MKS has given some study to the Shimano SPD system to devise a clipless system of their own that is remarkably similar to the SPD system. The MXP-110 is approximately the same size as the Shimano M525, at 2.7 inches long, 1.45 inches tall, and 3.6 inches wide spindle tip to body end. The spindle and bearing assembly thread into the pedal body as a single unit. The spindle is made of forged Cro-moly steel, and hollow with a 5mm hole for 1 3/8" from the thread end. Like many other pedals being made, this pedal uses a nylon sleeve that encloses the spindle and bearing arrangement which threads into the pedal body. Inside the nylon sleeve are two polished steel bushing in which the spindle revolves. The spindle is highly polished in the areas of bearing/bushing contact. The inner bearing surface is 9.5mm long and 12mm in diameter. The outer bearing surface is 7mm long and 8mm in diameter. The reason highly polished bushing are being used is they provide a much larger surface area, with 360 degree support through the spindle revolution. At the end of the nylon sleeve, nylon washers maintain a slippery surface even though a 10mm nut cinches the assembly together. We found the MKS assembly threads into and seats with the proper spindle exposure in a Shimano M525 pedal body, so clearly there was some borrowing of thought here. The Shimano cartridge has a larger diameter and won't fit in the MXP-110 body. The mechanics of the SPD system are revealed as you read further in this section. Functionally, all SPD pedals have a spring loaded rear cleat retention. The MXP-110 pedals do not rely on a front or rear spring system, but on a spring loaded cleat retainer on the outer side of the rear of the pedal, so only lateral outward movement of the foot away from the bike, permits release. An adjusting screw at the rear of the pedal increases or decreases the tension on a flat wound spring coiled around an axis, with one of the spring ends pushing against the cleat retainer. As the adjusting screw is turned to the left, the spring becomes tighter and applies more pressure on the cleat retainer, requiring more pressure from the rider to effect a release. The other points of cleat contact are fixed in place through the use of a cleat "saddle" stamped from steel plate and a fixed toe hook plate. When the cleat is seated, the saddle and fixed toe plate lock the cleat in the pedal, with the cleat retainer as the only point of movement.
The MXP cleat, like SPD cleat relies on notches in the upper surface of the cleat for retention system grip. These notches permit 5 degrees of free rotation prior to release. Wisely the MXP cleat is made to be compatible with any SPD compatible shoe, though the cleat is fashioned a little differently. Again, MXP and SPD cleats are not interchangeable, but they can be mounted and used on the same SPD compatibly drilled shoes. Each Cro-moly spindle weighs 58 grams. We estimate that a Titanium replacement, should it ever become available, will weigh 33.8 grams which could bring the pair weight to just 399 grams. As it now stands, the pair MXP-110 pedals with Cro-moly spindles weigh 447 1/2 grams, while the cleats and their mounting hardware weigh 60 1/2 grams. $ Price in Catalog
MXP-110 Replacement Cleats $ Price in Catalog
Let's start by saying that Shimano's SPD system is virtuous primarily because it was first to market a micro-cleat pedal as an alternative to the then standard and larger LOOK cleat. But Shimano isn't the only player in the micro-cleat game, and there is no longer anything startling about SPD, as others come to market with similar or even more acceptable micro-cleat pedals. The MKS RXP-210 is a superbly built pedal that is physically no larger than an SPD pedal or cleat. These pedals are extremely affordable, though there is no compromise in the quality or functionality. The only reason they are as so well priced stems from the un-restrained competition surrounding their sale. The MKS pedals are imported by many importer/distributors who sell to retailers who compete against one another in price. The savings from the competition among sellers are passed on to the consumer. Remember, Shimano American is the only source for all retailers wanting to sell SPD, and this lack of competition is a noticeable factor in the price. The RXP-210 is the single sided Road version of the MXP- 110 mountain pedal set and use the same cleats with the same mechanical functionality. The pedal body is forged of aluminum in an aerodynamic shape that minimizes weight and ground contact. The top has a steel cleat cradle held by three bolts. The outer rear side of each pedal has the spring held retaining clamp. The spindle is made of chrome plated Cro-moly steel weighing 54 grams. The inner bearing assembly is made of sixteen 2.36mm (.093") steel ball bearings, and the outer bearing are made of twelve 2.36mm ball bearings. Both sets revolve between a polished surface on the spindle and a steel bearing cup embedded in the aluminum body. The outer uses a separate steel cone race threaded onto the outer spindle that is held in place by a nut. Bearing re-lubrication and adjustment can easily be performed by anyone. There is a rubber O-ring that seals around the spindle to protect the inner bearing set and a tight fitting press-in plastic cap protects the outer bearings. At the rear of each pedal is a single adjusting bolt with a 2.5mm hex fitting. Rotating it clockwise increases tension on the retaining clamp. The pedals are a dark Grey, (nearly Black) and weigh 386 grams per pair. The cleats use the SPD bolt pattern (are SPD compatible) and have a pair weight (36 g), with mounting bolts of 58 grams. $ Price in Catalog
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