While living and going to college in Durango, Colorado from 1990-1992 (Yes, home for many mtb pros at that time, Tomac, Herbold, Furtado, Overend, etc...) I bought a pair of these on a recommendation from Greg Herbold while at Durango Cycles. After having the shop install them with a new pair of SPD shoes, I got four blocks to the first major street intersection....the light turned red and I did the classic from a dead stop a tree fall from sidewalk into busy street into a mud puddle. While still stuck to the bike with oncoming traffic, I dragged myself from the mud puddle back to the sidewalk where I had to pull my feet from the shoes which remained on the pedals....Inspite of this negative experience, I fell in love with them that day and have been a Shimano SPD pedal user ever since. Great video as always and very entertaining - Thank you! 😎👍
That’s a great story! My SPD story has so many parallels, except the closest I ever got to any of those riders was in the pages of MBUK magazine. But just like you I took the injuries and then became a lifetime devotee. May I ask, did Greg Herbold recommend these DX ones, or the true first generation XT with both ends sprung? I want to know if my apocryphal story about the pros preferring DX is true!
@@red_dread I was just perusing the shop and he was in there talking to the owner about the new Shimano M737 clipless pedals. I knew who Greg was from magazines and his wild style with Onza and Myata Bikes, he was an impressionable cycling figure to say the least with bright neon colors and lots of anodized parts. It was the first generation SPDs that where released, brand new to the market. I picked up a pedal and was listening to them talk about how the pedals are going to revolutionize the mtb world. Greg looked over at me and said, "Dude, they'll change your life...." I was sold bought them immediately. Durango was super cool at that time, it was after all the "Golden Era" of mountain biking!
I have a set of ‘90s Ritchey SPDs which despite looking like they’ve been retrieved from a canal whilst magnet fishing, refuse to show any actual symptoms to suggest they need a rebuild. Having heard you of all people categorically state that you did not enjoy the process solidifies in my mind that I will simply leave as is and use them as normal until they seize.
Such things tend to be bulletproof. It was the same case with my latest pair (91 XT). They look utterly wrecked but work flawlessly. Double good news because it is indeed a tiresome job taking them to pieces.
I know! That was a high stakes moment. The pop could have been either the release or the thing shearing. Somehow, thankfully, you can tell the difference straight away. The difference between disaster and salvation…
Good work, well worth it. Switching from flats to SPDs in my late teens transformed my mountain biking. So much more efficient uphill, surprisingly helpful downhill. I've got 3 sets now, including the red cage DX version popular with downhillers back in the day. The original pair I bought around 2003 are still going strong!
I've always been an SPD lover. I think those red DX ones are about the only model I've never owned! They look so cool but were a bit too much on the gnarly side for the kind of lightweight XC riding I was doing at the time.
Absolutely loved it when you nailed that screw after heating and unscrewing it. The sheer elation in your voice reminds me of moments I have faced with buggery lodged bike parts and winning! 👍🏻
I have SPDs on all my bikes. I tend to lob them once they start clicking, but having watched this it looks like servicing is quite simple. Looking forward to seeing this shot blaster!
Hopefully I’ve done my bit to reduce your obscene levels of wasteful consumption. You will see the blasting machine in due course - the gentleman that owns it has promised full access. Going to test it on an old crank first.
@@red_dread Yes, I have just ordered that plastic tool, and I have that exact same multi spanner which I think came with my Raleigh Pursuit, circa 1984.
@@TheRampax You might not need an 11mm, only the earliest SPDs had those. Later ones are 10mm cones, with a 7mm locknut. Either way, a very flat spanner turns out to be a useful artefact indeed.
Ah ha. So 525s are DX? I assumed they were in the LX bracket. I have a few sets floating around I think. If they’re lighter than the XTs, we’ll I best make sure I have a running pair to stick on my KHS Team.
525s are like rats, you're never more than a metre away from one! They were so ubiquitous that they all but killed off the high end platform pedals of the day, which is why I always get so jealous when I see you and Gary unearthing beautiful rare Deore and XT flats. Yes, 525s were universally known as DX - even though (like the Deore thumbshifters of the same generation) they never said DX on them. Even more confusing, by the late 90s when the M545s came out, those were marketed as LX. By then the DX groupset had been phased out but the brand was still used on a limited red and black range aimed at downhillers and BMXers. Only V-brakes and some ultra gnarly caged SPDs as I recall. If you do up a pair for your KHS, I'm sure you'll do a better job of painting them. I did a very sloppy job and mine are already paying the price.
That heat gun is rapidly becoming one of my favourite workshop toys. If at first you fail, hit it again until you smell the resistance evaporating away.
@19 minutes, the way the goal in your garden is rigged to prevent low balls is very clever. Lovely job, lovely pedals indeed, but what sort of paint and how well do you expect the finish to last? I can't imagine a regular can of Halfords car paint, even with a zinc primer and lacquer top coats would last well.
