i heard the ritchey cleats are basically the same as all other spd cleats...but they are thinner or something, whereas shimano spd cleats are thicker and not as great for using in ritchey pedals or something of the sort.

but i think one person on some forum said the ritchey cleat works in other spd pedals (i cant find where i read that though. if someone else confirms that, then i guess i can just switch out the cleats on my shoes to the ritchey ones)

buuuut besides the ritcheys and shimanos, seeing if there are any other worthwhile "road" SPD pedals.