Shimano released its first new road bike pedal system in more than two decades this week. The SPD-SLR design has several claimed benefits, including a lower stack height and easier clipping in and out, compared to the long-standing SPD-SL system.
That’s all well and good, and my colleague Simon von Bromley says the new Dura-Ace SPD-SLR pedals are “fantastic”. However, in recent years we’ve seen a wide range of SPD-SL-compatible designs from third-party manufacturers. These include Rockbros, Pinsync, Xpedo, ZTTO, Acid and more, offering affordable yet compatible alternatives to Shimano’s offerings.
At the top of the market, we have SPD-SL power meter pedals from Garmin and Favero. This means Shimano now faces increased competition from rival brands making pedals that are compatible with its system.
These factors will affect Shimano’s bottom line and the cynic in me doesn't see the new pedals as a huge step forward.
So what’s new?
Let’s look at the facts. The new pedal system, SPD-SLR, reduces the stack height by 2.3mm – or less than the size of a match head. Are we in princess and the pea territory?
Shimano says the reduction in stack height improves power transfer and creates a more stable platform. It claims the engagement feels faster, too.
These all sound like great positives. However, I must question whether my more-than-a-decade-old, cheap Shimano RD540s are that slow to engage, or feel unstable.
Next, the new cleats save weight – a 'huge' 22%, or in real terms, 16g. That’s the weight of a credit card.
When you look at the cleats, they appear to have a shallower base, and they don’t come with the rectangular washer/spacers as SPD-SL cleats do. So, is the weight saving a design goal or just the result of a lower stack design and fewer parts?
We now have four cleat options, as opposed to the existing three. However, the fourth ‘grey’ cleat has the same stack and weight as the SPD-SL cleats.
Finally, and this bit I do like, the axle uses wider bearings to improve load distribution and stiffness. That makes sense from a longevity perspective.
The increase in stiffness is given as 11% – not exactly huge, but I guess significant. Shimano also claims the bearings spin more smoothly, even though Shimano’s road-pedal robustness is legendary. I've used my long-serving RD540s for more than a decade, I’ve never serviced them, and they still spin freely and work well.
More dynamics, bolder design
Obviously, products need to move on and improve to drive demand for new ‘stuff’. That's capitalism 101. But the new SPD-SLR looks to be only a marginal improvement, and I question if it’s worth upgrading from the already excellent SPD-SL system for what seems to be, at best, very marginal gains.
Considering this is Shimano’s first update in 23 years, I would have liked to see a real leap forward in pedal tech.
I’m sure the talent at Shimano has ideas on genuine, enhanced performance here. For me, this would have involved a larger platform for more stability, lower weight and the integration of a power meter. Better cleat longevity would be a tangible benefit to riders.
I understand the constraints of not changing the shoe's outsole design. PW8 and Ekoi have tried that with their brilliant pedal system. It has a very low weight, hardy and cheap cleats, and a huge platform. But without the support of the wider shoe-making industry, it’s never going to establish itself as a competitor to Shimano or Look’s Keo pedals. The same goes for SRM and Q36.5’s ultra-low-stack system.
The new SPD-SLR looks to be an improvement, but I don’t think it’s a big enough leap to warrant making the switch – especially when you can find Shimano-compatible SPD-SL cleats for less than £5.
I’m afraid, for me, being 2.3mm closer to the axle and saving the weight of a packet of crisps doesn’t quite do it.
