Understanding Shimano SPD System
11-12-21, 03:33 PM
#1
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Understanding Shimano SPD System
I've had these shoes kicking around from a few years now. They are comfortable enough to walk in. The shoe is labeled Shimano and SPD. It has laces rather than straps. So an early model?
However I have never tried a clipless pedal system and I'm trying to figure out how it would work. Specifically how does the cleat attach to the bottom of the shoe?
I just see a recessed outline. no bolt holes or attachment points. And will any SPD pedal work with it? Thanks in advance.
However I have never tried a clipless pedal system and I'm trying to figure out how it would work. Specifically how does the cleat attach to the bottom of the shoe?
I just see a recessed outline. no bolt holes or attachment points. And will any SPD pedal work with it? Thanks in advance.
11-12-21, 03:42 PM
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That outline is a cover that pops off to reveal the mounting holes. You need standard SPD pedals (ie 5** series). SPD-SL is the road style for large, triangle "Delta style" plastic cleats, you can't use those. Laces vs straps doesn't indicate age, they make new versions with laces for a more "casual" looking shoe.
11-12-21, 03:42 PM
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You need to pop off the cover on the bottom of your shoes to expose the cleat mounts. Then any SPD cleat and pedals can be used.
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11-12-21, 03:53 PM
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That outline is a cover that pops off to reveal the mounting holes. You need standard SPD pedals (ie 5** series). SPD-SL is the road style for large, triangle "Delta style" plastic cleats, you can't use those. Laces vs straps doesn't indicate age, they make new versions with laces for a more "casual" looking shoe.
11-12-21, 03:54 PM
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11-12-21, 03:56 PM
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Understandable once you know that they (Shimano) leave the cover in place in the event you want to use the stiffer than a sneaker cycling shoe on a flat pedal or one with a cage and strap. Only take off the cover to install the cleats.
Last edited by Steve B.; 11-12-21 at 04:48 PM.
11-12-21, 03:58 PM
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Funny thing is I would love to find a few covers to convert a few to just plain shoes.
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11-12-21, 04:31 PM
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11-12-21, 04:34 PM
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Nice little write up here. https://drivemybike.wordpress.com/20...ommon-systems/
You will need the cleat pictured on the right. (Pic is from that link.)
You will need the cleat pictured on the right. (Pic is from that link.)
11-12-21, 05:17 PM
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One small correction/clarification: the cover over the cleat slots in the soles of the earlier models of SPD shoes, such as the one in the picture provided by the thread starter, doesn't simply "pop off." You have to use, e.g., a utility knife to cut around the outline of the cover to expose the cleat slots. Most later Shimano SPD models have a bolted-on cover over the slots.
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11-12-21, 05:25 PM
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Wow, I have that same pair of shoes. They have to be from the early 2000s, if not the last millenium.
They're still usable, I just decided to finally get a new pair. Great shoes.
They're still usable, I just decided to finally get a new pair. Great shoes.
11-13-21, 08:30 AM
#12
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One small correction/clarification: the cover over the cleat slots in the soles of the earlier models of SPD shoes, such as the one in the picture provided by the thread starter, doesn't simply "pop off." You have to use, e.g., a utility knife to cut around the outline of the cover to expose the cleat slots. Most later Shimano SPD models have a bolted-on cover over the slots.
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11-13-21, 12:56 PM
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One was a silicone sole, total no luck.
11-14-21, 04:49 PM
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Cheers
