Clipless pedals are a cornerstone of modern cycling, offering a direct, efficient link between rider and bike. Despite the name, these systems require you to “clip in,” a term that emerged to distinguish them from the old-fashioned toe-clips and straps. By securing a cleat on your shoe to a mechanism on the pedal, clipless systems allow for a smoother, more secure stroke.
The world of clipless pedals can seem daunting, with various systems like Shimano’s SPD and SPD-SL, Look, Speedplay, and Time to choose from. These systems are not one-size-fits-all and they are often marketed for specific types of riding.
Cleat Bolt Patterns and Shoe Compatibility
Before we can even discuss the pro’s and con’s of various systems, we need to talk about compatibility. At the heart of every clipless pedal system is the bolt pattern used to attach the cleat to the shoe. The two main types are the 2-bolt and 3-bolt patterns.
The 2-bolt pattern, often called the SPD style, is the standard for off-road disciplines like mountain biking and gravel riding, as well as for commuting. The cleats are small and recessed into the shoe’s sole, making walking much more comfortable.
The 3-bolt pattern is commonly used for road cycling. Cleats are larger and protrude from the sole, maximizing the surface area for efficient power transfer. While excellent for performance, they are not comfortable for walking. The cleats are also notoriously slippery so walking on ramps can be very tricky.
A third, less common 4-bolt pattern is used by Speedplay although most modern Speedplay cleats can use adaptors to make them work with 3-bolt road shoes.
Most cycling shoes are purpose-built for one of these systems. A road shoe with a 3-bolt pattern won’t work with a 2-bolt SPD cleat, and vice versa. While adaptors do exist for making one work with another, it is not ideal and often creates issues like added stack. Understanding compatibility is the first step in choosing the right system for you.
Look Clipless Pedal System
Look revolutionized cycling in 1984 with the first modern clipless pedal, and its influence is still seen today. The flagship Look Keo series uses a large, triangular plastic cleat with a 3-bolt pattern, which is very similar in design to Shimano’s SPD-SL.
Like Shimano, 3-bolt Look cleats come in different colors to indicate float: black (0°), grey (4.5°), and red (9°). Higher-end models, such as the Keo Blade Carbon, use a carbon leaf spring instead of a traditional coil spring for a quicker, more firm engagement. Look pedals are known for their low stack height and wide platforms, making them a popular choice among professional racers.
More recently, Look has also released 2-bolt pedals that are wholly compatible with Shimano SPD (although Look also produces cleats for these pedals).
Shimano SPD System
The SPD, or Shimano Pedaling Dynamics, system was introduced in 1990 and is arguably the most widely adopted clipless system globally. Designed for mixed terrain, it uses a small, durable metal cleat with a 2-bolt pattern. Its key feature is the ability to walk comfortably off the bike, as the cleat is recessed into the shoe’s sole.
Some SPD pedals are double-sided so you can clip in from either side. This works very well in technical terrain or in stop-and-go city traffic. Models like the Shimano M520 are renowned for their reliability, excellent mud-shedding capabilities, and value. Meanwhile, touring pedals like the ES600 provide lightweight options for this type of system. The SPD system’s versatility makes it a favorite for mountain bikers, gravel riders, tourers, commuters, and even indoor cyclists who need a reliable, all-purpose pedal. While they may not offer the same stable platform as road-specific pedals, higher-end SPD models provide a secure and efficient connection.
Shimano SPD-SL System
For road riders, Shimano’s SPD-SL system is usually the go-to. These pedals use a large, plastic 3-bolt cleat that provides maximum surface area for power transfer. SPD-SL pedals are single-sided, requiring a specific “toe-first, heel-down” motion to engage, and are favored for their stability.
Cleats are color-coded to indicate their float (the amount of rotational movement that they allow). Red provides zero degrees of float, blue offers two degrees, and yellow provides six degrees. This allows riders to choose a level of rotational freedom that suits their biomechanics and helps prevent knee injuries. SPD-SL pedals are a top choice for competitive cyclists due to their power transfer and consistent feel, making them ideal for road racing, fast group rides, and training.
Speedplay Pedal System (now Wahoo)
Speedplay pedals, now under the Wahoo banner, are immediately recognizable for their unique “lollipop” shape. Unlike other systems, the retention mechanism is in the cleat, not the pedal. This engineering allows for dual-sided entry and fully adjustable float from zero to fifteen degrees. The claim is that its level of adjustability is unmatched by other road systems.
The current Speedplay range, which includes models from the affordable Comp to the ultra-lightweight Nano, all use a standardized cleat that can work with both 3- and 4-bolt road shoes. Speedplay pedals are a favorite among bike fitters and riders with knee issues due to their precision and adjustability.
Time Clipless Pedal System
Time pedals have a reputation for being exceptionally knee-friendly, offering substantial angular and lateral float. Time produces both road (Xpro, Xpresso) and off-road (ATAC, MX, Speciale) pedals. The road pedals use a 3-bolt pattern, and the off-road ATAC system uses a 2-bolt standard.
The off-road Time ATAC system is particularly celebrated for its superior mud-shedding capabilities and generous float angles, which can range from ten to seventeen degrees. The newer road models feature the ICLIC retention system, which pre-opens the engagement mechanism for easier entry. Time pedals are known for providing a “free” feel, making them a top choice for riders who need joint comfort.
Choosing the Right Pedal System
The right pedal system for you depends on your riding environment, off-bike needs, and performance goals.
For road cycling and racing, Shimano SPD-SL, Look Keo, Time Xpro, and Speedplay are all excellent choices. They are all designed for maximum power transfer and low weight. Meanwhile, mountain biking, touring, and gravel riding usually look to Shimano SPD, Look X-Track, and Time ATAC as the proven standards. They prioritize walkability, mud clearance, and easy double-sided entry. If you have knee or fit issues, Speedplay and Time are worth considering for their adjustability.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a system is to start with your use cases. Whichever system you go with, the benefits of clipless pedals—improved efficiency, comfort, and control—are well worth the initial learning curve, making the right choice a critical step in elevating your cycling experience.
