SPD Pedals for Road Cycling (pros & cons)

About Neill Stanbury: neillsbikefit.com.au
Channel Subscription: bit.ly/2NViYKI
What's the best pedal system for beginner cyclists? That can really depend on the individual and what they're trying to achieve. A few weeks ago on this channel I was pushing the Wahoo Speedplays. Not because I was getting paid by them or because I'm in bed with them. It's simply because I have used Speedplays for roughly 13 years and I personally think they're the best pedal system. However, my opinion should not get in the way of 'balance' in a video, which recently happened! By mistake. So this video is designed to carry on from the previous video, outlining the SPD pedals system, which was overlooked in the previous video.
#cycling #pedals

[@MrMartin246]

On SPD missing many important points. There are very stiff SPD shoes, often made for XC racing. I use a pair with a carbon sole for gravel riding. Just as stiff as a high level road shoe. And on contact patch if you get higher quality XT XC pedals they do have a frame around the cleat area and the shoe rest on that frame, giving a pretty good contact patch. Being able to walk is very valuable when going through rough terrain, or to do a bit of touring/visiting where you ride. Cycling is not all about speed, in fact it is not about speed for most people. It is about fun. SPD is a very good system, designed for MTB but very much relavant to gravel riding. It is also good for beginners on the road since it is much easier to use than the road systems. I feel your video does not do it justice once again.

[@Garfie1d73]

Totally agree. You some it up nicely.

[@karlr6810]

Yup, SPD's offered significantly more options, in terms of shoes in case one is taking their bike for a walk, bikepacking, credit card touring, etc. When I see roadies walk, it seems like they have a stick rammed up their rear end, and not comfortable walking around. And, like you said, not every cyclist cares about speed (I don't, really). So who cares if SPD's are used...

[@harryparkinson]

I think the movement (slop) is caused by the sole of the shoe being worn. The rubber strips either side of the cleat rest on the pedal body, when these wear the cleat sits lower in the pedal.

[@michaeljoey9240]

@@Garfie1d73 agreed.

[@maxlein1246]

This. I have Bont Riot+ MTB shoes, and they are super stiff. My S-Works 7 are still stiffer, but I don’t think I’d want stiffer MTB shoes. That makes a huge difference as it will distribute the pressure over a larger area. Dismissing the (in)ability to walk is also another weird one: plenty of opportunities for me to walk when I am on my road bike. It perhaps isn’t as big a factor, but I wouldn’t dismiss the advantage.

[@AussieInJapan]

I’ve long been a convert of SPD pedals, no matter the bike as 1. I can easily walk in the shoes (when it gets too steep, in cafe, exploring), 2. Double sided click in pedals. & 3. No need to have multiple pairs of shoes for different bikes. Loving my new RX6 Shimano gravel shoes.

[@colostomybag9367]

I have had two miles in spd shoes, not great but do able. Cant be done in speedplay or look or whatever, not practical. Not to mention how much stiffer mountian bike shoes are.

[@morosis82]

I have the RX8s, they are indeed a great shoe. Not amazing to get into, but fit like a glove once your foot is in.

[@Carftymk]

where did you get your RX6s? i've been looking for a pair for months but it's never available

[@Tbo1235]

@@Carftymk sigma sports

[@monty2078]

@@colostomybag9367 I totally agree. I don't use my road shoes/peddles anymore and I actually like the little bit of float in the connection as I find that releaves stress on long rides

[@samspade1418]

As many have already attested too, walkability is probably the single biggest factor for why the SPD cleat and mtn shoes are so popular. I too run SPD. I have had many mechanicals through the years that necessitated walking at least a few miles to get home. I have replenished gels, food, water, etc. at a Target, WalMart, etc. many many times on long rides (several hours and high tens if not over a hundred miles). There have been times when I just decide to get off the bike for a mile and walk to change things up. Visiting restaurants etc. Heck, just hitting a rest point and using the toilet is easier on the SPD system. What SPD cleats and mtn shoes give you is the option to "insert x" where road systems would make such things far more difficult if not painful to carry out.

[@groad6551]

I switched to Shimano SPD pedals. Never looked back. Easy to engage as they are dual sided. Gives me much more confidence during stops in traffic lights and I can walk normally.

[@shaunhoulahan4080]

I’m also an SPD mountain bike pedal fan. I use Shimano XC7 shoes and I quite like the bit of float. It’s great being able to park your bike and walk to shops and cafes or into my workplace. I’ve not experienced any foot problems. I think I remember GCN doing a test to see if there was a power advantage for road shoes and pedals and they didn’t find a significant difference.

[@lenolenoleno]

Acknowledging Neil is in the game of gear and fit optimization, and if you're a pure roadie then I do agree with all of Neils wise words (as is pretty much always the case)... But as everyone else has said here: SPDs + a shoe with a carbon sole solves any potential hotspotting issues. I've noticed this is only a small potential problem that arises the heavier you are/if you are a particularly hard rider and/or foot shape makes you prone to hotspotting. If you're doing ultra-long distance bikepacking, some friends had opted to using an MTB system with a cage (e.g. XT Trails/Saint or Crankbrother Mallets) and married it to a compatible shoe where the adjustable length pins contact for a bit more comfort optimisation. That additional contact/those pedals are generally more important in Enduro/DH for when you have to ride temporarily unclipped after a foot out/dab situation. Know at least 50+ riders who have been using SPDs for decades without complaint of hotspots. Regarding the slop, can't say if this is an issue/non-issue as majority of people probably have an element of poor bike fit and the SPD slop is likely is lower on the list of improvements for them.

[@kevinbarkema1666]

I only use SPD. Paired with MTB shoes it’s great for walking into gas stations/bars/restaurants will riding. I even occasionally walk the dog in them after a ride.

