Shimano Pair of SPD Wedges for Mountain/Cyclo Shoes

Product Information

If you’re a newbie in the clipless pedal world or enjoy leisurely rides with frequent stops (hello, coffee and croissant breaks), SH56 is calling your name. They provide the escape routes you need when unexpected obstacles cross your path. Some Final Words of Wisdom A: Yes, there are other cleat options available from Shimano and other brands, each with unique features catering to different riding styles and preferences.

Road cycling shoes are usually designed with three bolt holes in their soles to fit three-bolt cleats. These cleats are a lot larger than two-bolt cleats and usually made of plastic. The larger cleat gives a broader attachment point between the shoe and the pedal, adding stability and potentially greater power transfer. They’re both metal with two recessed bolt holes, which, if you’re cycling with cleats, attach to the soles of your shoes with the included bolts. After you’ve pedaled with your new cleats, you might find you need to re-adjust them. With a good cleat position, you should feel that your knees are in line with your toes and that there’s no strain on your joints while you’re pedaling. On the other hand, most riders find it relatively easy to get used to single-release SH51 cleats and the twisting-out action necessary to disengage. The learning curve is a lot less steep than with the road-going SPD-SL pedal system. SH51 cleats have a single direction of release, meaning that the rider can only disengage from the pedal by pushing their heel out in a flat plane relative to the pedal or by pushing it in. This design provides a secure connection with the pedal, making it a good choice for aggressive riding styles that require a lot of power and control.A: In most cases, you won’t need to make significant adjustments to your pedals when switching between SH56 and SH51 cleats. However, some minor tweaks might be necessary for optimal performance. A qualified bike fitter is the best way to be sure you’ve got the perfect position. Your local bike shop or indoor cycling instructor are also good people to ask for help from.

We're all learning here; the niceties of the different release between SM-SH55 and SM-SH56 cleats are lost on me, for I have never used the same pedals with both cleat types and with a fixed gear. [Most of my fixed gear SPD riding has been done with SM-SH51 cleats in M515 pedals.] That there is a difference of some kind isn't a massive surprise, since the cleat is chamfered differently; it is mostly the nose that is chamfered in SM-SH56, rather than both ends (but less) on SM-SH55.In the end, the right cleats for you will enhance your mountain biking experience, allowing you to take on those trails with confidence and style. So, clip in, gear up, and pedal away to new adventures!🚴‍♂️👟

This is the original SPD concept and so much more versatile that I’ll not say anything more about the several incompatibly different road-only designs that Shimano have experimented with, apart from noting that SM-SH71 is one (which can also be used with some early designs of original SPD pedals). The SM-SH50 cleats may have disappeared at about the same time as PD-M515 was introduced; this was (I think) the first of a new generation of SPD pedals which (confusingly) used some of the same cleat part numbers (eg SM-SH51) but the parts themselves were different. Thus you can get cleats with the same part numbers which are actually different; thanks shimano!.. FWIW using old SM- SH51 cleats in newer pedals gives more float than in older ones. Using 'new' (made after ~1997) SM-SH51 cleats in older SPD pedals gives almost no float at all. Additionally, the secure connection between the rider and the bike can help prevent accidental slips and falls, which can be particularly important for mountain bikers or other off-road riders. Head-to-Head Comparison Between SH51 and SH52 Pedal Cleats The release tension refers to the amount of force required to release the cleat from the pedal. The SH51 cleats have a higher release tension compared to the SH56 cleats. This means that the SH51 cleats require more force to release, which can be beneficial for riders who want a more secure connection to the pedal. On the other hand, the SH56 cleats have a lower release tension, making it easier to release from the pedal. This can be useful for riders who need to frequently disengage from the pedal, such as commuters or beginners. Ease of ReleaseThere’s an arrow at the front of each cleat to make sure you attach them to your shoes the right way round. They’re interchangeable between left and right shoes. Keep an eye on cleat wear in your shoes, particularly if you’re using plastic three-bolt road cleats. If the cleats wear down, they can feel loose in the pedal, so you won’t be getting the advantages of using them. Most cleats have wear markers and you can get cleat covers for easier walking too. 8. Keep it clean

In summary, both the SH51 and SH56 cleats offer a secure connection between the shoe and the pedal, but they have some key differences in their design and performance. The SH51 cleats offer a more secure connection and a single release mode, while the SH56 cleats offer more flexibility in their release mechanism and a wider range of adjustment. Ultimately, the choice between the two cleats will depend on the rider’s specific needs and preferences. Release Tension I've always serviced my SPDs as necessary and looked after the bearings. However plenty of other folk have treated them almost as if they are 'disposable'.Both the Shimano SH51 and SH52 pedal cleats are designed to improve the performance and safety of riders who use clipless pedals.