That goal needs to be moved up off the lawn so my army of tiny idiots don’t use it as a weapon on each other. As for the paint, yes I fully expect it to last about 5 mins - was really just for show. It already chipped a bit during reassembly. I’m sure the original black is some sort of anodising or coating, it’s much more durable. Whoever stripped this one bare must have really gone at it.
@@red_dread Just remember to raise the netting up off the ground when not in use so you don't accidentally net some wildlife. I watch Wildlife Aid's YT channel; I can't tell you how many foxes, hedgehogs, and even snakes they've had to cut out of sports netting.
There’s lots - I kept revisiting it over the course of last year! Can’t remember the name of the vid where it makes its first appearance, sorry, but it was in comically horrid condition. Think it was the same vid as the first Explosif, I revealed them as a pair.
@@red_dread ahh cheers, I love your videos man! I’m really into 1990s Specialized. I own a Specialized Hardrock GX in blue currently hunting more of the same but they’re really hard to find now. Beautiful bike.
My friend had a pair of these when they first came out and still has them on his mountain bike today, all I can say is, it's a good job Shimano don't take apple's philosophy on product lifespan. 😂
I have a pair on one of my commuter bikes. Just like the others, they're flawless. The only really noteworthy ones I don't think you can see in this video are the original M737 (XT) double-hinged. I'm lucky enough to have one pair in great condition, you can see them in detail in my Team Marin videos (Parts 1&2).
I see you still don't know how to use a spray paint can. Light sprays. From a greater distance. Let the paint float and land on the surface, dont blast it on like a water gun.
Ha, I wouldn't say "don't know". Can't be bothered is more accurate. I've seen enough instructions and how-tos but my cavalier approach is what made me the man I am today.
While living and going to college in Durango, Colorado from 1990-1992 (Yes, home for many mtb pros at that time, Tomac, Herbold, Furtado, Overend, etc...) I bought a pair of these on a recommendation from Greg Herbold while at Durango Cycles. After having the shop install them with a new pair of SPD shoes, I got four blocks to the first major street intersection....the light turned red and I did the classic from a dead stop a tree fall from sidewalk into busy street into a mud puddle. While still stuck to the bike with oncoming traffic, I dragged myself from the mud puddle back to the sidewalk where I had to pull my feet from the shoes which remained on the pedals....Inspite of this negative experience, I fell in love with them that day and have been a Shimano SPD pedal user ever since. Great video as always and very entertaining - Thank you! 😎👍
That’s a great story! My SPD story has so many parallels, except the closest I ever got to any of those riders was in the pages of MBUK magazine. But just like you I took the injuries and then became a lifetime devotee. May I ask, did Greg Herbold recommend these DX ones, or the true first generation XT with both ends sprung? I want to know if my apocryphal story about the pros preferring DX is true!
@@red_dread I was just perusing the shop and he was in there talking to the owner about the new Shimano M737 clipless pedals. I knew who Greg was from magazines and his wild style with Onza and Myata Bikes, he was an impressionable cycling figure to say the least with bright neon colors and lots of anodized parts. It was the first generation SPDs that where released, brand new to the market. I picked up a pedal and was listening to them talk about how the pedals are going to revolutionize the mtb world. Greg looked over at me and said, "Dude, they'll change your life...." I was sold bought them immediately. Durango was super cool at that time, it was after all the "Golden Era" of mountain biking!
I have a set of ‘90s Ritchey SPDs which despite looking like they’ve been retrieved from a canal whilst magnet fishing, refuse to show any actual symptoms to suggest they need a rebuild. Having heard you of all people categorically state that you did not enjoy the process solidifies in my mind that I will simply leave as is and use them as normal until they seize.
Such things tend to be bulletproof. It was the same case with my latest pair (91 XT). They look utterly wrecked but work flawlessly. Double good news because it is indeed a tiresome job taking them to pieces.
That satisfying noise when that screw finally gave up and released!
I know! That was a high stakes moment. The pop could have been either the release or the thing shearing. Somehow, thankfully, you can tell the difference straight away. The difference between disaster and salvation…
Good work, well worth it. Switching from flats to SPDs in my late teens transformed my mountain biking. So much more efficient uphill, surprisingly helpful downhill. I've got 3 sets now, including the red cage DX version popular with downhillers back in the day. The original pair I bought around 2003 are still going strong!
I've always been an SPD lover. I think those red DX ones are about the only model I've never owned! They look so cool but were a bit too much on the gnarly side for the kind of lightweight XC riding I was doing at the time.
Absolutely loved it when you nailed that screw after heating and unscrewing it. The sheer elation in your voice reminds me of moments I have faced with buggery lodged bike parts and winning! 👍🏻
It was indeed a joy - there's no way of faking a moment like that for the camera! GET out.
