Bought some XT Trail SPDs and they developed play after 3 rides on the drive side. Now I've had several sets of Shimano SPDs (520, XT, 540, etc) over the last 20 years of riding SPDs and all have required minimal maintenance and, whilst my previous SPDs might have some 'slight' play, I always assumed this was the nature of cup and cone bearings.
The Trail XT SPDs went back to the retailer who replaced them and sent me a new set. Popped the new set on and after one ride, the drive side has also developed play and more than just 'slight'. Now I could take them apart and tighten them but it's a concern that new pedals developed more than 'slight' play so quickly particularly when previous SPDs have lasted and lasted before needing any maintenance.
So have I just been lucky in the past or should I expect Shimano SPDs to last a bit longer before developing play?
I would say there may be a problem.only time i have done anything to mine were the very old black 747s.Not had any problems since.Have a new pair XT trail only used them twice see ok at present.
I'd say that SPD's have the deserved rep for being bomb proof.
Sounds like a bad batch got through QC checks.
Was an early adopter of the 785s and the 530s and despite frequent intense neglect they are both working absolutely fine in the way that only SPDs do
Maybe I should contact the retailer again and ask for their opinion as it does seem strange as I always had the opinion SPDs were bombproof as well 😕
I think you'll find PD 747's where all silver. 😉
I still have a pair of (silver) 747s, though I don't ride all that much and they're no longer on a "busy" bike
I've used the 540's for years and have them on all my bikes including road. I have found that some (probably most to be honest) develop varying degrees of play quite quickly but after one good service they will run for years without coming loose or requiring any maintenance. Give em a few rides, adjust the cones and reassemble with loads of grease in the body and then forget about them. The plates on the outside will wear quicker than the bearings.
Thats right i still have a pair of them which use Sh52 cleats.I meant the black 858s back in the early 90s.brain cells are going to much riding 🙄