SPD vs SDP-SL

[Johnno260]

Are the SPD-DL as easy to setup as the SPD?

Also are they as easy to release from?

 

[S-Express]

Yes and yes.

 

[Johnno260]

ok thanks Express, my very old SPD shoes gave up the ghost at the weekend so thought I would explore my options.

 

[T4tomo]

Also look at Look Keo, just to throw some further confusion into the mix.

The main advantage of spd is you can walk around in the shoes without looking like bambi on ice and without damaging the cleats, although a set of cleat covers sorts the later and some of the former for Keo and spd sl.

For Keo and SPD SL there are a wider range of sexier looking road shoes available.

 

[Dirk]

Are the SPD-DL as easy to setup as the SPD?

Also are they as easy to release from?

I use both.
I find the SPD-SL need a far more positive action to unclip, even when on their lowest tension setting.

 

[vickster]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/clipless-pedals-faq.74358/

I use SPD as I like to prefer to clip into either side of the pedal, can't be doing with all that pedal flipping given how often I have to clip in and out

I also tend to do a lot of walking off the bike, easier with recessed cleats

 

[tobykenobi]

What @vickster said.

In answer to your question they are as easy to set up and get out of but getting in is another matter. I never mastered the art of flipping the pedal. With double-sided SPDs I can get in with no hassle almost every time.

 

[Johnno260]

I may struggle with the pedal SPD I'm fine with now, my main issue with my old shoes is pain in the arch after long rides, LBS checked positioning etc and said it's fine, they said if anything the cheap shoes possible have a little to much flex.

But the shoes have died now, the ratchet has ripped from the shoe and really isn't repairable.

If I stuck with SPD I would like something that's a little stiffer, hence why I was looking at the SL setup.

 

[T4tomo]

Stiffness you get from the shoe you're using, so a carbon soled shoe will be stiffer than than a traditional sole.

Having used both SPD and Keo I don't find much difference in use, I used A520 pedals with the SPD mainly so all single sided, but don't find clipping in and out an issue with either, there is no pedal flipping because, the Keo especially, are weighted to hang the right way. I have them set on loosest tension.

 

[vickster]

I may struggle with the pedal SPD I'm fine with now, my main issue with my old shoes is pain in the arch after long rides, LBS checked positioning etc and said it's fine, they said if anything the cheap shoes possible have a little to much flex.

But the shoes have died now, the ratchet has ripped from the shoe and really isn't repairable.

If I stuck with SPD I would like something that's a little stiffer, hence why I was looking at the SL setup.

If you get pain in your arches, look to use an orthotic. The Specialized foot beds are a good off the shelf option. Obviously your shoe needs to accommodate the insole and your foot. I have v high arches and use the green ones

Go to some shops, try shoes on, buy the ones that feel most comfortable

 

[T4tomo]

+1 for the Spec foot beds, I was told I had high arches and sold some, but to be fair they feel much comfier than the original insoles and give plenty of support so £20 well spent.

 

[Johnno260]

SPD I have on the looses

If you get pain in your arches, look to use an orthotic. The Specialized foot beds are a good off the shelf option. Obviously your shoe needs to accommodate the insole and your foot. I have v high arches and use the green ones

Go to some shops, try shoes on, buy the ones that feel most comfortable

Shop close to work is a Specialized stockist and has a sale in at the mo.

I will drop in and try some shoes on, ta again.

 

[Globalti]

Don't buy the Keos; we used them for a couple of years and several sets fell apart when the plastic body unscrewed from the cartridge. They also wore out very fast. Shimano's SPD-SL pedals are superior in every respect; they even have a +4mm version with a longer spindle in case you ride toes-out and suffer heel strike.

 

[S-Express]

Don't buy the Keos; we used them for a couple of years and several sets fell apart when the plastic body unscrewed from the cartridge

I've seen you mention this a few times. Keos are fine. Whatever problems you may have had are certainly not endemic.

 

[T4tomo]

I've seen you mention this a few times. Keos are fine. Whatever problems you may have had are certainly not endemic.

And relate to a a version of the Keo no longer on sale in any event.