Platform width and stack height both influence how connected you feel to the pedal, and the Shimano PD-ME700 SPD Trail Pedals address both with a redesigned body that runs 7.7mm wider and 1.2mm thinner than the M530 pedals they replace. That combination puts more aluminum under your shoe while bringing your foot closer to the spindle centerline, improving stability and power transfer without the price tag attached to the XT and XTR trail pedals. For riders who want the security of a caged SPD platform at an accessible price point, the ME700 fills a gap that Shimano's lineup didn't previously cover.

The integrated cage extends fore and aft of the SPD binding mechanism, creating a landing zone for your shoe when you're not clipped in and protecting the retention hardware from rock strikes. The rear portion of the body sits elevated to increase contact with the sole of your shoe, adding roughly 12% more surface area compared to the previous design. Shimano developed the platform geometry specifically to work with their AM series shoes, matching the cage contours to the flex patterns and tread layouts of all-mountain footwear. The wider body helps orient the pedal and guide your foot during clip-in, which speeds up engagement when you're rolling out of technical sections or remounting after a dismount.

A chromoly steel axle handles the rotational and side loads that trail pedals endure, running on sealed cartridge bearings that keep dirt and moisture out of the internals. The bearing system requires minimal maintenance under normal use, and the axle assembly is fully serviceable when the time comes. Installation works with either a 6mm hex wrench through the crank or a standard 15mm pedal wrench on the flats, giving you options depending on what tools you have available. That dual-installation feature disappeared from Shimano's higher-end pedals, so it's a practical advantage the ME700 retains.... Read More