Are shimano PDM540 the same as XT XT770s only a different colour and a lot less money?
540

XT

Pretty much. The XT’s are slightly lighter

I now have the 540s, they looks the same – what is black on the xt is silver on the 540 and vice versa, feel the same and weigh the same.

Makes me wonder what else is out there where this happens. I.e. identical kit just cosmetically different and costing a hell of a lot less.

They pretty much have to be the same if they’re the same shape/profile and the same weight. If one had better quality material, it would be lighter. Bit of a joke really.

Same weight too!

The XT ones use a different pedal axle assembly and lock bolts.