When to replace SPD SL Cleats?

freehub

Just thinking.

When exactly should I be replacing them?

Looking at mine at the moment, I think they look like I should have replaced them ages ago, the front yellow bit is coming off, and the smaller parts at the back of the cleats, the yellow has almost gone.

But I'm still finding I am clipped in perfectly?

Should I replace them or is it when I struggle to clip in?

Thanks.

freehub

Does no one use SPD SL?

RobG100

Yeah, when you see a decrease in Performance you should replace them I guess. I have a set of SPD SL's and they're knackered, but still work. I should have replaced them ages ago, the yellow bits are coming off, mainly due to walking on Scalpings around my house out to the road.

crimsondynamo

no I don't! Look man myself. Aren't teh yellow bits on spds sacrificial / for the purposes of walking?

Scrumple

yes, the yellow bits are useless, and when gone the real stuff is left and they quickly eat into the fitting mount.

bin when the yellow goes, before its too late.

freehub

What is the fitting mount?

Rich Hcp

I replaced mine when I bought newe shoes....

The yellow was hanging off a bit, but they still clipped in ok.

Scrumple

freehub wrote:

What is the fitting mount?

my way of saying the yellow bits are to walk on, like the heel bit. Under the yellow is the plastic that actually clips in.

lose the yelow, and you are then wearing down the bits that do the work and engage. So, you may find they quickly become useless.

The yellow is like a safety net.

Peddle Up!

freehub wrote:

Does no one use SPD SL?

I bought a pair of "cleat covers" from eBay - around seven quid. I know it sounds anal, but I've got a gravel drive and it was eating up cleats like nobody's business. You can pop them in a pocket when you ride. Works for me.

John.T

When they stop clipping in securely. They will wear fairly quickly once the yellow bits are gone, mainly the front clip section. If you don't walk in them they nearly last for ever.