MinnMan

I've been riding Shimano SPD-SL pedals since I began riding with cleats 10 years ago, and they've become second nature. I have them on two different bikes at the moment, but as my bike collection fluctuates, at times it's more like 3 or 4 bikes.

But I'm thinking about getting a power meter and weighing the different options. For various reasons, it looks like meters for pedals or the rear hub are best. But the pedal meters are all based on Look cleats. Look cleats don't look that different from SPD-SLs, but I'm curious as to whether the transition will be noticeable.

So, has anybody switched between? What was your experience?

shoota 

Incompatible with each other but so close in function that you can't tell the difference when switching between them.

redlude97

https://www.clevertraining.com/garmi...ltegra-pd-6800

MinnMan

yeah, thanks. But I have Dura Ace and 105 pedals, and the conversion kit works only for Ultegra. So I could in theory just switch over to Ultegra if I really wanted to keep the SPD-SLs.
Either way, there always seems to be a catch. I looked at various crank arm systems, but none of them are compatible with my FSA cranks.....

noodle soup

StanSeven

rojeho

Started on Shimano for 5 years then switched to Look with the new bike, I struggled with the first set of cleats. Both in and out. Got new shoes for Christmas so I started with fresh cleats and a 1000% improvement. Super easy to get clipped in. If I would've had these for the first set after the transition I never would have felt like there was a transition. They are a little different but you're already comfortable with the techniques to get in and out. Once you've trained yourself on that, the style of pedal doesn't matter. I do like the Look and the larger platform better. I'm glad I switched.

2cam16

Can't tell much difference. I use spd's on my mountain bikes and Looks on my road and going back and forth is second nature.

fietsbob

Shimano paid a fee to Look to produce a pedal using their design..

noodle soup

Midway

I just changed the opposite direction, from Look to SPD-SL. It has been a slight adjustment as I find it a little bit more difficult to engage the Shimano but with time I am not noticing the difference much and assume after a few more rides won't notice it at all. The learning/muscle memory curve is likely more due to the 15 years away from riding.

BluFalconActual

noodle soup

I made the change from Look to Shimano, and found that Shimano pedals were better balanced(the toe engagement point is always up), so they were slightly easier to engage.

Neither pedal was difficult to engage, and you use the same motion with either pedal.

shoota 

You just needed better pedals. I've had pedals from both vendors and the low end of each had tighter bearings that didn't allow the pedals to sit toe up. The high end of each allows the pedals to sit toe up.

Anyhoo I think we're splitting hairs at this point. OP has what he needs.

noodle soup

My last look pedals were Keo Blade Carbon with Titanium spindles, so quality level wasn't the issue. Shimano pedals are better balanced, so the pedals always point upward. The grip portion of Shimano cleats also lasts far longer than the ones on Look cleats.

Either way, both pedals are very good. The only reason I switched pedals was because my bike was stolen, and no one had the Look pedals available at a good price. The ability to adjust spring tension is also nice. With high end Look pedals, that requires a leaf spring swap.

JohnDThompson 

You'll probably have a bit of a learning curve, but once the muscle memory sets in, it should be second nature.

I go from Look clipless on my road bikes to slotted cleats and toeclips on my fixed gear bikes, and rubber tread platform pedals on my city bike and don't have to think about it.