Dura ace pedals, the new generation
Tue 19 February 2008
Dave Keevers, Journalism
Shimano Dura ace pedals first came to the forefront of cycling six years ago when the company designed the original SPDR pedal system for Lance Armstrong and the US postal cycling team to use in the Tour De France.
Since then there have been three incarnations of the pedal with the most recent of which being the new PD 7810 SPDSL .
One of the most noticeable features of the new pedals is that unlike most manufactures who are using composite bodies and titanium spindles Shimano has returned to CNC (computer aided) machining and chrome-moly axles. The new generation 7810 pedal has two obvious body changes from the now superseded 7800 model; the stainless steel body cover and the widened platform. These two improvements address the biggest concerns from professional riders and mechanics from 7800 model. Previously the plastic body cover has rapidly worn away causing the pedals to be prematurely destroyed. The new stainless steel body cover provides a suitably hard surface to prevent body pedal body damage caused by lateral cleat movement. Further, by widening the platform, the pedal offers better joint support and power transmission over the previous model.
Other then the widened platform and stainless steel body cover the new 7810 pedal body has been CNC machined. Previously the bodies have been cold forged which give greater strength but added to mass. The new time intensive machining process allows Shimano to remove specific areas of mass to limit weight whilst retaining structural integrity.
The new pedal system has however retained mainy of the previous, well appreciated, features including the nickel plated chrome-moly axel and 3 bearing system utilising one wide roller bearing and two ball bearings. The wide range of tension adjustment is also retained as is the hardened plastic binder clasp. Further the cleat system has not changed allowing users of the previous 7800 pedal system to change without any hassles. Weight for the new pedal system remains largely unchanged, losing only 3 grams per pair - which is respectable considering the improved pedal body.
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