[@JonFairhurst]

I use SPDs. Walkability is nice as I ride to the gym to swim, and sometimes we stop at the bike and pub after a long ride, but before I get home. I do a combination of XC and road (on different bikes), and one pair of shoes/cleats does the trick. While “most” MTB shoes might be soft, I don’t care about most. There are light, stiff XC shoes available with carbon soles. I use the Giro Empire VR90, and with soles this stiff, they’re hot spot free. The only downside is the float and slop. Then again, you don’t have to worry about adjustments or which cleat float to get. So SPDs for beginners. Add high end shoes, like the VR90s for intermediate level riding. Those shoes work year round, on or off road, so the investment isn’t bad. Also the cleat mounts are reasonably far back, so they’re good for bike fitting. I’ve done a few thousand miles on mine with little wear. A great way to go!

[@CamNicholls]

Interesting to hear Jon, thanks for sharing on the thread.

[@MacMasore]

Another benefit for SPD: cleats are much cheaper and durable then any other pedalsystem. So much cheaper when you have shoes for different seasons and purposes.

[@jeffreythree]

I ride all the bikes; so I use SPD. I also like my foot to move naturally and run SH-56 cleats specifically to let it have a bit of play..

[@bluegem72]

This is what I use at as well

[@stuartdryer1352]

I have Sphyre MTB shoes. Also some Giro Empore MTB shoes. Plenty light. Shoes are just as stiff as the road versions, not that that matters so much but it reduces hotspots. Very fast to clip in and out and forgiving. Different cleats to change the float. Adjustable tension. Pedals can be quite light. Dual sided, which is the biggest advantage. Every bit as good as Speeplay, which ive also used. And with recent Look SPD pedals dual sided (on my gravel bike) I've checked and there is no rock .

[@facingup1624]

If you get good mtb/cx shoes, the sole will be just as solid, so no hot foot. Stop being cheap, Neal

[@CamNicholls]

Interesting point, thanks for sharing on the thread, and I'll pass on your message. Cam

[@DaveCM]

You are correct. I have a really nice pair of Mavic gravel shoes with stiff carbon soles. They are pretty awesome and no more hot spots on long climbs.

[@mdbourne]

Yeah, buy cheap road shoes or cheap gravel and the identical issue will present. Buy a carbon sole quality shoe and it’s identical! Silly point to say.

[@Keule_from_Mars]

Agreed. Stiff carbon soles like on road shoes are nothing new.

[@kubackjeee]

@@CamNicholls shimano r8 as stiff and light as a road shoe. I use it with ultegra es600 pedals - which are light road SPD pedals.

[@TypeVertigo]

The hot spots are a real concern with SPD cleats, but they are more pronounced if your shoe isn't very stiff in the sole. When you pair SPD cleats with a very stiff shoe, something like the Spez S-Works 6 XC (whose carbon fiber outsole is pretty much still in use in 2022 - five years after they were first released), that concern goes right out the window.

[@balsa02]

The hot spot feeling occour only if you over wear the shoe sole and the tread on it, because the tread what support the shoe, not the cleat. In normal case the tread rest on the pedal axle. If the pedal cleat connector reach the shoe sole, then the tread is over weared.

[@DilbertMuc]

The newest Shimano SPD pedals have an extra-large contact area to the shoe, almost like SPD SL.

[@Jonathan-di1pb]

There are now also single sided SPD pedals with a frame that makes direct contact with the shoe that massively spreads out the contact forces. I am currently using them and they feel great! The weight of the frame also levels them when they are properly lubricated, which makes the one sidedness a non issue.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@DilbertMucare you referring to the xt race?

[@DilbertMuc]

@@thedownunderverse Yes. I think they are called PD-M8010 or PD-M8020. Need to check at my MTB in the cellar.

[@eteran23]

Thanks for making the video. Clarified for me, that there is no reason not to ride SPD on the road bike. With stiff soled shoes, I never had a problem with hot spots. My Shimano A600 pedals on the road bikes and XT pedal on the gravel bike don't have "slop" at all. Maybe your pedal just isn't that great. On the other hand, they have so many advantages that other comments already named. The only downside I experienced is that there is no great pedal based power meter system for them yet.

[@mightymidget88]

SRM X Power seems pretty good, but expensive. 5% standby power drain is liveable.

[@protonjicari5990]

Switch to SPD coz in ride on cities and do many full stops and quick stops, you know what I mean, and it doesn’t gets destroyed really compared to road cleats

[@cjohnson913]

I love Crank Brothers for MTB. When I started road cycling I used some egg beaters on the road bike for a long time. I also had Sworks MTB shoes with a super stiff carbon sole. Benefits of the egg beater system are even better mud clearing than SPD, 4 sided entry, no adjustments to be made other than how many degrees of rotation for release which is just a matter of which foot each cleat goes on. And they have spacers available too go on the spindles to take care of that side to side slop from worn shoes. After switching to SPD-SL for three road bike I don't notice anything difference with power or biomechanics.

[@CrabgrassFarmer]

If I had that much slop in my SPD pedals I'd give up on them too. I may switch over to conventional road pedals eventually. But 4 years in, I'm still good on SPDs with stiff Fizik shoes and Shimano ES-600 pedals. For now, I like to be able to walk without bother.

[@CamNicholls]

Fair call and interesting to hear about that combo. Thanks for sharing on the thread.

[@buildingreno]

Don't switch. It's not any better!

[@AndrewDemack]

Yeah it was bollocks about the slop. I’ve had SPD pedals last more than 20 years with no notable play. Been riding SPDs since ‘91, will probably continue for a while yet.

[@markusseppala6547]

I switched from cheap double sided spd pedals to ES-600, the difference was huge all the slop was gone and feels much more stable.

[@PRH123]

It's all adjustable, there are 3 classes of SPD cleats with varying levels of rotational play, and you can turn the adjustment screw to tighten or loosen them up. You can have everything from your feet nailed to the pedals, to very loose and free rotational movement.

