SPD vs SPD-SL

[Captain_Cavman]

Right. I have a winter bike, a hybrid for which I have Shimano mtb shoes and Shimano A530 pedals so that I don't have to wear the cleats to ride the bike.

I have, all being well, just got hold of a nice shiny road bike with no pedals as yet. The question is, how much would going for the same pedal/shoe combination affect performance Vs going for an SPD-SL combo? There are a whole host of reasons for replicating my current set-up, I'm wondering what the trade-off is.

And are there any other (not too expensive) compromise alternatives?

Many thanks.

 

[Vegan Dave]

What are you planning to do with the new bike? (Congrats, btw!)

If commuting, stick with what you've got.

If you're planning to get into road riding, you'll appreciate the comfort of a wider pedal and stiffer road shoes down the road. The SPD's aren't too bad on the road, but there's several good reasons Shimano ditched it as a road platform in favor of the SL's. (Or the R's..)

 

[Captain_Cavman]

Cheers Dave, commuting when it's fine (not often then) and then doing some road mileage when conditions and family allow.

 

[brianf7]

Right. I have a winter bike, a hybrid for which I have Shimano mtb shoes and Shimano A530 pedals so that I don't have to wear the cleats to ride the bike.

I have, all being well, just got hold of a nice shiny road bike with no pedals as yet. The question is, how much would going for the same pedal/shoe combination affect performance Vs going for an SPD-SL combo? There are a whole host of reasons for replicating my current set-up, I'm wondering what the trade-off is.

And are there any other (not too expensive) compromise alternatives?

Many thanks.

You can get carbon road shoes for the spd pedals if you want to race they were all the go 15 years ago Durace still make a single sided road SPD pedal some people still use them especialy good if you got squeeky knees. I often think I should go back to them.

 

[Captain_Cavman]

I don't want to race but I have got bad knees, often have to wear a knee support. What do you mean by "Squeaky"?

 

[galaxy1]

if you are comfortable with what you have, stick with it. the main disadvantage is probably weight (but you can get lightweight road shoes with 2-bolt fitting, they are just harder to find).
i don't buy the comfort or stiffness arguments above (unless you have a specific problem with what you have)

 

[LugHugger]

I race cross in the winter and ride approx 150-200 miles/week through spring/summer on my road bike, enter 100+ mile sportives all in mtb shoes and pedals. If you're not racing, don't go to the additional expense and fitting issues just to look the part. The extra watts will barely be tangible.

 

[Vegan Dave]

Hmmm..if you have knee issues, depends on what the problem is. The SPD allows for a fair bit of float, where the SL tends to lock you into position. Depending on what's going on with your knee, either could be better, but overall might be worth it to just stick with what you've got if it's working. =)

 

[AnythingButKestrel]

I race cross in the winter and ride approx 150-200 miles/week through spring/summer on my road bike, enter 100+ mile sportives all in mtb shoes and pedals. If you're not racing, don't go to the additional expense and fitting issues just to look the part. The extra watts will barely be tangible.

Good advice. A $50 pair of disposable SPD pedals is all you really need for what you want to do. Use the money you save to buy good shoes.

 

[Captain_Cavman]

Thanks for your help all. It ended up coming with SLs which I'll take off and sell on the strength of the above advice.

Cheers.