Cleats
Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL schoenplaatjes (set van 2)
The Shimano SM-SH11 is a set of two SPD-SL cleats with float, in black and yellow. Your foot can rotate slightly while you pedal.
What you get
- Set of 2 cleats
- SPD-SL road pedal system
- With float, black and yellow
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 want some freedom of movement for your foot and knees
- You ride road pedals of the SPD-SL type
- 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
- You want your foot to stay locked in one position
- 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
- Compare colours: Shimano marks cleats with float as black and yellow, and cleats without float as black and red
- They fit SPD-SL pedals and will not work on MTB SPD
- 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.
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