Road pedal cleats and parts

Choosing your pedal cleats

The cleat is the part that really wears out as you pedal. It deforms, slips and eventually releases on its own or refuses to release. You replace it far more often than the pedals — and it is the cleat, not the pedal, that determines foot position.

Choose the cleat to match the pedal system, not the bike brand

• Look Keo : Keo Grip and Keo Grip 2, with non-slip areas. The older Delta is still available for pedals made before 2000.
• Shimano SPD-SL : SM-SH10, SH11 and SH12.
• Time : I-Clic, Xpresso and X-Pro use the same cleat, available in fixed or float versions.
• Wahoo Speedplay : the cleat contains the mechanism, which explains its higher price and central role. Choose from two tension levels.
• Favero : Assioma power meter pedals use a Look Keo or Shimano SPD-SL pedal body, depending on the version, and therefore take the corresponding cleat.

The colour coding for rotational float

• Shimano : red SM-SH10 = 0°, blue SM-SH12 = 2°, yellow SM-SH11 = 6°.
• Look Keo Grip : black = 0°, grey = 4.5°, red = 9°.
• Time : Fixed 0° or Float 5°.
• This colour coding applies within a brand : there is no universal standard, and red does not mean the same thing for Look as it does for Shimano.

When to replace them

As soon as your foot moves sideways without any change to the tension, release becomes stiff or unpredictable, or the wear indicators moulded into the cleat disappear. Expect to replace them once or twice a year with regular use — more often if you frequently walk in them. Replace both cleats at the same time and mark the position of the old cleat before unscrewing it.

Accessories in this section

• The cleat covers (Look Keo Cover, Shimano SM-SH45) clip on so you can walk without wearing out the cleat. The easiest way to double its lifespan.
• The cleat risers (Shimano SM-SH20) and the shims for flat soles compensate for a sole that does not sit flush against the cleat and adjust the support height.
• TheSM-SH41 adaptor lets you fit a cleat 2-bolt SPD on a sole with three mounting holes.
• The Look Keo Blade spring kits change the release tension: they are pedal parts, not cleats, but you will find them here.

Adjustment

Fore-aft position, side-to-side position and rotation angle: all three are adjustable, and together they determine knee position. A cleat set too far forwards or backwards can cause pain in the Achilles tendon or at the front of the knee. Make small adjustments, one ride at a time, never all at once.

To find out more: How to adjust your road bike clipless pedals

See also: Road pedals · Road cycling power meters · Road bike saddles