[@jmounce50]

I love MTB SPD’s -I like the float, I like the double sided design and as everyone as stated I can walk easily to coffee shops, breweries, etc. I also ride a MTB….strangely I still use flats when I MTB.

[@larisonjohnson]

First clipless pedals were SPD, single sided with flats. 2 decades later, ES600s, wicked light, single sided, larger platform than normal MTB pedals. Walking is a plus, not scuffing up the floor is a must.

[@donharrold1375]

I love SPD. I use Shimano PD EH 500 pedals. A lot of people think that they’re mountain bike pedals. However, they are actually marketed for cyclo-cross, touring and road. Easy to clip in and clip out. Double sided - you can use an ordinary shoe on the flat side. Promotes confidence on the bike - feet feel secure, particularly out of the saddle. Cleats are easy to walk in (relatively), and they are reasonably light.

[@adamrobertsgb1]

I have run SPDs since I started cycling. Carbon soles have bridged the gap between road and mountain bike cleats. There is zero flex in my sidi Eagle 8s and do not suffer from hot spots at all. This is a hangover from the olden days where shoes were flexible and the foot print of the cleat was key to even pressure over the ball of the foot during the pedal stroke. I enjoying being able to walk normally whilst everyone is skidding around like a penguin

[@VictorElGreco]

SPDs are also brilliant for commuting- and on *any* kind of bike. One way or another, you will have to walk your bike somewhere.

[@bicivini]

I actually couldn’t disagree more. Riding several years MTB Pro and at the same time roadcycling - still on SPD 20y later. It mainly depends on the flex of the shoes! Take some carbon ones (DMT, Shimano XC7-9), get preferably titanium cleats (not that much play), adjust pedals to hardest position (no play and wiggle at all). Contact space of pedal/shoe doesn’t matter at all, if connection of pedal and shoe is firm (see above). No hot spots etc. And very low price in comparison to road pedals. And btw simply one solution and even more affordable as you only need one system for road, gravel, mtb. The rest is pure commercial perspective - if you want, need and can afford - perfectly fine. But you don’t have to. But just my 5 cents 😅. Cheers 🤟🏽

[@cyclopath457]

Only use mtb shoes now on all my bikes. Dont notice any cons to be honest . Being able to walk is a great plus.

[@chickenpoodle]

i've used SPD-SL and SPD, been wanting to try speedplay, but never got around to it. ultimately i've settled on SPD for everything. have these heavier duty XT double sided pedals for the commuter bike and single speed. and on the fast roadbike, i have the A600's, which are about 280g or so? single sided SPD. so incredibly competitive in weight to SPD-SL with all the benefits of SPD. and with how we are riding more and more on gravel or light single track trails, whether we intend for it or not, even when we're out on our roadbikes, its a big plus! since unexpected hike-a-bikes will occur! and the slop that neill is referring to heavily depends on the shoe and pedal interface. the shoes i'm wearing, and the pedals i use? i've NEVER experienced sloppy engagement and retention. the important part of the fit is ensuring the choice of pedals and shoes provide a solid match of the shoe treads to the cage of the pedal. for example i've been wearing a couple different pair of mavic SPD shoes, and they match up perfectly to the cage on the A600 and M875 pedals i've been using for the last...... decade? as stable as using the old 105 SPD-SL's

[@NelsonSherry]

A couple thought: 1) Just like people that have joint structure leading to a slight rotational movement of their foot requiring some float, I have had to fit a road cyclist with SPD pedals because their foot had had a rocking component through the stroke. So, some rocking is not always bad. 2) The rocking you show in your video is likely do more to wear of the shoe-pedal interface than the cleat interface. With a new shoe, it stabilizes the foot with pedal contact outboard of the cleat. You can also add a bit of material to the shoe or pedal to further stabilized the foot if desired.

[@evansmith2279]

As a commuter, SPDs are awesome! The all-around versatility supersedes the negatives (I do wish they weren’t so heavy).

[@MikeWarner75]

I’m a mountain biker. I’ve used SPDs since they launched in the early ‘90s. I got my first road bike in 2016 and instantly hated the SDP-SL road pedals, but I stuck with it. I also bought another (cheap) road bike for commuting, which I put SPDs on. This was great because I can ride to the train station, lock my bike, then walk around and catch the train without walking like a duck! So for commuting they are awesome. However, this year I gave up on SPD-SLs on my proper road bike and fitted SPDs. I use some stiff MTB XC shoes with them and they work much better for me. I guess one of the key considerations as a beginner then is to use what you are comfortable with.

[@youeatpoo1]

I've actually gone backwards in most of this. Mostly a road cyclist for 8 years but I now ride gravel as well now. I've gone from SPD-SL -> Look Keo -> SPD. Mainly because I picked up the favero assioma and they could be converted to SPD for gravel use. So I now use SPD for both road and gravel using the same pedals and shoes. The stiffness in the shoes isn't a problem as I use the Shimano rx8 shoes with carbon sole so pretty much equivalent to most high end road shoes. The point made about the rubbing and slop that comes from the cleat and the pedal body I actually have started to notice but hasn't caused me any issues. To add to that, I have had professional bike fits on both my road and gravel bike using the same pedals and shoes and the rubbing still hasn't caused me any issues. The hot spotting I can see being an issue if you don't use a high end carbon sole shoe. When I originally got the spd pedals to convert my favero assioma, I used them with a super cheap shimano shoe (~$50) that I had laying around from when I first started cycling. That flexed and hot spotted real quick just from riding around the local park.

[@mofoformosa]

Cam, I really enjoy your channel and appreciate all the effort you put into it. I would have loved to see you take a deeper dive on this topic. For example ES600 pedal with stiff carbon soled XC/gravel shoe. You might be surprised. Because the walkability factor is real. I like high performance equipment on the bike, but don't think we "need" to compromise walkability to achieve that level of performance. You might be surprised to see the trend shift as gravel specific stiff SPD shoes start to catch on. Especially for many of us who love riding fast and being out for long days exploring, but aren't racing. Why walk around is discomfort off of the bike?

