So you’re looking to switch to clipless pedals. But which system should you choose?
Choosing the right pedal setup can completely change how your bike feels. From how comfortable you are walking into a café mid-ride, to how efficiently you put power down on long road rides.
At Quick Cranks, we fit riders for everything from winter commuting and gravel adventures to weekend road rides and race setups. One of the most common questions we get is simple.
“Should I go SPD or SPD-SL?”
Both systems are excellent. But they are built for very different styles of riding. This guide breaks down the real-world differences so you can confidently choose the system that fits your riding, your shoes, and even your local conditions.
The 60-Second Decision Guide
If you just want a quick answer, start here.
- Do you walk more than a few minutes per ride? > SPD
- Do you ride gravel, trails, or winter roads? > SPD
- Is this your first clipless pedal system? > SPD
- Do you mostly care about maximum power transfer? > SPD-SL
- Do you ride fast group rides or race? > SPD-SL
SPD vs SPD-SL: Quick Comparison
If you answered “yes” to more SPD questions, start there. Most riders can always move to SPD-SL later if their riding becomes more road-focused.
| Feature | SPD (2-Bolt) | SPD-SL (3-Bolt) |
| Best for | Gravel, commuting, MTB | Road cycling, racing, |
| Cleat size | Small, metal, recessed | Large, plastic, sticks out |
| Walking comfort | Easy | Awkward and slippery |
| Entry | Double-sided | Single-sided |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
| Shoe compatibility | MTB, gravel, touring, commuter shoes | Road cycling shoes |
| Mud and weather | Excellent | Poor |
| Power transfer | Good | Excellent |
Now let’s take a closer look at how the two systems actually differ.
What’s the Real Difference?
SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics)
SPD cleats are small, metal, and recessed into the sole of the shoe. They attach using two bolts, which is why SPD shoes are often called 2-bolt shoes.
SPD-SL (SuperLight)
SPD-SL cleats are large, plastic, and mount to the shoe with three bolts. The cleat sits on the outside of the sole instead of being recessed, creating a larger contact platform between your shoe and the pedal.
That one design difference affects.
- How easy it is to clip in
- How stable your foot feels on the pedal
- Whether you can walk normally off the bike
- How the system handles dirt, water, and road salt
Shoe Compatibility. Will Your Shoes Work?
- Two bolt holes in a straight line. SPD
- Three bolt holes in a triangle. SPD-SL
Most road shoes cannot be converted to SPD, and most MTB or gravel shoes cannot be converted to SPD-SL.
There are a few exceptions. Some road shoes offer both mounting options, like the Trek Circuit. But in our experience, half the appeal of SPD is being able to walk comfortably. These hybrid shoes do not really do that well, so if walkability matters to you, it is best to choose a shoe designed specifically for SPD.
Why Riders Choose SPD
Easy Clip-In
Most SPD pedals are double-sided, meaning you can clip in from either side. This makes starting at traffic lights or on technical terrain much easier, especially for beginners.
Versatility
Some SPD pedals offer a flat side and a clip-in side. This is great for casual riders or commuters. A popular example is the Shimano PD-EH500.
Walkable Shoes
Because the cleat is recessed, your foot contacts the ground, not the cleat. That means you are walking on a flat, stable surface instead of plastic.
SPD is perfect for.
- Commuting
- Gravel rides with café stops
- Touring
- Winter riding
Mud, Rain, and Snow Friendly
SPD pedals are designed to shed dirt and debris. They keep working even when conditions are wet, muddy, or salty.
Why Riders Choose SPD-SL
Bigger Platform Means Better Power Transfer
The large cleat and wide pedal body create a very stable pedaling platform. This matters most when.
- Sprinting
- Riding long road distances
- Pushing high cadence
Lightweight Design
SPD-SL pedals are typically lighter, especially at higher price points where carbon-bodied models are common.
Float Options
SPD-SL cleats come in different colors that control how much your foot can rotate while clipped in.
- Yellow. 6 degrees of float and the most forgiving
- Blue. 2 degrees of float
- Red. 0 degrees of float and a fixed position
Keep in mind that SPD-SL cleats wear faster because they contact the ground when walking. If you stop and walk often, you will replace cleats more frequently.
What We See at Quick Cranks
From fitting riders in-store, a few clear patterns always stand out.
- First-time clipless riders almost always prefer SPD
- Commuters and gravel riders rarely stick with SPD-SL
- Road riders who switch to SPD-SL notice better sprint stability
- Winter riders overwhelmingly choose SPD
- Most spin classes use an SPD cleat system
Most riders who go SPD-SL already know they want a road-focused setup. Everyone else usually starts with SPD and often stays there.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying SPD-SL pedals without realizing you cannot walk comfortably
- Installing cleats backwards
- Setting release tension too high as a beginner
- Using road shoes for gravel or commuting
- Not matching cleat type to pedal model
If you are unsure, we always recommend having cleats installed and adjusted professionally. A small change in position can make a big difference in comfort and knee health.
Final Recommendation
If you want versatility, comfort, and all-weather performance, choose SPD.
If you want maximum efficiency and a pure road cycling experience, choose SPD-SL.
Both systems are excellent. The right one is simply the one that matches how you actually ride.
Need Help Choosing?
We stock SPD and SPD-SL pedals, shoes, and replacement cleats, and we are always happy to help you find the right setup.
Come by one of our Ottawa locations and say hi!
