SPD-SL's - not that bad ?

iandennis
Posts: 238
I've been using SPD's on my commuter for the last year but when I bought my Secteur I put Shimano SPD-SL 540's on it. My SPD's have become second nature for commuting and I don't have to think too much about re-engaging when setting off. Unclipping has always been easy and I've had more problems with comedy falls on the off- roader than the commuter.
Tried commuting in the SL's on Friday and had a few hesitant moments, pulling away and re-engaging the pedal most difficult part. At one point in the ride home I almost gave up having clouted my ankle with the pedal. Still made it home and considered going over to SPD's.
This morning went out and no problems re-engaging the pedal when setting off, the 540 seems to hang down and click in with a solid click. Maybe its because I've raised the saddle or relaxed but much better.
I'm not planning on commuting using the Sl's - but its nice to know the odd sunny day to work might be possible.
Does anybody actually commute in road shoes or are SPD's the norm ?
Tried commuting in the SL's on Friday and had a few hesitant moments, pulling away and re-engaging the pedal most difficult part. At one point in the ride home I almost gave up having clouted my ankle with the pedal. Still made it home and considered going over to SPD's.
This morning went out and no problems re-engaging the pedal when setting off, the 540 seems to hang down and click in with a solid click. Maybe its because I've raised the saddle or relaxed but much better.
I'm not planning on commuting using the Sl's - but its nice to know the odd sunny day to work might be possible.
Does anybody actually commute in road shoes or are SPD's the norm ?
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Comments
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I use SPDs for commuting as do many of my colleagues, but there is a small and growing contingent that use SLs. Like you I am considering using the road bike for the occasional sunny day commutes. Its taken me about 6 weeks to get comfortable enough to use the SLs in traffic but on those days i dont need the panniers I'm looking forward to itInvacare Spectra Plus electric wheelchair, max speed 4mph0
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I do, but I've got a rural 15 each way commute so I hardly ever need to unclip. I remember my first go on spd-sl, I could hardly engage or disengage. Now it's all worn in it's much smoother. Although I suspect my cleats are worn as I no longer get a reassuring clunk when I click in.0
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I commute in SPD-SLs but like Mr-si its mostly rural with one set of lights. If I was commuting though a city I'd stick to SPDs or Speedplays.0