- SM-SH11 Yellow SPD-SL cleats come stock with most Shimano SPD-SL pedals and are a great choice for the majority of cyclists. They feature a six-degree float range (three degrees in each direction), which allows for free movement and low joint stress while still creating a solid connection between rider and bike.
- Customizable: Seamlessly compatible with Shimano SPD-SL pedals, which allow you to adjust the spring force required to clip in and out of your pedals
- Ease of Disengagement: Feature a 13-degree clip-out angle, allowing you to quickly get out of your pedals when the time calls
- Off-Bike Friendly: Cleat size and shape provide stable walking platform and are less prone to clogging with dirt when off bike
- Built to Last: Composite construction combines injection molded main body with grip enhancing TPU tips that are durable and maintain long lasting pedal engagement
What is Cleat Float?
The key differentiator between the three Shimano cleat options is the amount of float each allows. Float refers to the back-and-forth movement of the foot while you are clipped in and is essentially how much you can point your toes left or right while your shoe is attached to your pedal. Different levels of float help accommodate different riding styles or help with biomechanical issues such as lack-of-flexibility, past injuries, or knee pain. While float can help reduce stress on joints and make for a more comfortable pedaling movement, it can also result in a feeling of slightly less power transfer if your foot moves around too much.
Your neutral foot position is also important to understand before selecting and installing the right SPD-SL Cleat for you. The neutral position of the foot is defined as its most natural or efficient angle while pedaling. For some athletes, this means that both feet point perfectly straight forward. For others, the toes naturally point slightly inward or outward. If you’ve had an injury on one side of the body, your neutral position may differ between your left and right feet.
Regardless of your foot angle, the goal is to position your cleats so that your neutral foot position falls in the middle of the float range. This allows for an even amount of float beyond your neutral foot position, which helps take stress off your knees and other critical joints. It may take several rides to dial the position perfectly, so take your time and make small cleat adjustments as-needed.
Yellow SPD-SL Cleats – 6 Degrees of Float
Yellow SPD-SL cleats are perhaps the most popular among casual fitness cyclists but are used by a wide range of athletes. They're characterized by a six-degree float range (three degrees in each direction), which allows for free movement and low joint stress. The float’s pivot point is in the center of the cleat, allowing the toes to point in a wide range of angles. This large float range also provides more room for error when setting up your cleats. If you're new to cycling, experience knee pain, lack flexibility, or simply don’t know where to start, Shimano’s yellow cleats are your best bet.