[@chriskotting]

A significant advantage to SPD that attracts many beginners: Cost. There is one source for Speedplay pedals and cleat systems, and the price is pretty stiff for someone just exploring running clipless. Many manufacturers make SPD-compatible pedals and cleats, and they're generally of pretty consistent quality. So, most beginners who are looking to get into clipless pedal systems will choose an SPD-compatible system. Another significant advantage is that there are SPD-compatible "campus" pedals (flats on one side, SPD on the other). Doing this on Speedplay means getting another add-on item.

[@kubackjeee]

I ride shimano ultegra SPD pedals (es600) paired with stiff carbon shimano rx8 shoes and I absolutely love it. I ride scott addict RC 10 and I don't think I loose any speed. Only downside is that there are not many nice looking white SPD shoes on the market... and that is the only reason I sometimes think about switching to SPD-SL to get a white road shoe.

[@kaydanmusic4391]

This is basically me!

[@mofoformosa]

I just ordered this setup myself. Will be riding it in early February.

[@gsmd770]

I use the SPD system on my mountain & road bikes. When you're in the city and you have to walk,well no problem. One system to rule them all!

[@Membrillo81]

I'm using Shimano ES600 pedals for road cycling combined with Shimano RX8 shoes. Being able to walk is important to me, specially because where I live people seem to love building slippery floors. Combo is more than stiff enough for a low power rider like me. Yes, it has some movement, but I like it and, unless your clip position is perfect, I guess that a bit of movement is better than being glued in a imperfect position. Pedals look better on a road bike, they're very light but aren't double sided. Clipping again in steep gradients is an issue because they tend to be upside down.

[@kubackjeee]

Use the exact sam combo. My only wish is they make a white rx8 shoe :)

[@vhx1]

I used tennis racket lead tape to correct the pedal weight distribution so it stays upright when unclipped

[@Membrillo81]

@@vhx1 that's interesting.

[@bobby2800]

The predecessor to the ES600, the A600, doesn’t have the upside down issue.

[@Membrillo81]

@@bobby2800 I heard that too, but I already had bought the ES600. Maybe in the third iteration Shimano can fix what they broke.

[@ridewithgrace6414]

I use Time Atacs on all my bikes - similar advantages to SPD but with more float. For some of us with knee problems the sideways float is actually a benefit.

[@justsomedude7556]

I too run ATACs on all my bikes, been doing it for over 10 yrs.

[@dzbanki]

i know its been a year since this comment, but can you check if the time attacs have the same rocking play as spd? shown in this video at 5:58?

[@christian_traxler]

From the very beginning, I used SPD pedals with my roadbike. I ride, I walk, and I feel good! Current Combo: Shimano ME3 shoes with a good stiff sole, Shimano PD-ES600 pedals. The shoes work fine but are not available anymore. The next generation looks very good though. I will upgrade soon. The one-sided pedals are just great. Most of my rides are between 60 and 120 km.

[@vaska00762]

I have PD-ES600 too, and I do really enjoy them, though the paintwork has become really scratched up, and fairly quickly too. I use Chrome Industries Kursk shoes - they have Panaracer rubber, but of course fit the SPD cleat in. The shoes are very stiff, but also are on the heavy side of things. They're marketed more as urban cycling shoes, and that's because they visually resemble canvas shoes. I really like them for looking very normal while being stiff. Having reflective patches on the rear of the shoe and also having 3M reflective thread woven into the laces also makes them pretty good for riding in the winter, combined with the fact that they're water repellant.

[@christian_traxler]

@@vaska00762 These shoes look interesting. The reflective patches are useful for sure. And yes, I also don't like the fast scratch-up of the pedals.

[@Quevallyn]

I use road pedals (Favero Assiomas) for most of my road riding. However, for audax and bike touring, where I’m on and off the bike more frequently, I use Shimano SPDs with a pair of Fizik Terra X4 gravel shoes. I rode from Edinburgh to Bournemouth over 4 days in summer, averaging over 100 miles/day, and had no comfort issues at all.

[@andyrobb18]

Same here - use Look for road, SPD for gravel, touring...did LEJOG this past summer riding ~120 miles per days over 8 days and no comfort issues with the cleat system

[@craigm5713]

You can get larger spd pedals that have reasonable sized surrounding base plate to ones that downhillers would use.

[@Cyclingchoice]

I use SPD for road riding, my MTB shoes have carbon sole. Zero hotspot issues.

[@saladaufdieeichel]

I've been using SPD for allmost all of my adult cycling life. That has been like 15 years or something. Used them mostly for small tours around 50-70km or the one or two racing bike touring holidays (seen half of Europe with my dad that way) during summers. 3500km to 5000km per year. Just love the convenience. Right now I'm using more gravel race oriented shoes and my pedals are the BBB BDP-14. Also SPD is used in my Spinning classes which adds to the convenience.

[@TheMerckxProject]

I use a 3-bolt dedicated road shoe, and the SH-41 cleat adapter. (Allows a 2-bolt to be run on a higher-end 3 bolt shoe. It has what Shimano calls a pontoon that surround the cleat, which I believe helps to steady that rocking motion, particularly on the Look pedals that are SPD compatible. And if you need any more proof, I used to see Chloe Dygart out with the fast group when she was still a junior...wearing mtb shoes.

[@timrooke9344]

I have two bikes an endurance and a gravel bike and cover just over 1000km per month on average.Both have SPD.I live in the centre of London and just found them easier with the constant stopping at traffic lights etc and the fact I can walk in them.When i first started I used to get hotspots and switched to Lake MX332 shoe with a ultra stiff carbon soles and have not looked back.

