When were MTB SPDs first available?

Cab · Sep 25, 2013

Sorry I haven't been around on here for a while so may have missed this important info. Just picked up a Haro Impulse, think it's a '90 model (Black, with Exage 400LX). I'm used to SPDs on my other bikes & the originals on this bike are rough; so are SPD age appropriate or should I go for some DX type flats?

andyz · Sep 25, 2013

Hi,

A very useful website for this sort of question: http://mombat.org/Shimano.htm

SPDs were introduced in 1990, the PD-M737. Use whatever pedal you feel comfortable with, as retro SPDs are getting hard to find and are often knackered!

lewisfoto · Sep 25, 2013

Looks like you got your answer, I would have guessed 1989 but can't argue with the evidence. BTW I still use PD-m737s largely because I don't like float so I have to use old pedals.

dyna-ti · Sep 26, 2013

When did H2o's appear :? I think ive the body of a set of them :? no axles just the bodies/rubbers

thesurfbus · Sep 26, 2013

I still have a pair of H20s in the box, I bought them after my first SPDs so must have been early 90s, I think they were on special so might have been old stock.
Only problem with them were that the elastomers just weren't strong enough to keep me clipped in.

legrandefromage · Sep 26, 2013

SPDs are great on any age of bike, I use them on a 1974 build, 1986 and onward. Cant get on with flatties anymore.

Sundayjumper · Sep 26, 2013

andyz":2pp3pb4k said:
SPDs were introduced in 1990, the PD-M737. Use whatever pedal you feel comfortable with, as retro SPDs are getting hard to find and are often knackered!

I picked up a mint boxed pair of PD-M737s recently for an absolute steal, they're still out there ! Too scared to use them now

Cab · Sep 27, 2013

Thanks for the info, that Mombat site particularly interesting. What I was thinking, I'd rather go with SPDs if I'm going to actually ride the thing. Got a few other issues to address before I get to that point! When it's in working order I can post up pics & see if someone can link to original specs etc (looks like apart from the pedals, seat & grips it could be all original).

FluffyChicken · Sep 27, 2013

Just to say ..
That mean 'model year 1991'.
Catalogues are in the archive.
It's HO's not H2O for the Onza's
H2O was a bottle cage or water, take your pick.

(Models come out the end of the previous year)

minor_LEGEND · Sep 28, 2013

Pro's on the USA circuit were running them in 89.

When were MTB SPDs first available?

Cab

Retro Guru

andyz

lewisfoto

dyna-ti

thesurfbus

Retro Guru

legrandefromage

Sundayjumper

Cab

Retro Guru

FluffyChicken

minor_LEGEND

Senior Retro Guru

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