Let us talk about the best one in Shimano SPD cleats SH51 vs SH56.
Shimano’s SPD and SPD-SL clipless pedals are some of the popular options for riders and professional athletes.
It is because the grip they give to the rider’s legs on the pedals is far better than the contact you get on a flat pedal.
The cleats are the clips that can be used on clip-in or step-in pedals that help you to keep good control over your bike while on the ride.
Shimano cleats are some of the most known and recommended cleats since they try to be the best with better cleats.
SH51 and SH56 are popular in Shimano SPD cleats, and both have their own advantages, so finding the best one is not as easier.
Table of Contents
Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 vs SH56
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shimano SPD Cleats SH51
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 is one of the most used SPD cleats from this well-reputed brand.
These cleats are made of metal and are designed to be screwed into the clip-in pedal of your bike from the bottom of the pedal.
It allows you to lock your cycling shoes securely with the cleats and your bike’s pedals that will keep your legs perfectly on the pedals.
Clipping and removing these cleats are very much easy by sliding your feet laterally against a spring.
After all, these are mostly recommended for mountain biking because of the secure lock they provide, although they can also be used for all other kinds of road bikes.
The steel used in making these cleats is strong and durable, with enough thickness to stand all the strokes.
Besides, these cleats are recommended for mountain bikes because of the two-bolt configuration that these are made of.
If you are looking for the best cleat set for road bikes, then you can go for a cleat set with a 3-bolt configuration.
These cleats are specific to clipless pedals while you have flat pedals. The clipless pedal is a confusing word cause it refers to the pedals that can be locked in.
But they do not have that traditional kind of straps to keep your foot on the pedals. But, at the same time, it gives all the support and security along with full freedom.
These Shimano SH51 cleats can be used with any SPD pedals available in the market.
- Made of strong and durable steel
- It can be used with all kinds of SPD pedals
- Perfect cleats for your spin shoes
- A little expensive compared to the competitors.
- Mostly recommended for mountain bike pedals with two-bolt configuration.
Shimano SPD Cleats SH56
- Fits: All Mountain SPD pedals except PD-M858 Float: 0deg Pedal Color: Silver Pedal Model: SH56 Unit of Sale: Pair
Last update on 2021-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These SH56 Cleats from Shimano is another recommended set of cleats that are strongly built and can be used with all the SPD pedals in the market,
Besides, this SH56 is a multi-directional cleat in which you can release your shoes from multiple directions that gives full freedom to your legs under any circumstances.
It can be used for all kinds of cycling that you may be in, including road cycling, mountain biking, and indoor cycling, even though it is recommended mostly for mountain biking.
This is because the two-bolt configuration that makes it useful with the mountain bike pedals comes with the same configuration.
Moreover, it does not create any unintended release issues during a ride, making everything more easily, such as seated, standing, sprinting, or heavy tension.
These are the cleats that can be selected for beginners because of the practical features and grip they give on the pedals.
Moreover, with the grip it gives, it does not keep your legs planted on the pedal if you want to release it all of a sudden.
It is possible because the two flat head screws provided for each cleat provide a good grip on the pedals.
These cleats are not compatible with egg beaters or Mallet Double shot 3 pedals and are only compatible with SPD pedals.
- Made of the strong and durable steel
- You can release your feet from pedals in multiple directions.
- It gives perfect grip and freedom all together.
- It can be used in any kind of riding you do.
- Best one for beginners with the benefits of clipless pedals.
- Overtime use can make it lose, and expect sudden unexpected detachment of legs from pedals when you are in a rough ride because of the multi-directional releasing system.
Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 vs SH56 - Points To Know
And they can be used for any riding that you do. But a comparison between these two cleats can be made.
However, it does not mean one is better than the other. Each has its own pros and cons that may or may not make them perfect for your riding style.
Even though these two Shimano cleats are manufactured intentionally for mountain bike pedals with a two-bolt configuration.
But they are used in all kinds of rides because of the freedom they provide.
Material Used and The Design
Shimano SPD SH51 and SH56 are made from steel that gives you all the base strength you need for a powerful ride under any circumstance.
Besides, they are built with a two-bolt configuration that makes them perfect for pedals with mountain bikes.
The Release System
Shimano SH56 can also be used in any ride if you need all the benefits of a clipless pedal system along with the freedom you need throughout the ride.
Because of the multi-direction system of releasing legs from the pedals gives the freedom to keep your control intact in any circumstance.
But the Shimano SH51 is the cleat that comes with a one-direction release system that will keep your feet on the pedals in one direction.
It gives you the confidence of not getting slipped while you are on a rough road situation.
Type of Compatible Pedals
Both these Shimano SH51 and SH56 two-bolt cleats are compatible with all SPD pedal systems available in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from the customers looking forward to these Shimano products.
What are the pedals that I need to get with these cleats?
You can use any SPD-compatible pedals available in the market.
Are these cleats compatible with the Peloton bike?
No, these cleats are manufactured for the SPD pedal systems. For Peloton pedals, you have to get Look Delta Road cleats.
Do the Multi-direction release system makes the SH56 better than SH51 cleats?
It is just another version of the cleats that give another opening for your legs to be put in and out of the pedals securely. It makes a better one over another according to your needs and style of riding.
Conclusion
Here explained both of the Shimano SPD SH51 vs. SH56 and a comparison between the two cleat systems.
Selecting the right one for you is according to the kind of ride you will do with these two things.
If you are a beginner in the bike riding community, you can go for the SH56 because of your legs' more freedom.
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