spd or spd sl

steve36

hi
new road bike has spd sl pedals,my shoes are spd :oops: should i buy new sl shoes or change to spd pedals :?
help!
cheers guys.

guilliano

Have you ever used a clippy in pedal before? Do you need to walk comfortably for pub/cafe stops or are you happy to walk like a duck to get more efficient and comfortable pedalling?

steve36

guilliano, thanks for reply,never used clip in pedals before.i take it spd sl are more comfortable than spd but harder to walk in?
cheers.

guilliano

SPD uses a cleat that's set into the sole and has a sole you can walk in. The cleat is smaller and uses 2 bolts, which over a long distance can create a pressure point as the pedal surface you clip into (which also supports your weight) is a lot smaller. They have the advantage of being a bit easier to get in and out of, plus you can get pedals which either have a clip mechanism on both sides, or a clip one side and a flat pedal the other.

SPD SL uses a much larger cleat sitting outside the sole of the shoe. The pedal supports the front third(ish) of your foot, much like a flat pedal and as such tends to be a lot more comfortable for longer rides and offers more efficiency and stability. When you get off the bike you will walk like a duck though, and you can only clip into one side of the pedal, the other being minimal size to avoid clipping the road when leaning round corners.