[@iant3744]

Same here, UK roads are like gravel rides! I ride my going to the gym, commuting, weekend road and TT bikes all on SPD without issue using an SPD road shoe. Happy days

[@gah181]

i started out with spd, still currently using. just now noticing those hot spots. very informative video

[@litchips]

SPDs are the best. I have SIDI Dominator and Genius of same vintage, basically same construction shoes, one is SPD and other is SPD-SL. Rode them on same ride same bike. Prefer the SPD because I actually like for my foot tilted slightly, which is the slop that is mentioned. I have XTR pedals which has a bit of an outer platform and very low stack height. I got hot spots with SPD-SL actually. But the main advantage is you can standardize your shoes between road, gravel and MTB. I have a SIDI ventilated summer shoe, a SIDI closed fabric winter shoe, and commuting shoe that work on all my bikes.

[@Tbo1235]

A really good breakdown of pros and cons. Personally use SPD with Shimano RX-8 due to mix of discipline

[@timmannchicken]

The Shimano RX-8 is a great MTN bike shoe for roadies. I love it being able to walk around, but also have good stiff shoe.

[@shitfuckshitshit]

I use SPD pedals on my urban road bike - good enough engagement and connection for power and control, and the ease of clipping in and out, the durability of the system and walkability off the bike makes these a no brainer in an environment with lots of stop lights. Out of the city, maybe a stronger engagement would be nice, but I've never found SPDs lacking.

[@grobbosixtyone]

I’ve ridden with Shimano SPD pedals on all my road bikes since they first came out. Love them as shoes are more comfortable and safer off the bike

[@user-yn5sk5ru5g]

Spd with platform for road is 👌 I ride mostly mtb and cyclocross, only made sense to go spd for the road bike too. Spd platform pedals are very good for road. Spd cleats are often also more adjustable to the rear of the foot, another plus. Spd platform have a larger contactpatch, because it is both the cleat and the platform touching. And for criteriums, you can clip in fast and do a cx style start and get a gap right away 😁

[@aisakup]

Video is spot on as far as I am concerned. I am a huge fan of the SPD compatible Look X-Track Race pedals because they tend to rock less longitudinally than the Shimano ones (even the XTR). I put a lot of miles on them as my primary bike is a gravel bike. However, I recently swapped back to Look road pedals for my road bike and the trainer because repeat max 1 minute efforts were leading to enough instability that was getting soreness of the muscles above my knee. I was curious enough about this that I actually shimmed my shoes to the same stack height and used a road pedal on one foot and an SPD pedal on the other foot while on Zwift. This was confirmed for me as an issue on both legs. Its not a shoe issue. I use Shimano XC902 and RC902 shoes. No hotspots in either shoe.

[@JmoulFrancis]

You can always tighten up the float. But a bit of it is always good as any cyclists going through traffic would appreciate. I’m a fan of SPD pedals as they are most compatible with real world cycling when not racing. The only downside for me would be the weight. Nothing else.

[@Clangerish]

There are SPD pedals (like Shimano SPD PD ED500) that have 'platforms' around the cleat to increase the contact area. In some cases the contact area even exceeds the contact area of other pedal systems. Benefits of the SPD system, apart from having double sided options, are that you can actually walk in the shoes and when you put you foot down in wet weather on road iron work, it's less likely to slip than speedplay or SPD-SL/Look. Cleats wear less and shoes last longer. You can get shoes that are more waterproof and/or warmer without the faff of overshoes. Slight weight disadvantage (just eat one less donut for breakfast!), but look around and you can get pedals that offer lighter weights than alternatives. I can't work out why anyone would use SPD-SL for commuting or touring. Give me SPD any day (and I've even raced in triathlons and IM races with SPD - my transitions are faster and I can get up to race speed more quickly whilst others run bare foot and struggle to get feet in shoes, or knock shoes off pedals, or have issues with bike flipping when shoes hit the ground in transition).

[@MrSmid888]

Never used SPD. Only used SPD-SL, pedal on loose setting. Never had an issue. Feel safe and great transfer of power. I guy once said to me on a road outing that he didn’t like my cleats as he can walk easier in his SPDs. But I’m out to cycle not walk!! The weight distribution for me is perfect on SLs

[@draugmithrin]

Was a big SPD fan and underwhelmed when I first tried SPD-SL. But after trying SPD-SL again now I ride at higher cadence and power I'm converted. Getting the right fitting shoe and correct saddle height is key whichever system you use.

[@mopedvieh]

I have gravel shoes with carbon soles, which are just as stiff as road bike shoes (according to the manufacturer's stiffness index). And there is also the possibility to increase the tension on the spring within the pedals. Therefore, you will get rid of the movement of the shoes (if you prefer that). However, I would guess that a bit of movement might be beneficial for beginners since they don't feel like glued in one position. I remember getting numb feet in the beginning when I transitioned to Shimano road cleats. And the last point is about improving the feel of safety. Shimano offers different cleats, which just disengage by rotating the heel or even by slightly tilting the foot. So, unclipping in an emergency situation is a lot easier. And since you're able to walk with the SPD system, you will immediately stand on solid feet instead of skating on ice. I saw a beginner friend crashing on a steep hill, which he didn't manage to ride up. He had to unclip and then just slid away cos he had no traction in his Speedplay shoes.

[@br5380]

I agree about the hotspots, but this is a (flexi) shoe rather than pedal issue. I use flats for enduro & bike packing and SPD for everything else. Sweet spot for SPD’s in my opinion are Shimano 540 pedals.

[@tredmer]

There are few things that I enjoy more than watching a herd of roadies roaming the wilds of a convenience store in their SPD-SLs and Speedplays. Clacking along and occasionally going for a slide like Bambi learning to walk on a frozen pond. When someone is foolish enough to pay me to ride a bike (they won't, I'm past my prime and wasn't fast in my prime) I'll worry about the few watts a road pedal will provide. Until then, you can find me riding and walking everywhere without incident and putting down suboptimal watts on my SPDs.

