SPD-SL's - not that bad ?

iandennis
iandennis Posts: 238
edited May 2011 in Road beginners
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 ?

Comments

  • optimisticbiker
    optimisticbiker Posts: 1,657
    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 it :)
    Invacare Spectra Plus electric wheelchair, max speed 4mph :cry:
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    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.
  • twotyred
    twotyred Posts: 822
    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.