling service as round-town pedal for a bike you want to be able to hop aboard in any shoes.

I remember riding DMR V8 pedals in the early days of mountain biking in the Shropshire hills. Using these pedals feels like riding with a familiar old friend, but the V8s aren't just Old School, they can hack it in the modern age too.