[@starlitshadows]

Just echoing what others are saying. You can get stiffer soles on SPD shoes. I had entry level Shimanos and traded up for some Specialized Recon 2. Sole is stiffer the only thing that bends is the tip of the toe for walking. Which is what I got them for. While most of the time I'm not using them for that purpose but sometimes I stop off at cafes or scenic areas and will walk around a bit and have a bite to eat before I head home. Plus if there is any emergency situation in the mountains being able to hike out isn't bad either. Considering I'm not a competitive cyclist it seems to work okay for me at the moment at least. But I see the advantages of road shoes ad well.

[@kellrockets101]

Those shoes he's talking about in the video are super old. Modern day mtb/spd shoes have just about as much stiffness as almost any road shoes. So the stiffness is not an issue in that regard. Just an overall bad take about SPD, and definitely a bias for speedplay pedals (as admitted in his video)

[@samcross5350]

I started using SPDs because I got into riding through commuting and the recessed cleat makes life a lot easier when doing that (especially when catching a train). I've managed to find firm soled shoes fairly easily. Hot spots have tended to indicate the shoe is worn and needs replacing in my case.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Everyone is different but SPD suit me better than Road cleats. I have only fallen off at lights twice, both times using road cleats. Also a bit of float means that I avoid knee pain. As other riders have said don't go cheap on the shoes if you want a firm sole.

[@rodneyperry3124]

Purchased a pair the combination SPD/flat pedals to go on one of my road bikes just to try them out for riding and then doing a little hiking on a local greenway. You have the ability to use the flat side of the pedal or you can clip in to the other side. The good thing is if you do clip in you still have the rest of the flat of the pedal for extra contact area. This is all I use now because of the convenience and versatility of this system.

[@newoldsteel]

I’m very thankful I have both as I prefer one over the other on different days!

[@Mi_cycling]

14000 km this year on SPDs, no hot spots, no problems, just a lot of fun 😁

[@mcorbett01]

SPD mtb pedals and cleats are great for endurance rides. Easy to walk in whether to the counter at the cafe, up the hill if it proves too tough, or comfort breaks etc. In 5 years of using them I haven’t experienced any of the problems described, and don’t know anyone else using them in our club who has.

[@JamesSmith-zs8fl]

I run SPD on my Touring Bike and Mountain Bike, and old Look Carbon Pros on my Cervelo Soloist. I like the SPD ability to step of the Bike and not skidder my feet trying to get a stable landing.

[@stephenbetley9596]

When you factor in using them as a pseudo-road pedal then shoe choice is different. MTB CX shoes can be very similar to road shoes in stiffness as well as look & feel with a carbon base. The lateral movement is also much reduced with the spd pedals with the surrounding cages, and with road-like shoes. For touring and commuting these are probably still top of the list.

[@Guexican]

Well I switched over because I truly trust your opinions and ...........I frickin love them. I have been using Shimano for years and got so used to dealing with the headaches of not being able to clip in and even narding myself on the bar just trying to get the Shimano to clip in. Also, Shimano tends to make the outside of my foot to go numb. With the Speed Plate, I haven't noticed any numbness. Good on ya mate. Keep up with the reviews and it is good to hear you own up to a mistake if you call it that. Lol. 👍😎👍

[@wandafool1]

Thought I was the only one with numbness on the outside foot. Is the numbness known as hot spots? Don't really know what a hot spot is.

[@TreibAir]

For me, it is a SPD combo XT PD-T8000 hybrid pedals and Northwave Scorpius 2 shoes on my do-it-all gravel bike. I did everything from commuting, bike-packing, 100k+ rides to my first road race. After four years (10000+ km) the shoes show significant wear but I have never noticed this rocking movement. Perhaps because of the hybrid/platform nature of the pedals they provide support on the sides. The only thing that changed a bit on the pedal/cleat connection is that getting in and out became easier over the years. I suppose equally split between training and wear.

[@orangeorphan]

SPD pedals are great. I think most people, including myself, use road specific pedals because they think they’re better. After trying them both I have to say there’s hardly a difference in how they feel and when you have to get off the bike the SPD shoes are way better.

[@BigDSProductions]

I was lucky to have a friend with the same size feet as me. And he let me try several systems. SPD just worked better for me and I've stayed with it since (about 3k miles/ year) wearing the very durable Giro Rumble VR shoes. I've had several serious ankle and knee injuries earlier in life, and the extra play definitely helps me. I've never had issues with hot spots once, although I'm usually only doing rides of 35-40 miles. My longest ride to date is 68 miles and I had no issues. Added bonus is that I have Shimano pedals that are flat on one side. Which helped greatly when I forgot my bike shoes for a 40 mile gravel ride over an hour from home and I had to wear my sneakers instead.

[@ArashFallah]

Started with SPDs because my road bike was also my commuting bike and for commuting you'd end up walking a bit here or there. Also had a pair of eggbeaters for the same reason. They worked perfectly for that purpose; however, once I went for longer rides, I noticed that the bottom of my shoes felt like pushing into my feet creating a hot spot that became sore for good day after a hard ride. I bought a pair of super expensive CX shoes with all the bells and whistles regarding stiffness and the issue remained. At that point, I switched to SPD-SL system and the issue has been non-existent ever since. So for me, any ride passed 2.5 hours is just not comfortable on SPDs.

[@Drzhounder]

Neal is a fitting god and spot on. I have a client that has exactly this roll/instability issue. He is using Sidi shoes so you know they are well made and solid. Still, rolling and instability. I will be calling him in the morning to watch this video to back up what I have been telling him.

[@tybourne686]

Love my SPD ES600's. Lightweight and I have shoes that allow me to get off the bike and walk around comfortably, my spare bikes use SPD's that have cleat engagement on one side and a flat on the other because I loan them out to friends who are less serious riders and my wife often rides them and she is not comfortable being locked in.

