What does SPD SL actually stand for??

[Dave7]

After googling it I understand SPD to stand for Shimano Pedal Dynamics.......but what does the SL stand for??
It would appear the the SL cleats have 3 fixings and are for roadies.........but why ? My shoes have 2 fixings and I use them on my road bike.
I have read through the "clipless" thread and couldn't find the answer there.

 

[accountantpete]

I always thought that the SL stood for Standard Look type system - Look pedals popularised the large triangular cleat system which gives a better contact betwix shoe and pedal.

 

[adscrim]

I think it stands for 'super lightweight'.

 

[ohnovino]

Shaved Legs.

 

[accountantpete]

Soon Legless

 

[Alembicbassman]

Saggy Labia

 

[gaz]

I always thought that the SL stood for Standard Look type system - Look pedals popularised the large triangular cleat system which gives a better contact betwix shoe and pedal.

Same.

 

[Dave7]

Thanks---------but why are SLs supposed to be for roadies and SPDs for MTBs.........as I say I use SPDs on my road bike??

 

[dellzeqq]

it stands for Sadly Lacking. As in not SPD-Rs which are no longer available

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks---------but why are SLs supposed to be for roadies and SPDs for MTBs.........as I say I use SPDs on my road bike??

Roadies are supremely honed athletes who do super-human mileages unlike their slovenly nobbly tyred counterparts. As such, Roadies find that the larger cleats offer a more efficient transfer of power and a reduction in the problem of hot spots.

 

[Dave7]

Roadies are supremely honed athletes who do super-human mileages unlike their slovenly nobbly tyred counterparts. As such, Roadies find that the larger cleats offer a more efficient transfer of power and a reduction in the problem of hot spots.

Ah-gotcha.
I have just stripped off and looked at myself in the mirror........I guess I'll stick with SPDs

 

[Camrider]

I have just stripped off and looked at myself in the mirror........I guess I'll stick with SPDs

Me too!

 

[zoxed]

Thanks---------but why are SLs supposed to be for roadies and SPDs for MTBs.........as I say I use SPDs on my road bike??

SPD-SL designed only for riding, SPDs a compromise that allows one to get off and walk a bit !

 

[Dave7]

SPD-SL designed only for riding, SPDs a compromise that allows one to get off and walk a bit !

Thanks.
but what does the SL actually stand for??

 

[CopperCyclist]

I always thought that the SL stood for Standard Look type system - Look pedals popularised the large triangular cleat system which gives a better contact betwix shoe and pedal.

Does this mean that if a shoe says it is 'Look' compatible, it'll be SPD-SL compatible...