Your painting technique is amazing! 😅
Love your channel!
It's certainly quick and sloppy. I hate painting, much prefer taking things apart and putting them back together! Thanks, please stick around.
Cool video. I never cease to admire your bicycles, even if they are old but in good condition and on good components
Thanks, glad you like them. I like to keep them all in as near perfect running condition as possible at all times.
I have SPDs on all my bikes. I tend to lob them once they start clicking, but having watched this it looks like servicing is quite simple. Looking forward to seeing this shot blaster!
Hopefully I’ve done my bit to reduce your obscene levels of wasteful consumption. You will see the blasting machine in due course - the gentleman that owns it has promised full access. Going to test it on an old crank first.
@@red_dread Yes, I have just ordered that plastic tool, and I have that exact same multi spanner which I think came with my Raleigh Pursuit, circa 1984.
@@TheRampax You might not need an 11mm, only the earliest SPDs had those. Later ones are 10mm cones, with a 7mm locknut. Either way, a very flat spanner turns out to be a useful artefact indeed.
Wish my xt m770 groupset is as good condition as yours. And the pedals!
Mine is very rusty because humidity.
Really need to know how to put the springs back 😮
Ah yes, the video doesn’t show this but fear not, it’s not a difficult task - very intuitive to work out.
Ah ha. So 525s are DX? I assumed they were in the LX bracket. I have a few sets floating around I think. If they’re lighter than the XTs, we’ll I best make sure I have a running pair to stick on my KHS Team.
525s are like rats, you're never more than a metre away from one! They were so ubiquitous that they all but killed off the high end platform pedals of the day, which is why I always get so jealous when I see you and Gary unearthing beautiful rare Deore and XT flats. Yes, 525s were universally known as DX - even though (like the Deore thumbshifters of the same generation) they never said DX on them. Even more confusing, by the late 90s when the M545s came out, those were marketed as LX. By then the DX groupset had been phased out but the brand was still used on a limited red and black range aimed at downhillers and BMXers. Only V-brakes and some ultra gnarly caged SPDs as I recall. If you do up a pair for your KHS, I'm sure you'll do a better job of painting them. I did a very sloppy job and mine are already paying the price.
I love the design of these you can put these on my modern mountain bike and use them no problem
Exactly - they are universal. Testament to the genius of the design.
Heat. The ultimate power in the universe.👍
That heat gun is rapidly becoming one of my favourite workshop toys. If at first you fail, hit it again until you smell the resistance evaporating away.
@@red_dread 😂😂
@19 minutes, the way the goal in your garden is rigged to prevent low balls is very clever. Lovely job, lovely pedals indeed, but what sort of paint and how well do you expect the finish to last? I can't imagine a regular can of Halfords car paint, even with a zinc primer and lacquer top coats would last well.
That goal needs to be moved up off the lawn so my army of tiny idiots don’t use it as a weapon on each other. As for the paint, yes I fully expect it to last about 5 mins - was really just for show. It already chipped a bit during reassembly. I’m sure the original black is some sort of anodising or coating, it’s much more durable. Whoever stripped this one bare must have really gone at it.
@@red_dread Just remember to raise the netting up off the ground when not in use so you don't accidentally net some wildlife.
I watch Wildlife Aid's YT channel; I can't tell you how many foxes, hedgehogs, and even snakes they've had to cut out of sports netting.
Is there a video for the whole of the s works restoration. I can’t find one. Would love to see how you restored it 🔥
There’s lots - I kept revisiting it over the course of last year! Can’t remember the name of the vid where it makes its first appearance, sorry, but it was in comically horrid condition. Think it was the same vid as the first Explosif, I revealed them as a pair.
@@red_dread ahh cheers, I love your videos man! I’m really into 1990s Specialized. I own a Specialized Hardrock GX in blue currently hunting more of the same but they’re really hard to find now. Beautiful bike.
My friend had a pair of these when they first came out and still has them on his mountain bike today, all I can say is, it's a good job Shimano don't take apple's philosophy on product lifespan. 😂
It's amazing isn't it? They're pretty much impossible to destroy. Superb design and engineering.
The background noise at 18:50 😅
Amazingly I hadn't even noticed until you pointed it out. It's just constant in my house so I must have tuned it out by this point.
Where is the SPD 747.
I have a pair on one of my commuter bikes. Just like the others, they're flawless. The only really noteworthy ones I don't think you can see in this video are the original M737 (XT) double-hinged. I'm lucky enough to have one pair in great condition, you can see them in detail in my Team Marin videos (Parts 1&2).
I see you still don't know how to use a spray paint can. Light sprays. From a greater distance. Let the paint float and land on the surface, dont blast it on like a water gun.
Ha, I wouldn't say "don't know". Can't be bothered is more accurate. I've seen enough instructions and how-tos but my cavalier approach is what made me the man I am today.