[@daveyoung6680]

Although the contact point is smaller, the paltform that surrounds the mechanism isn't so I can't see mechaically that this is a thing as it's the platform that supports the shoe/foot. I use XTR's and they're the best SPD I have used, don't creak and they're stable. Love Neils work though especially his bikefit stuff.

[@campbell510]

On XTR trail pedals here, which provide a bit more platform for the shoe. Don’t notice rocking or hot spots. I’m using relatively stiff Lake shoes and this was one of the main reasons for changing as I had them for my MTB and they fit my wide foot well. SPD helps for all the clipping in and out for intersections/lights around here, plus walking around is much easier. Not wearing out cleats like I was in road shoes either.

[@stuarttaylor4828]

I do 100km+ rides with SPD pedals. My main reasoning for getting them is I wanted pedals that I could use normal shoes with as well as clip-in shoes (I use Shimano EH500 pedals). I think the trick for using SPD for endurance riding is to get shoes with maximum stiffness. I use Shimano RX800 shoes and they feel great.

[@paulsweeney5642]

Hi from Dublin. As a city commuter who frequently has to walk when a puncture happens and walking the last mile is preferable to a side of the road repair I will stick with the mtb type shoe for that very reason.

[@filiphusek]

Should have used SPD Shimano pedals if you wanna talk about rocking. It may make a big difference. Same for the cleats. Once I bought makeshift cleats from BBB which looked and measured the same but were extremely uneasy to click in & out which led to nasty injury when I fell. Also one sided pedals are completely alright as they always end-up in the same position so you quickly learn to click in easily with one simple foot motion + they usually weight one third less than similar double sided models. PD-A520 were great if you can still get your hands on these. Otherwise you gonna have to use more expensive but even lighter PD-ES600.

[@n22pdf]

I use wahoo Speedplays on my road bikes which I love but on my gravel bike have to say the shimano mtb pedals work really well and been very pleased with them 👍👍🤩🏅🚴all your points are valid

[@toddtucker4602]

Appreciate Neil's insights.

[@cycling2005]

As a long time user of XTR SPD's for MTB , and then comparing with Dura Ace road pedals I agree the foot stability issue is a huge factor for me. Everybody is different, but for me my brain will not let my legs use full power unless the foot is super stable. To improve foot stability with SPDs I use the Shimano Saint pedal which has a huge platform on either side of the cleat area. With the right shoe the tread sits on the platform and reduces perceived float and adds stablity. They are heavy so I just cut of the front and back of them which does nothing anyway.

[@TheNovaNorm]

I've been using SPD for all of my bikes for years and I do acknowledge the downsides mentioned. They are, however, cheaper than anything else out there and easy to find parts. They are also easier when commuting. Yes, I'm a cyclist first but I still have to walk to get into my building at work. Also, they make it easier to put a foot down at a light or to get around the bike if you have a mechanical issue, even one that can be solved in the field. The ability to walk in them is my biggest "pro" for that system. Thanks for the video.

[@TheNovaNorm]

@CamNicholls Is this really you or is it a scam? Looks like a scam as there are many more in this thread with the same message.

[@MrEL28]

Thanks for the video. I have to bring my road bike down 2 flights of sometimes slippery wooden stairs. And I like to stop over at a neighborhood cafe or grocery store where the floors are not grippy after my ride before I head home, so SPDs are a must for me.

[@anttibusk4401]

I once did an interesting test. I installed an SPD and SPD-SL pedal on the same bike. For the left foot I had an XTR mtb pedal and XC7 shoe. For the right foot I had an Ultegra road pedal and RC7 shoe. So both pedals and shoes were quite high level, stiff carbon soles and so on. When riding that combo, I didn’t notice much difference when pedaling. Of course when trying to rock your foot side to side there was a small difference, SPD being a little more loose, but I didn’t feel it when pedaling. In fact the float in the Ultegra pedal was somehow not natural for me, there was too much resistance in the float even with yellow cleats and release spring tension set at the lowest setting. As there are big differences between SPD shoes, there are also big differences between pedals as well. For example the mentioned XTR M9100 pedal is much more stable than the most basic M520 pedal, even when those two pedals appear very similar.

[@edsassler]

The resistance to rotation or float in the yellow SPD-SL cleat is due to curvature of the sole of the shoe. Shimano, being Shimano, assumes that all shoes conform to their standards. If not there is a higher pressure point. The worst case is the small shoe with too much curve because the cleat is hard to snap in and allows almost no movement. I work with clients who have had knee surgery, using the bike instead of a passive motion machine for rehab. Not having rotation and float isn’t an option and the release tension has nothing to do with this.

[@frankreyes4]

Thanks. You are right about focal pressure with SPD pedals

[@justsomedude7556]

I've been running Time ATAC pedals on all my bikes, road or mountain for 10 yrs. I ventured with road pedals but I got tired of multiple shoes and cleats. I love the ATACs, but I would agree with some of the comments made about the size and rocking of the SPD cleats. That is why I migrated to the ATAC pedals, larger contact and less movement. I also have very stiff shoes , so hot foot is a non issues when when I was riding the SPD's for the short time I did use them.

[@Tommi462]

I started with SPD simply because I wanted hybrid pedals on my first bike. I often wanted to go by bike to somewhere where I then would run or hike and I didn't want to carry the shoes with me, but just ride in them in the first place. So having one flat side was essential for me. Now I do have bikes that have clipless only pedals, but I still use those bikes for commuting etc., and having shoes that you can walk in is still important to me. I have like a 5min walk from where I have to leave my bike at work to our locker rooms and I much rather walk that in MTB shoes than road shoes with huge cleats. I did consider having a road cleat and shoes for my road bike only, and just not commute on it, but didn't really want to spend money on another pair of shoes either, especially since I already have pretty expensive carbon soled MTB shoes.

