u235

Maybe I missed it but I did not know about SH-56. For decades I was using flats. Last year I switched to clipless with SH-51 cleats on my gravel bike and don't have any problems mounting or unmounting. I got some new sandals and when I was looking at cleats and pedals I noticed the SH-56 cleat option. From my reading some people classify them as beginner clips and faulty in that they can pop out occasionally. I don't sprint, don't race and I'm not a huge calf puller. Another reason I am considering them is potentially if they are easier and more flexible I'll give clipless another chance on my hardtail. For $10 its worth a shot, but I wanted some opinions.

ThermionicScott 

I've put a lot of miles on SH-56 cleats. They came with several of my clipless shoes and I wasn't fully aware what they were versus SH-51s until much later. At least for me, they did the job of keeping my feet attached to the pedals when I wanted them to be, and allowed me to bail out easily if I wanted.

TimothyH

There was a guy on the forums who switched to SH-56 multi-release cleats because it was easier for him to unclip when drunk.

To just quit drinking seemed to me like it would have been less work but the SH-56 cleats were his solution.


-Tim-

ThermionicScott 

Surely you jest. It only takes a couple minutes and a few bucks to swap cleats.

Cyclist0108

I kept popping out to the SH-56s. I also don't sprint, don't race and I'm not a huge calf puller. It seems to happen with my left foot, and it might have something to do with a collapsed arch and being prone to roll (and prone to pronate). In any case, I couldn't use them, but there is no way to know unless you try. Fortunately it is an inexpensive experiment to do.

trailangel

I started with toeclips and then nail-on cleats on the sole. Then those went away..... I eased into Shimano SPD-51... and have good luck with those. But when I started up with the XC bike I was nervous when riding with the 51 cleat, so tried the 56 cleat and... I like them. Then come out easier but seem to still hold good.

pesty

You got me beat on that one. When I started the cleats were two bolt (one in front of the other) screw in. I'm assuming other than that the cleats were the same slotted, "float? what is that", "straps so tight you better learn to track stand", lace up shoes system I came of age with.

TimothyH

twinsies

Same here on occasion. My only concern sticking with the 51s is in the inevitable horrible crash, part of me thinks it would be better to have 56s and therefore more chance of a release when I hit the deck...

Cyclist0108

You are better off staying clipped in during a crash. If you are worried about it, just don't tighten down the springs very much, and you can get out easily.

In my experience, clipping in does not break your ankle. Golden retriever puppies are a different story.