I use SPD pedals now with the rubber adaptor the increase the surface area of the cleat.

Im thinking to move to SPD-SL pedals since rubber adaptor is taking beating and needs to be replaced

Any issues in moving to them? Is there a different learning curve for unclipping and clipping?

thanks

I run both right now, depending on which bike I am riding. The only difference is that the SPD-SL's are single sided, while many (not sure which ones you have?) SPD's are double sided. So, when clipping back in, you just need to make sure they are not upside down. I find that mine natually turn themselves so that the front (when pedalling) is pointed upwards when unclipped, and I eventually learned to easily flatten them and clip in during one relatively smooth movement. Occasionally, I miss and need to look down to complete the clip-in, but this is really not a big deal. Unclipping is basically the same, just twist out. Both types have tension adjustments so you can set them where you want. The SPD-SL cleats are plastic, so they need to be replaced occasionally, but the pedals themselves should last a very long time.

You may need to buy new shoes. Some shoes will accept either but many will accept only one type of cleat.

What product are the adapters? I have been using my spd pedals on my road bike (too cheap to get new pedals/shoes) and it is quite annoying how small the cleat area is. Do they make a difference?

They are made by shimano and are placed between the cleat and the shoe. I've used then about a year before needing replacement. They do make a difference. Search shimano Spd cleat adaptor.

Live large, OP. Live large and learn new things. The SPD-SL is a much better road pedal than the SPD.

I switched to Look and really like them. SPDs were practical for me back in the N=1 days, so I could have a pair of campus pedals with flat on one side and clip on the other. There's no real difference in clipping in, release etc except you just have a wider platform.

Fun fact: you can use SPD-SL pedals as platforms for short, casual rides when you don't feel like changing your shoes. Just don't do so in leather soles.

That is highly, highly debated. :-)

Or when it's raining.

I have both - spd on my cross bike and tried them before on a road bike. SPDs are okay for just riding along but they aren't as good for all out efforts like sprinting and standing on all out climbing. If you think about one contact area is the size of a fat grape or walnut and the other close to a tennis ball, it all makes more sense.

I'm not going to argue with your opinion, but when you realize that bike soles are made out of very hard nylon, or in the more expensive versions rock hard carbon fiber, it doesn't really matter - your foot is in contact with a large stiff board that makes your cleat size irrelevant.

Just saying I've seen plenty of people say either one - some swear they like their road clipless better, others have tried it and say it makes no difference to them. Me, my road shoes are worse, but that's a result of the shoe not fitting my foot as well.

I said "highly debated" because it's...highly debated. Just saying'. :-)

I prefer my SPDs due to the fact that I like to get off my bike on long rides and walk around (in a store for water, food, etc). I'd no doubt sprain one or both ankles in SPD-SL shoes...

I'm not a racer though. I like long rides (at my pace). I've never had a problem that I am aware of with climbing in or out of the saddle with my SPDs.

Thank you very much. I would do the switch to SPD-SL pedals and shoes. but as a money starving student the income is rather small. Those adapters can hold me over for a few years while I save up for other items and a trainer for this winter