Shimano’s SPD mechanism is now 25 years old, and yet it still works better than most. Despite the lack of a cage to guide your shoes into the mechanism, engagement was never fiddly. With very flexy shoes the pedal can be felt through the sole so these are best used with stiffer, racier shoes. The lack of a cage makes them a little treacherous if you miss clipping in on a technical section and have to ride it out unclipped too.
These weigh only 22g a
pedal less than the XTR Trail pedals, but the race profile means you don’t have
to pay such a premium for the weight saving. An XTR Race version is available
for serious weight weenies. Like with other Shimano pedals, the float is
non-negotiable but offers a great balance between security and freedom of
movement in our book. The adjustable release tension is a useful feature,
allowing lighter or less experienced riders more freedom to dab, or more
aggressive riders looking for a secure feel can ratchet them up to a very firm
setting. Shimano are famed for the reliability of their pedals: their
cup-and-cone style bearings can take a hammering and are easily serviced at
home. Combine this with the crisp, predictable feel and it’s easy to see how
these classics have passed the test of time.
Simple, reliable, and cheap. Perfect if you can
do without the support of a cage
Weight 352g
Price 67$