SPD Cleats on Road Shoes

They work just fine.

I have been using Ultegra SPD pedal for approx 8 months now. They work great, like any pedal and clip, it takes a good couple of rides to get into quickly. The only problem I have is that the cleat wears pretty quickly, as i deal with a lot of stop and go traffic in japan. Like a new set every 2 months. One other thing is you get zero latitude in ankle play. If your cleat gets twisted out of normal setting, i will get knee pains and have to re-adjust the cleat. So, if you like a lot of play and have bum knee's then I would recommend SPD play pedals.

The Kramer said:

Hi guys, I'm a new member.
I recently purchased my first full blown roadbike. I have been a mountain biker for years, and have a flatbar road I used for commuting, which is where I think I got the road bug from.
Anyway, I decided to use all my budget on the bike only (and a computer), as I already had a lot of the extras. I put a pair of Shimano SPD Mountain style clipless pedals on the bike. They are the ones with the plastic cage around the binding. I am happy to keep using the pedals for a while, but really need some new lighter shoes. I know that Specialized and Lake make road shoes that will take both SPD & SPDSL/Look cleats. This will suit me as if I upgrade to road pedals down the track I won't need new shoes, but I was just wondering if anyone could tell me how the SPD cleats perform in Road Shoes, seeing as you have that flat stiff sole and the cleat is not recessed. I would appreciate any info.

I used mtb SPDs and road shoes for years. No problems, except for having to be a bit careful where and how you walk when you're off the bike (but they're nowhere near as treacherous as Look cleats). Some people will tell you SPD cleats allow the sole to flex too much as the platform's not broad enough. Having switched to Look Keos recently, I honestly can't tell the difference.

Thanks guys. I have ordered a pair of Specialized Body Geometry Sport Road Shoes. So I will put the SPD cleats in them and see how I go.

They're OK. Just dont forget to use the stainless steel spacers that come with the pedal kit.

I've used nothing but SPD pedals/cleats since I resumed serious riding almost two years ago. No drawbacks at all that I can see.

Interesting though: I belong to two clubs. In one most of the members use SPDs; in the other, most use Look-style pedals. Same age and experience range in each club. So go figure.

I have smallish foot and wears size 42. SPD has worked nicely for me on my road bike, definitely no so called hot spots. The focus for me was getting a nice pair of Sidi MTB style shoes that's really comfortable with good stiff sole. The rest is history. What I don't understand is people who pair road shoes with SPD. I picked SPD because I wanted a shoe that I can safely stop, stand and walk on. But if you decide on a road shoe, then by all means go with road pedals and make use of those extra mounting holes.