SPD-SL benefits

coopsman1
coopsman1 Posts: 337
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
Hi all,

Being new to the road cycling after mountain biking since I was 10.

Is there any benefits of using the SPD-SL pedals over the usual SPD cleats? If so what are they?
http://ridewithgps.com/photos/snapshots ... 749872.jpg

Comments

  • Duffer65
    Duffer65 Posts: 341
    I've used both and there's not an awful lot of difference other than I found that the larger cleat and pedal area of the SPD-SLs feel more comfortable (for me). Intially I had a problem clipping in when moving off when I switched to SPD-SLs and road shoes which I didn't have when wearing mtb shoes and SPDs. With road shoes the SPD cleats are very awkward to walk in, obviously if you are wearing mtb type shoes where the cleats are recessed it is not an issue. People do say that using SPD-SL pedals and cleats improve your performance but I can't say I've noticed a marked difference. Stick with what you feel comfortable with. I think the thing that made the most difference for me was switching from a less rigid mtb shoe to a stiff soled road shoe, as the SPD cleat caused pressure pain when I wore the softer soled shoes.
    Where would you be if you fell down a hole?.. Stuck down a hole... in the fog... Stuck down a hole, in the fog, at night... WITH AN OWL!
  • Secteur
    Secteur Posts: 1,971
    Dunno, but after 3 months of SPD-SL, I still struggle to get my left foot clipped in when moving off - it rarely every happens slickly or without looking.
  • rubertoe
    rubertoe Posts: 3,994
    Secteur wrote:
    Dunno, but after 3 months of SPD-SL, I still struggle to get my left foot clipped in when moving off - it rarely every happens slickly or without looking.


    ^^^^ This -

    i have been using SPD - SL's for 18 month and still have to look when engaging - i am thing of switching to SPD's.
    "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

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  • Fat-Boy-Roubaix
    Fat-Boy-Roubaix Posts: 413
    Strange I am on my third week and clipping in has now become almost second nature, easier than getting the pedal up on toe clips. I never used SPD so maybe that is why went from clips to SPD-SL. It is getting used to the pedal hanging at 6 o'clock.

    Sometimes I don't hit it first time but the key is not to panic, take your foot fully off again get the crank back round and go again. I never give it full push until I have done a up stroke to double check I a min, don't know what thats all about has I have heard and felt the click!

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