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Other Resources => Component Deals & Selection => Topic started by: sh on August 24, 2025, 09:56:01 PM

Title: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: sh on August 24, 2025, 09:56:01 PM
Looking for new cleats.

In the past I used just any shimano-branded cleats I got off Alice. I broke off the tips of every set I got within 10-20 outings, but I do walk am quite a bit in my cleats which may be the reason.

I recently got a couple sets of clone third party branded cleats of taobao. Interestingly the yellow gripper parts are hard plastic rather than rubber. They clipped in pretty securely but the first set I put on, has developed an issue where it’s exceedingly difficult to clip out.

Any recommendations on cleats? I found a few posts online about how to identify counterfeit cleats but the aliX listings seem littered with half counterfeit half genuine listings
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: raisinberry777 on August 24, 2025, 10:33:38 PM
Just buy the legit ones. Nothing else seems to be worthwhile.
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: pushpush on August 24, 2025, 10:36:45 PM
I bought a few pairs from Alix and chewed through them all in the time a real pair of shimano cleats would normally take. They worked fine, and there was nothing wrong with them, they were just softer plastic that didnt hold up. None of them broke or cracked and nothing bad happened. I'm back to using overpriced shimano ones.
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: sh on August 24, 2025, 10:37:03 PM
Just buy the legit ones. Nothing else seems to be worthwhile.

are there grey-market aliexpress ones that are legit? or just shill out the $40 bucks at LBS?
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: nelzen on August 24, 2025, 10:45:18 PM
Where are you finding Shimano cleats for $40? In my area, I can find them for AUD$20.
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: sh on August 24, 2025, 10:55:35 PM
Where are you finding Shimano cleats for $40? In my area, I can find them for AUD$20.

Located in Toronto, Canada. Most places have the for 45-50 CAD. managed to find some on sale for 33.  :(
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: gribs on August 25, 2025, 04:07:07 PM
If you're walking quite a bit have you considered just using SPD cleats? With stiff enough shoes the smaller contact area doesn't seem to make any real difference.
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: kbernstein on August 28, 2025, 06:24:08 AM
But if you do use spd cleats get real ones. aliexpress spd cleats are horrible to clip in and out. 0/3 for me
Title: Re: Best spd-sl cleats?
Post by: cccccccccccccccx on August 28, 2025, 06:44:10 AM
https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-cleat-covers.html

You could get some covers if you walk a lot.