SPD cleats - SH51 versus SH56

daniel_b
daniel_b Posts: 11,538
edited June 2015 in Commuting chat
Hello all,

I need to pick up another set of cleats, and am thinking that as I have a spare pair of M520's I will put those on my MTB.

I noticed that the SH56 exists, that purports to be multi release, so thought that might be a perfect bedfellow for when out on the MTB.
3763_01_d.jpg
953_01_d.jpg

Anyone have experience of them?
Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 18

Comments

  • WindyG
    WindyG Posts: 1,099
    The SH-56 is a good option for road/commuting when you might need to unclip a little easier and more often but the SH-51 is better suited for off road.
  • When I was a cleat newbie I had a couple of near mishaps using the 51's go got some 56's. Used them for several months, slowly increasing the tension of the pedals, before moving back to the 51's (and backing tension off again).
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 11,538
    I had mishaps first starting out with my sh51 on my roadie, but am now fairly proficient.

    However I have always feared it on the mtb, sometimes I like to dab, especially with technical slow speed maneuovres and thats where the twist release 51 cleats concern me, hence I am wondering if the 56's are the answer for me.
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • WindyG
    WindyG Posts: 1,099
    It becomes second nature you will find yourself unclipping automatically with no thought at all, would be better to try an improve handling skills though so you don't need to dab.
  • mpdouglas
    mpdouglas Posts: 220
    I tried some SH56 cleats that I had in my spares drawer (they came with a set of pedals I bought for my son). I had previously been using SH51s. I ended up taking the 56 ones off just a couple of weeks after fitting them. I found them imprecise and on several occasions I thought they weren't going to release and I needed an extra big heave to get my foot out. This is with Shimano XTR pedals. I had a couple of scares on the commute in to central London and was not willing to put up with the 56s. As soon as I changed, I have had no recurrence. I may just have had a bad pair (they were genuine Shimano) but I didn't enjoy my experience with them. The 51s may require one specific movement to release but it's precise and predictable.
    "The Flying Scot"
    Commute - Boardman CXR 9.4 Di2
    Sunday Best - Canyon Ultimate SLX Disc w/ DuraAce Di2
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    I had SH51 cleats with my first set of SPDs back in 1990/91 and have stuck with that model ever since.

    shimano-pdm737-150x150.jpg
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • dj58
    dj58 Posts: 2,216
    I also have used SH51 cleats since SPD's were available in the early 90's off road and on. Never had a problem unclipping off road even when the pedals and shoes are caked in mud. I suggest you stick with the SH51's, set the pedal tension to the minimum (-) and practice twisting out until you are confident with them. As WindyG says it will become second nature eventually.
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 11,538
    Thanks chaps, oh SH51's it is then!

    I have seen some Exustar ones being sold by Rutland cycles for £3.99 with free P&P - are these as good as genuine Shimano SH51's does anyone know?

    $_12.JPG
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348
    WindyG wrote:
    The SH-56 is a good option for road/commuting when you might need to unclip a little easier and more often but the SH-51 is better suited for off road.

    Exactly that. The multi release are good for normal quiet pedalling with the occasional panic stop, but are a bit too easy to release when throwing an MTB around under you
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • andy_s_t
    andy_s_t Posts: 106
    I use 51s on my commuting bike and shoes. I use Look Keo cleats on my road bike so find the 51s really easy to unclip.
  • ddraver wrote:
    WindyG wrote:
    The SH-56 is a good option for road/commuting when you might need to unclip a little easier and more often but the SH-51 is better suited for off road.

    Exactly that. The multi release are good for normal quiet pedalling with the occasional panic stop, but are a bit too easy to release when throwing an MTB around under you

    +1

    SH-56s for me when I commute on London roads, I need that quick-release action to help me deal with the rush-hours.....
    I ride with God on my mind and power in my thighs....WOE betide you!
    I know I'm not the fastest rider on earth BUT I KNOW I AM NOT the slowest!!!
    If you Jump Red Lights in order to stay ahead you are a DISGRACE!!
  • bikeit65
    bikeit65 Posts: 982
    Guys which of these two cleats would be best for spinning in a gym?
    https://www.instagram.com/seanmcgrathphotography/
    Planet X RT58
    Cannondale CAAD 10 2012.
    Pain.. Is weakness leaving the body.

    HATING LIFE-CYCLES FROM 2011
  • dhope
    dhope Posts: 6,699
    Guys which of these two cleats would be best for spinning in a gym?
    Whichever is cheaper. No difference.
    Rose Xeon CW Disc
    CAAD12 Disc
    Condor Tempo
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I've used both, I've never had the 56 unclip when on the MTB (when I didn't want it to) and prefer the more natural (for me) freedom of it, so both my shoes now run the 56.

    My oldest set of cleats is now 5 years old and are showing no obvious signs of wear at all.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Pufftmw
    Pufftmw Posts: 1,941
    I never knew there was a difference :oops:

    Goes to try & find out...
  • Pufftmw
    Pufftmw Posts: 1,941
    Ah - it appears that I have SH51s on my Specialised shoes, which I mainly use for commuting.

    Amazing what you learn on the internet :D
  • Resurrecting an old thread as I have just found out there are different spd cleats!
    Odd problem, I fitted bike fit wedges under the spd cleats on my left foot bike shoes. The ones I use on the road bike with Shimano SPD road pedals now won't click in every time which is pain! Strangely the same shoe will click into the different spd pedals on my turbo bike. So tried the other shoes on the road bike and they clicked in OK!
    Then I discovered the ones that worked on both pedals were SH56 and the ones that don't were SH51!
    Without the wedges they all work fine :D