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Shimano Pedals and Cleats

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Shimano pedals come in two clipless systems, SPD for mountain, gravel and touring riding and SPD-SL for road cycling, alongside flat pedals for everyday riding. Each clipless system needs its own cleats and compatible shoes, so choose the system first, then the pedal and cleat that suit how you ride.

Read more: SPD or SPD-SL, cleat float, shoes, cleat wear

SPD or SPD-SL

SPD uses a small two-bolt cleat recessed into the shoe sole, so you can walk normally, and its pedals usually clip in on both sides. SPD-SL uses a larger three-bolt road cleat for a broad, stable platform and efficient power transfer, but walking in road shoes is awkward.

Cleat float

Float is how far your heel can swing before the cleat releases. SPD-SL cleats are colour coded: red is fixed, blue has about 2 degrees and yellow about 6 degrees, which suits most riders. SPD cleats come as single release or multi release, and multi release frees the foot in more directions.

Matching your shoes

SPD cleats fit mountain bike, gravel and many casual cycling shoes with two-bolt slots. SPD-SL cleats need road shoes with three-bolt holes, and some road shoes accept both. Check your shoe sole before choosing pedals.

Cleat wear

Cleats wear with walking and repeated clipping in. Replace them when release feels loose or unpredictable, or when the wear markers on SPD-SL cleats have gone, and mark the old position on the sole first so the new cleats go on in the same place.

Not sure whether SPD or SPD-SL suits your riding? Ask TBA Guide, our chat assistant.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SPD and SPD-SL?

SPD is Shimano's two-bolt clipless system for mountain biking, gravel and touring, with a small recessed cleat that lets you walk easily. SPD-SL is Shimano's three-bolt road system, with a larger cleat that spreads pedalling force over a wider platform. The cleats and shoe drillings differ, so the two systems are not interchangeable with each other.

Which Shimano cleat colour should I choose?

Choose yellow Shimano SPD-SL cleats if you want about 6 degrees of float, which suits most riders and is kinder to knees. Blue cleats give about 2 degrees for a more locked-in feel, and red cleats have no float at all, so they suit only riders with a precise bike fit who know they want a fixed position.

How often should I replace Shimano cleats?

Replace Shimano cleats when clipping in or out feels loose, sloppy or unpredictable, or when the wear indicators on SPD-SL cleats have worn away. Riders who walk a lot in road shoes may need new SPD-SL cleats every few months, while recessed metal SPD cleats usually last much longer because they barely touch the ground.

Are clipless pedals good for beginners?

Yes, beginners can use clipless pedals, and SPD pedals with multi-release cleats are the easiest start, because they release with a twist in several directions and still let you walk normally. Set the release tension low, practise unclipping while leaning against a wall, and unclip early when approaching every stop until it becomes a habit you no longer think about.

Do Shimano SPD cleats fit other pedals?

Shimano SPD cleats use the common two-bolt pattern and work with Shimano SPD pedals and with pedals that other brands sell as SPD-compatible, though the engagement feel can differ. SPD-SL cleats work only with Shimano SPD-SL pedals. For the most consistent, predictable release, pair Shimano pedals with genuine Shimano cleats and replace them when worn.

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