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Shimano Pair of SPD Wedges for Mountain/Cyclo Shoes

£8.995£17.99Clearance
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About this deal

Shimano SPD SH51 cleats are two-bolt cleats designed for use with mountain biking and urban riding shoes. The cleats are made of durable steel and feature a fixed release tension. This fixed tension makes it easier to exit the pedal, but it can also increase the likelihood of accidental releases. It is recommended that riders try both types of cleats to determine which one works best for them. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the cleats are properly adjusted and tightened to prevent accidental disengagement and ensure a secure connection with the pedal. Conclusion All that follows is concerned only with the more versatile recessed cleats and the pedals that accept them. When I write below: ‘all SPD pedals’, that’s what I mean. If you intend to do some walking in your cycling shoes, a mountain bike or gravel shoe almost always has a recess along the middle of the sole for the cleat, so it won’t skid noisily on the floor and there’s less risk of slipping. The Shimano SH51 and SH52 pedal cleats both have a 4-degree float, which provides a good balance of stability and freedom of movement for most riders. Weight

In contrast, the SH56 cleats allow for multi-directional release, allowing you to roll your shoe on the pedal or pull it up in addition to pulling your heel out or in. In nearly all SPD pedals prior to those with 'open' bindings, the support platform between the jaws ensures that vertical loads transfer between the cleat and platform, whether the cleat has shoulders or not. Only when the cleat is severely worn does the situation arise where the tops of the jaws bear against the shoe directly. Having multiple release options means you’re much less likely to get trapped in your pedals and topple over when you come to a stop. For a clipless pedal beginner, that may increase confidence because it feels more like riding flat pedals, and you may find the easier release is preferable for urban riding. The usual starting point is to position the cleat under the ball of your foot and in line with your shoe. You may find you naturally ride either toe in or toe out, in which case you can adjust the cleat angle. You may also find you prefer the cleat further forward or aft.In general, SH51 cleats are better suited for aggressive mountain biking, while SH56 cleats are better suited for less aggressive riding styles or for riders who need to frequently disengage from their pedals. However, it is important to note that the choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider’s personal preference and riding style. The Shimano SPD SH56 cleats are compatible with all SPD-compatible pedals. This means that they can be used with a wide range of Shimano pedals, as well as pedals from other manufacturers. The multi-release functionality of the SH56 cleats makes them a good choice for use with spin bikes or other exercise equipment. Comparing Shimano SPD SH51 and SH56 Cleats The price of the Shimano SH51 and SH52 pedal cleats is relatively similar, with the SH52 being slightly more expensive due to its adjustable release tension and more robust construction. Conclusion: Is There a Winner?

On the flip side, some studies have shown nobody really pulls up on the pedals in any useful way, and improved efficiency from cycling with cleats might just be a sensation. We’ve got a lot more on how to install and adjust cycling cleats, but the key thing is to set them up loosely and see how it feels as a first step. The fact that SH56 cleats are included with Shimano’s Easy Release pedals gives a clue to their advantage. The Shimano SH51 and SH52 pedal cleats both have a recessed cleat design that allows for improved walkability and traction on a variety of surfaces. Float To fit the cleats, you’ll need to make sure your cycling shoes are compatible with the two-bolt SPD cleats preferred for mountain bike shoes and urban riding, not the three-bolt cleats used on road cycling shoes.

What are SH51 and SH56 cleats?

Regularly inspect your cleats for wear or damage. If any issues are detected, promptly replace the cleats. 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. 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. So it is no wonder it wasn't a happy marriage between SM-SH55 and PD-M520; AFAICT they were never meant to work together.I don't think I have any documentation from early PD-M520 pedals; I was too busy trying to wear out various PD-M515 pedals to buy any PD-M520 to start with. Perhaps someone could comment as to whether they ever recommended SM-SH55 cleats with these pedals? I rather suspect they didn't; they clearly are not well designed to work together.

It’s important to note that Shimano SPD cleats come in two different varieties, SH51 and SH56, which are not interchangeable. Ensure you have the correct pedal cleats before initiating the installation process. Maintenance However, understanding the differences between Shimano SPD SH51 and SH56 cleats is important for cyclists to make an informed choice based on their specific needs and preferences. In this comparison, we will explore the key features and characteristics of both cleats, highlighting their release mechanisms and helping riders determine which option is most suitable for their cycling style. On the other hand, the Shimano SH52 is a multi-release cleat that offers an even easier exit from the pedal, which is perfect for more experienced riders or those who value flexibility and control. The SH51 is compatible with all Shimano SPD pedals, making it a versatile option for a wide range of cycling disciplines. The amount of float in a pedal cleat determines how much lateral movement the rider has when their foot is engaged with the pedal mechanism.

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On the other hand, SH56 cleats feature a multi-directional release, which allows the rider to disengage from the pedal by pulling up on the cleat as well. While this design can be beneficial for riders who frequently need to unclip their feet, it can also lead to accidental disengagement, especially during technical riding or rough terrain. 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 Release Consider the type of riding you will be primarily engaged in. For mountain bikers, SH51 cleats might be the better option due to their single-release direction, reducing the chances of accidental unclipping on rough terrains. Conversely, SH56 cleats with their multi-release function, are more suitable if you commute. They allow easier unclipping at traffic lights or intersections. Experience Level

I don't seem to have PD-M515 instructions, but do have M505 (dated Nov-2000) & M324 (dated Jun-2000) which use the same design of bindings. Both instruct use of SH51,SH52 & SH55 cleats, implicitly approving their use. The M324s, my first SPDs, came with SH55 cleats, which is how I discovered them. The M505s NoS came in 2 Shimano plastic bags, but without cleats (one bag may have been already opened). Curiously they had SM-PD22 reflectors pre-fitted, which I think superseded PD21. Instructions for PD22s are dated Dec-2006, which looks distinctly late for new M505s, & say they are for use with M970/M959/M770/M540/M520/M515/M505pedals only(!) - looks rather catholic to me. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference and riding style. If you are looking for a more secure fit and do a lot of off-road riding, the SH51 cleats are a good choice. On the other hand, if you need to unclip frequently or do a lot of commuting or road riding, the SH56 cleats may be a better option.Some cleats are purely road and are not practical for any purpose other than racing or pseudo-racing, since they project from the sole and make walking difficult. All off-road, i.e. recessed cleats, can on the other hand be used for any purpose: mountain biking, touring, commuting, shopping... since many of the shoes that accept these cleats are also good for walking. Having said that, clipless pedals stop your feet from sliding around, which is important if you’re pedalling at higher cadences, sprinting, riding in the wet or – for some riders – riding off-road. On that note, we’ve got a guide on clipless pedals vs flat pedals, exploring the pros and cons of each. Overall, both the SH51 and SH56 cleats are reliable and high-quality options for clipless pedal systems. Riders should choose the cleat that best suits their individual needs and preferences. you can see that the illustration of the SM-SH51 cleat is different between the two; at the heel of the cleat the radius is different. This means there is less float with the revised SM-SH51 cleat in any pedal. In fact in older pedals -especially those which used SM-SH50 cleats originally- there is about half as much float when the first version of SM-SH51 is used, and virtually none when the second version of SM-SH51 is used.

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