SPD-R Pedals...Anyone use them?
 

I know, we need another clipless pedal thread like a hole in the head but I've never heard anyone here talk about these. Any thoughts?

The cleats are big, won't fit on mtn shoes. I am not sure, but I think they are what SPD SLs replaced.

Having no experience, I would say they aren't the greatest. Get the SPD SLs (105 model) they are cheap and work quite well for a road pedal.

That's what I use and I like 'em. They're cool because the pedal is long enough that I can ride the bike without my bike shoes if I want to run to the store or something quick. I heard that you can also use straps on them, I never have, but that would be good added insurance at the track.

Yeah the cleat is big and designed for road specific shoes. I bought a set off my friend for my road bike. When looking for shoes I was asked repeatedly if I ride track. Appearently they can be locked down very tight for track use. I used them on my commute today and the only difference between then and my normal SPD's were they are a little harder to unclip and they more solid under my feet.

I have SPD-SLs with no float cleats and Im very happy with them so far.

A couple of things:

They are discontinued, therefore they are getting scarce. And like delay said, they have been replaced by the SPD-SL Look style pedals.

They do have a large fan base who think its the best pedal/cleat design, especially for the track. In order to use them with a strap, you need to unscrew the tension bolt underneath the pedal, attach a piece of conduit metal folded with hole drilled, and rescrew the bolt (you may need to replace the bolt with a longer length in order to have everything fit.) Then just feed the strap through the folded metal conduit. This modified system is used primarily by elite track sprinters who want the most secure system: clipless with strap.

Since they are discontinued, good luck finding parts. Also, no major cycling shoe manufacturer makes SPD-R compatible shoes anymore. You might find NOS of Diadora/Shimano/Sidi shoes that have the proper attachment design. But, you might wind up using shoes with a look style bolt system plus an adapter. This of course increases your stack height which might degrade efficiency.

I would think they are best used for the track in their modified version. But, for general riding I would think regular MTB style cleats would suffice. Although like Look pedals, they have a large platform, allowing them to be used with regular shoes in a pinch.

Been running a pair of the Dura Ace ones now for 4 years on various bikes. Cleats really don't show wear but the pontoons that straddle the cleat sure do. Good systems as long as you don't walk much. Gravel has a way of getting wedged around the cleat and you don't clip in.

Ritchey came out a couple of years ago with some knock off's that weren't real good. Buddy of mine just couldn't get them to work. He would finally get clipped in but had a hell of a time getting out. Lube and tension didn't help.

I have a set PD-5500 SPD-r off ebay $35. Since then I've seen alot of bad comments about getting out by swinging heal away from frame - Way to hard. I too played human domino once and came close more often than I would like. Good News! I used bees wax (toilet ring) on the recommended lube points and used a spare crank set to hold the pedals and worked them and worked them some more. Now they are easy to the inside or out. Turn the adjust screw full in then back out 3 turns - no more. With that covered Google for other posts. Super solid once in. Can be tricky to get in, but overcome-able. Special shoes. No regrets now. ;)

I had a pair of spdr535? or something, the lower end ones. I was using specialized sport road shoes and completely ripped the cleat out of the shoe in a sprint. (says something for the pedals). I think the screws could have been longer. I also used the spd-sl 540's great pedals! Im currently on speedplays which feel allright once you get used to the ice skate thing. I would like to try a pair of looks though.

These have been my only pedals for the last year. I've done everykind of riding in them: road, street, alleycats, off road (not recommended). I've used them on my cyclocross and track bikes and they have been excellent with a few notable disadvantages. First: they're great for distance and if you keep them on the lowest tension setting then they're good for street stuff... depending on your shoes. The kleats have been awesome and I admit that I walk on concrete with them all the time. Besides being fused to the shoes they've lasted a really long time. Loud, but good.

Not good: grease is important with these, I got them dusty/dirt encrusted and had major problems each time, including not being able to clip out.

Basically they are a bit of a compromise in terms of a good distance pedal that does well in the city that's pretty cheap. Know what you're using them for.

Hi
I have a pair of Dura-ace and shimano have recalled the cleat for safety reasons.
The nib that opens the pedal on the 9 degree pedal breaks off and you are locked in.
The pedals have locked on me several times even with a perfect cleat because when the rubber blocks wear they go in on an angle and will not release,
you need to get out of the shoe and prise the cleat out with allen keys.
I have practically new £ 140 pedals but can't get cleats.
Freinds with SPD-SL and the new look sized plastic cleat has an aluminium extrusion glued along the back with -water soluble- glue!.
They just work out of the pedal.

And finally how many riders came out of pedals in the T de F.
( clue - discovery use **********?)

I now use Look, you can always get out. They wear out if you walk at all but they are very reliable. The A3.1 is great value.