After a couple of years riding with SPD pedals my wife and I were just about to call it quits and go back to platforms. We both love them on long rides but the anxiety caused on steep climbs or town rides just seemed to never subside. I started switching back and forth between platform and SPD’s depending on the ride and we just started to question whether or not it was worth the effort.

However, a few days ago while shopping for some bike parts I noticed that Shimano makes a “Multi-Directional Release SPD Cleats” (SH-56) . Say what!?! I ordered a couple of pairs and after just one ride we are both thrilled. I don’t notice them feeling any less secure but there is a major difference in the effort required to clip out. I am really shocked that I did not hear about these sooner and just in case it helps someone I thought I would share our results.

--
bstaggs

My girlfriend uses these. I think they are good for lightweight people who can't torque the pedals as much when they are trying to release. They did release accidentally a few times on our first ride with them (when cornering), but increasing the pedal tension from the lightest setting to half-way fixed that for her.

SPD shoes often come with SH-56s, so I'm surprised you hadn't run across them by now. I use them. With proper adjustment of the cleat alignment and pedal tension, accidental releases should be rare unless your riding style could be described as "loose-limbed."

They must have come with some of our shoes and since I didn’t know the difference I just used the ones that came with the pedals, because looking through my collection of cleats I found a couple pairs of the “M” Multidirectional. Oh so that's what the "M" means... Ignorance is a terrible thing! :-)

--
bstaggs

I'm glad they work for you. Personally, I am not a fan. I prefer to have the cleat release only when making one specific movement that I'm not likely to do accidentally.

Many people who work in bike shops don't even know that there are two different types of SPD cleats.



SH51 "Single release" cleats are for racing and aggressive riding. One has to move the heel to the right or left to get them to release.

SH56 "Multi release" cleats are marketed to beginners, touring and recreational riders. These release by moving the heel left or right or rotating the foot and are much easier to get out of.


-Tim-

I am perfecting willing to admit that my displeasure with the standard SPD cleats could be more “pilot error” than design. I was watching a cyclo-cross race on TV and couldn’t believe how effortlessly the riders were getting in and out of the road type clips. I even had a conversation with a guy at my LBS who assured me that getting out of the SPD is easier than the road type. What a contrast to the ankle contorting that I witnessed from my wife and myself, even with the pedals in the lowest spring tension. So ether by misuse or limited ankle rotation, we are happily clipped and anxiety free. Had I only installed these in the first place I could have saved myself some scrapped knees and a bruised ego. :-)

--
bstaggs

When I first went clipless, years ago, mountain biking, I got the SH51, and would just fall over at the top of steep dirt/gravel climbs, etc. I just couldn't get used to them and was about to give up on clipless, then tried the SH56 and never turned back. I have never had a problem accidentally unclipping, and I am pretty heavy and strong and could torque the pedals pretty good (not as much nowadays though). Secure enough for me. YMMV.

Have you ever considered going to mtb pedals, flats, platforms with an option to clip in. Candy pedals come to mind.

Have you ever considered going to mtb pedals, flats, platforms with an option to clip in. Candy pedals come to mind.