[@mathewrose2951]

If you really don't care about weight and someone else may use your bike, Look has a set of Geo-Tracker pedals that are flats on one side and SPD compatible En-Rage Look MTB pedal on the other side. Also, they have blinky light bars on them. It means I can ride with my MTB shoes on the dirt trails in the park and my wife can ride it around with her sandals on the road going to the pool. Also, this is for a gravel bike that goes 10 - 15 km at a time in the summer. If using it for any distance on the road for just myself, I'd switch. to a road wheelset and take the time to swap in a set of Keos, but I've found that the Look combination of SPD and flats makes a great solution for a shared family bike at times.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Have these same pedals and they are so convenient that I am almost considering to change all my bikes into it. It's very heavy but for a non competitive rider it makes perfect sense.

[@robertbarriger2596]

S-Works top tier mountain bike shoes have carbon fiber soles and are every bit as stiff as the best road shoes. Used SPD on all my bikes since I started riding seriously 30+ years ago. I have never had any foot problems, discomfort, or inability to unclip from the pedals. Also there are different SPD cleats that allow for multi-direction release from the pedals for quick bailout if necessary. There are also several SPD pedals out there that have larger contact area then the standard Shimano 520's that a lot of riders use. Also, most every SPD pedal is adjustable as far as the step in or release pressure required to "clip-in" or out of the pedal. Research is key to find the best shoe, cleat, and pedal combination for each individual rider. Even though you say that you would rather be riding than walking, when you do get off the bike, which you will unless you can ride it into the coffee shop or straight into your house, it is so much easier to walk in the mountain bike shoes when you stop for a break, pit stop, etc. Link to the S-Works shoes: www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-recon-mountain-bike-shoes/p/157446?color=234825-157446

[@CamNicholls]

Interesting thanks for sharing on the thread

[@cathalkenneally1614]

I suppose with a bit of practice I could get used to road pedals but I’m currently using Garmin XC Rally pedals and Shimano SPD pedals. The Garmin pedals are used on both my bikes and they fit perfectly with Shimano cleats. I’m too comfortable to change. I did have road pedals for using on my turbo trainer. I had a spring break on an SPD pedal but things like this happen. I always have a spare pair of pedals. I used to use dual sided, flat on one side and clip in on the other side. Good for beginners but not great for speed

[@kimwarner6050]

I agree with Neil, there's to much float in SPD cleats. Twenty years ago when I first started riding spd's we're no problem. I stopped cycling and was just a runner. When I returned to cycling of course I bought SPD pedals. After aa few rides my knees felt funny. I made the switch and haven't looked back.

[@ZenEndurance]

Been riding MTB pedals on my triathlon bike for over a decade. Eggbeaters. Crazy light and you can walk around in the cleats no problem. Small contact patch? Just use carbon shoes. And in the case of Eggbeaters, they sell stabilizer plates that work great. And if you have to walk in dirt, mud, or grass for whatever reason, you have an advantage over your competition for sure.

[@stihldavebergen3469]

I bought a good pair of shoes for my spd peddals and that took care of all the hotspot issues, depending which bike I grab is which peddal I use. I prefer spd pedals in more questionable weather or road/trail conditions, a better all-arounder.

[@dainiusvysniauskas2049]

IMO SPD is far better platform for beginners. Reasons why: High number of choices for both pedals and shoes (as opposed to Speedplay) Speedplay pedals cause knee pain SPDs are easy to use, pedals tend to be dual sided. You can walk in SPD shoes without any add-ons or issues which is huge plus for anyone whose cycling isn't limited just to training rides. SPD set up can be had for significantly cheaper price than Speedplay.

[@AM-yb1ez]

I've seen so many roadies have their cleats clip out as the cleat wears out. I've never had this issue with SPD cleats and I ride both road and MTB, very dusty and occasionally muddy. As for power transfer, I can sprint with the best of them with SPD cleats. As for how much play they have, you can tighten the release which tightens the play in the pedal too. I have clipped out once during a sprint but I had the pedals very loose at the time. I keep them tighter on the roadbike now and loose on the MTB.

[@SPLSE]

I started with SPD and entry-level shoes. Then I moved to a full carbon sole with SPD and adapters (don't @ me). I eventually moved to 3 bolt Look Keo with the same shoes and honestly... there's a difference but it is nearly imperceptible.

[@pathorgan3219]

I've just changed over to Look X Trail pedals. Do you know can I adapt my 3 bolt Road shoes to suit the look 2 bolt cleat system.

[@SPLSE]

​@@pathorgan3219 I was using the Shimano SM-SH41also with the Look X Track Pedals.

[@mirceaandreighinea]

5:52 - it rocks because of the wear and tear of the shoe (not of the pedal system) or shoe design - my opinion.

[@jamesfernando2972]

I used to be on road spds for 10 years, but over the last couple of years after a few bike packing adventures i have gone back to mountain bike spds as i love the this system when stopping at a coffee shop, or being able to walk without looking like i've pooed in my bib shorts etc. Not noticed any difference in power as i don't race so not worried about hitting 1200w

[@rejean2744]

Old timer here. I need to baby my feet, so I'd definitely have foot pain (from any walking) if I switched from SPD pedals. I agree you need to make sure you get stiff shoes. No issues here. I'd don't think I'll switch.

[@rejean2744]

I found a sale ($300 shoe for $130) on MTB shoes and they are lighter and stiff. Perhaps regular cleats would be better but I doubt I'll ever find out now.

[@pitti2602]

Two additional advantages for beginners: there are screws where you can set how tight the grip on the cleats are AND there is a version of the cleats where you can leave the pedal to the back. I am also using spd on mtb, trekking and gravel and look on TT and road. If you have a good pedal stroke and good shoes .. there is no disadvantage of spd.

[@calebwalker9093]

yeah i wager anyone complaining they rip out of a spd cleat needs to spend some time working on the pedal stroke... maybe even ride omg... flat pedals for a bit.