SPD VS SPD-SL - Clipless Pedals Explained - West Pointer

Clipless pedals can be confusing. In this West Pointer we explain the differences between SPD and SPD-SL systems.

[jusridin]

Thank you for going straight the point and not dragging the video.

[mumblecake]

I had the SPD (mountain bike version) on my road bike for years now. As I'm not Mark Cavendish it does easily survive the beating that I throw at it and it allows me to wear trainer like cycling shoes that you can properly walk in rather than hobble in.

[Kenjiro]

I prefer the SPD system on my road bike. It allows for miles of dedicated riding plus short rides for errands and things like summer fairs, etc. I can walk around in my SPD compatible shoes without killing my feet, or having to bring a pair of walking shoes. The weight penalty is well worth the utility for me. 😁✌

[thomasmedeiros]

The Shimano SPD pedal comes with the single directional release cleat SH 51 as standard. However you can purchase the multi directional release SH 56 M cleat if you want an easier release. Also it’s important to note that the release tension is adjustable so you can set it lower and use the SH 56 M cleat if you’re learning to ride clipped in.

[LubraTv]

The man said it all, and within 2 Min! Great informative video, helped me with my doubts.🆒

[mohanadbasuoni]

Great video mate, and amazing quality! keep it up:)

[tianyi]

Have 4 pairs of shoes. 2 pairs of SIDI road shoes one with SPD the other with SPD-SL cleats. Touring bike has SPD pedals, Climbing bike has SPD-SL. Third is a pair of "mountain bike" shoes with SPD wear to spinning class and riding errands in town. 4th pair has Brancale leather shoes with Keirin cleats and double straps on the cages, yea retro.

[tapskaterere]

I'd take SPD any day on everything

[dlbutler]

Another point: SPD-SL pedals are single-sided. You have to orient the pedal right-side-up to lock in. SPD (off-road) pedals are double-sided. Depends on what you're used to, but the double-sided feature of the SPDs, along with the ability to walk in the off-road shoes, makes them handier in the city IMO.

[DualDesertEagle]

I've got a pair of SPD shoes but with simple steel plates bolted into them that go with my Magped Enduro pedals. As "Magped" implies they're pedals with powerful magnets on them and provide a good alternative to full-on clipless pedals to people like me who don't like the thought of being locked to the pedals and always having to remember to move their feet in a certain way to get them off the pedals, while still providing increased security against coming off the pedals in mid-air during a jump. Should the need arise to get off the pedals brute force in full-panic mode works just aswell as just rolling ur feet to either side does and, since there's no mechanical lock to be broken, leaves no damage either. And on top of that those same pedals have a cage with a bunch of nice and long pins sticking out around the magnets and work just as well as platform pedals, providing a crapton of grip even with regular shoes.

I do prefer riding that bike they're mounted to with my SPD-shoes on but ride the same bike no different with regular shoes on.

[baltimorejae]

I use spd on my road bike because that's what I originally learned with. But is it a difference in the locking system

[biketech]

With no mention of LOOK pedals, the original clipless pedal and still popular for the road .

[georgefuentes]

I do deliveries in manhattan on a road bike and I use mountain bike clip pedals

[andersonsridebikes]

You're going to have to explain this to me as though I earned my commission through OCS. 🤣

[williammartin]

Well now I know! I have spd and have for 20 years ( on my Cannondale R600 )..It just goes to show, ignorance is bliss!

[brianyoungberg]

I use Spd for road bike for years. Easier in and out.

[juliocesarpereira]

Though, I am more of a road than a mountain bike bicyclist, I gave up on SPD pedals. I prefer SPD pedals, which I use for both types of bicycle.

[thebrunoserge]

Being walkable should literally be the top design priority. They invent a NEWER system and make it LESS walkable?