Cleats

Schoenplaatjes voor Shimano SPD-SL en SH51

These are cleats for Shimano pedals, listed for SPD-SL (SH10, SH11, SH12) and SPD SH51. One set therefore covers several Shimano types.

What you get

For Shimano SPD-SL (SH10, SH11, SH12)
Also SPD SH51

Why cleats?

A cleat wears quickly, because you walk on it and it clicks in and out thousands of times. A worn cleat can release unexpectedly or clip in poorly. Replacing it is quick and costs little, so do it in time.

The cleat must match your pedal system. An SPD-SL cleat does not fit a Look pedal and vice versa. A two-bolt SPD cleat fits SPD pedals. Always check which system your pedals use and buy matching cleats.

The colour tells you how much float you get. With SPD-SL, red is 0 degrees (fixed), blue is 2 degrees and yellow is 6 degrees. With Look, black is often 0 degrees, grey 4.5 degrees and red 9 degrees. Choose less float for a firm power transfer, more if your knees are sensitive or you like your foot to move. The values are a guide and vary by generation.

The cleat position decides how you pedal and how your knees are loaded. It belongs under the ball of your foot, aligned with your foot’s natural angle, and identical left and right. A few millimetres of change already make a difference.

How cleats compare

Colour and system set the float. More float is easier on the knee, less float gives firmness.

Cleat	Float	Feel	For whom
SPD-SL red	0 degrees	Fixed, firm transfer	Sprinters, experienced riders without knee problems
SPD-SL blue	2 degrees	Little play	Riders wanting a little freedom
SPD-SL yellow	6 degrees	Plenty of play, knee-friendly	Beginners and sensitive knees
Look grey	4.5 degrees	Moderate play	Most riders
Look red	9 degrees	Plenty of play	Riders wanting plenty of float for the knee

A guide. Check colour and float in the documentation for your pedal.

Choose it if

You are replacing worn cleats on Shimano shoes.
You want a spare set at home.
Your cleats are worn or your foot releases unexpectedly.
You want more or less float, for example because your knees complain.

Choose something else if

With pedals from another brand, you need matching cleats.
You do not know which pedal system you have. Find that out first.
You have long-running knee trouble. Get a bike fit rather than only swapping cleats.

How to use cleats

Check your system
Check which pedal system you have and whether your shoe has 2 or 3 holes. Buy matching cleats.
Mark the old position
Draw round the old cleat on your sole with a marker. You then fit the new one in the same place.
Fit loosely
Tighten the bolts only loosely first and clip into the pedal. Adjust fore, aft and sideways until your foot sits naturally.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts evenly with a measured hand. Take a test ride and adjust if anything feels wrong.
Protect when walking
Walk on the cleats as little as possible or use cleat covers. That extends their life.

Good to know

SPD-SL and SH51 are different systems, so match the cleat to your pedal.
Bolts and washers: check what is in the pack.
Replace cleats when they are clearly worn or your foot releases unexpectedly. That is often after a few thousand kilometres, depending on how much you walk.
Do not fit new cleats with worn or damaged bolts. Replace the bolts too if they are damaged.
Colour codes differ by brand. A red cleat is 0 degrees at Shimano and 9 degrees at Look.
Apply a little grease to the bolts so you can undo them later.

What you get

Why cleats?

How cleats compare

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use cleats

Check your system

Mark the old position

Fit loosely

Tighten

Protect when walking

Good to know

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