Shimano SPD VS SPD-SL - UPDATED - 2023 - WEST POINT CYCLES

[@ferozadeeb2531]

i searched my whole life just for this short and complete answer.

[@justincase6387]

If your shoe is stiff enough, there's no speed difference between spd and spd-sl, no power savings advantages as well. Only difference is there's usually less float on spd-sl and some people prefer the feel of being more locked in position. There are road shoes that take spd cleats, it's all down to preference

[@thall0]

even shoe stiffness doesn't really impact power savings that much. There could be a bigger difference in sprints, but during average riding, the efficiency should be roughly the same.

[@MrApolui]

Why would spd-sl be faster?

[@alaefarmestatesllc]

Cuz lighter?

[@qwerty6789x]

​​@@alaefarmestatesllcbut its harder to unclip. unlike the MTB SPD 😢

[@Ramon314]

It's not even proven that clipless as a whole is faster than flats

[@thegreatseprano9918]

@@Ramon314 If pros in mountain biking and road racing generally gravitate towards clipless then there is obviously an advantage weather that be weight, efficiency (which is a given for stiffer soles regardless of pedaling technique) or the extra control.

[@Ramon314]

@@thegreatseprano9918 road cyclists also used to ride very narrow tires.

[@jonahtillman9499]

For anyone wondering, I would assume he said the Look pedals are faster because they have a larger contact point on the pedals, which possible allows for better/more efficient power transfer? Trivial things like that sound like snake oil to me..

[@alexanderkuhn6126]

Test 2: the 50m snake oil shoe dash. First set of shoes to walk 50 m over snake oil wins

[@James.055]

Why is one faster and by how much?

[@Veterans2009]

I am really trying to find an SPD but wide cozy shoes for as road bikeing shoes make me numb in 7 minutes

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

I have an extra wide foot and the only shoes I've found that work for me are Lake and Bont. Bont even has a full-custom option to make sure the carbon tub is designed around your foot, but it's $1,100. The gravel shoe options allow for SPD pedals, as well as having stiffer, more aero road type shoes. Best of both worlds for me.

[@user-ur9wy1lt8z]

I'm going for Shimano xc300 one for that matter

[@easterlake]

Clipless pedal is the dumbest name. How about clip in?

[@SlickWillyTFCF]

That refers to the original toe clip cages that mounted on flat pedals. If you take the toe clip away you have clipless.

[@smoddyelse4688]

'Clipful' pedals might b good. Clippys 😂