Best for: Commuting, touring, spin bikes and first clipless pedals
The default entry-level dual-sided SPD pedal, supplied with SM-SH51 cleats.
Brand guide
Shimano Pedals: SPD and SPD-SL Models Explained
Updated · DrPedal is independent and not affiliated with Shimano
Which to pick
Shimano pedals use two clipless systems: SPD, with small 2-bolt cleats for walkable mountain bike, gravel, touring and spin shoes, and SPD-SL, with 3-bolt cleats for road shoes. Most new riders should buy the PD-M520 or lighter PD-M540 SPD pedals; road riders should start with the 105 PD-R7000. Racers step up to XT PD-M8100 or XTR PD-M9100 off-road, and Ultegra PD-R8000 or Dura-Ace PD-R9100 on the road.
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Shimano lineup
Shimano PD-M540
by Shimano
Best for: Year-round commuting and gravel
The same SPD action as the M520 in a lighter, better-sealed body.
Best for: XC racing and fast gravel
XT-level race SPD pedal; the PD-M8120 trail version adds a platform. XTR PD-M9100 is the lighter flagship.
Best for: Hybrid, e-bike and touring riders who also ride in sneakers
SPD binding on one side and a large flat platform on the other, with SM-SH56 multi-release cleats in the box. The slimmer PD-EH500 is the alternative if you can still find one.
Best for: Road riders and first SPD-SL pedals
Composite-body SPD-SL pedal with a wide platform, supplied with yellow SM-SH11 cleats.
Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000
by Shimano
Best for: Club racing and long road rides
Lighter than the 105 pedal with a carbon body; same SPD-SL cleats.
Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9100
by Shimano
Best for: Racers wanting Shimano's lightest road pedal
The flagship SPD-SL pedal, sold alongside the 12-speed Dura-Ace groupset.
SPD vs SPD-SL: which Shimano system do you need?
Choose by shoe: SPD if you want to walk normally, SPD-SL for stiff road shoes.
| SPD | SPD-SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleat bolts | 2-bolt | 3-bolt |
| Cleats | SM-SH51, SM-SH56 | SM-SH10, SM-SH12, SM-SH11 |
| Float | 4° | 0°, 2° or 6° |
| Shoes | Recessed MTB, gravel, touring, spin | Road shoes |
| Entry | Usually dual-sided | Single-sided |
Shimano SPD pedals explained
SPD runs from the PD-M520 and PD-M540 through XT PD-M8100 to XTR PD-M9100, with trail versions (PD-M8120, PD-M9120) that add a platform. The PD-M324 (and the older, slimmer PD-EH500) pairs SPD with a flat side; see single-sided clipless with platform pedals. Every SPD pedal takes the same cleats.
Shimano SPD-SL road pedals explained
SPD-SL climbs from the entry-level PD-R550 to the 105 PD-R7000, Ultegra PD-R8000 and Dura-Ace PD-R9100. Higher levels mainly save weight; the cleats are identical. Pick float by cleat color: red 0°, blue 2° or yellow 6°.
Which Shimano pedal should you buy?
- First clipless pedals or spin class: PD-M520 with SM-SH56 cleats.
- All-weather commuting or gravel: PD-M540.
- Mountain biking: PD-M8100 for racing, PD-M8120 for trail.
- Hybrid riders who also wear sneakers: PD-M324 (or the PD-EH500 if you can still find one).
- Road: PD-R7000, or PD-R8000/PD-R9100 to save weight.
Every Shimano adult pedal uses a 9/16” thread, and the left pedal is reverse threaded (see why).
Shimano pedals vs rivals
Against Look Keo, SPD-SL is a similar 3-bolt system with different float steps. Against Crankbrothers, SPD has a more defined click and steel rather than brass cleats. Against Wahoo Speedplay, SPD-SL is single-sided but simpler to set up. See our clipless pedals guide.
Shimano: FAQ
What is the difference between Shimano SPD and SPD-SL?
SPD uses a small 2-bolt cleat recessed into a walkable shoe. SPD-SL uses a large 3-bolt cleat on a stiff road shoe for a bigger contact area. The two are not interchangeable.
Should I use SM-SH51 or SM-SH56 SPD cleats?
Both give 4° float. The SM-SH51 releases only with a heel twist; the multi-release SM-SH56 also lets go when you pull or roll your foot, which suits new riders. See our cleats guide.
Is there a Shimano PD-R8100 or PD-R9200 pedal?
No. Shimano's road pedals kept their numbers when 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace moved to 12-speed, so the SPD-SL models are the PD-R7000, PD-R8000 and PD-R9100. Shimano's newer SPD-SLR pedals (Ultegra PD-R8200, Dura-Ace PD-R9300) are a separate system with their own cleats; see the clipless pedals guide.
Do Shimano pedals come with cleats?
Yes. SPD pedals ship with 2-bolt cleats; SPD-SL pedals ship with yellow SM-SH11 cleats.
Related buying guides
- Clipless Pedals: Best Picks and How to Choose a SystemClipless pedals
- Double Sided Bike Pedals: The Best Double-Sided Clipless PedalsDouble-sided clipless
- Clipless Pedals for Hybrid Bikes: SPD on One Side, Flat on the OtherHybrid (clip + flat)
- Bicycle Cleats: Which Cleats Fit Your PedalsCleats
- SPD Cleat Shims, Spacers and Cleat BoltsCleat shims & bolts