Close Menu
    Bike Repair

    Can’t clip into SPD SL pedals – am I stupid?


    I mean yes I am definitely stupid but for the life of me I cannot figure this out. Just switched from SPD to SPD-SL. Unfortunately these pedals are second hand and the retention adjustment socket is completely stripped. With the tools I have I cannot adjust it. Even so, I cannot clip my cleats in, even with all my weight on one foot. Is this user error or are these pedals cooked?

    Can’t clip into SPD SL pedals – am I stupid?
    byu/tryagaininXmin inbikewrench



    by tryagaininXmin

    Share.
    View 18 Comments

    18 Comments

    1. PobBrobert on

      Well those are Look pedals. They use Keo, a different cleat specific to Look. They look similar but they’re not compatible with SPD-SL.

      I have my thoughts, but I’ll let you decide if that means you’re stupid.

    2. morrowc on

      That is a Look pedal not an spd-sl pedal?
      The triangle cleat looks similar, but i bet you’ll find the dimensions are not the same.
      (not ever had spd-sl, but had some Look pedals back in the day)

    4. tryagaininXmin on

      Would u guys recommend buying SPD SL pedals or Look cleats in my situation? I have not used either and don’t really know the difference between them. Buying Look cleats would be cheaper but idk which is better

    7. Pfizermyocarditis on

      “Look” is shown on your pedals in big white letters. You’re wearing a shoe with an SPD-SL cleat…

    8. daern2 on

      Shimano SPD-SL cleats in Look Keo pedals won’t work. You need Look Keo cleats (which will have been in the box with the new pedals) and these use the same fixings on your shoes as the Shimano cleats.

      Whip the Shimano ones off and put the Look ones on instead. Use a bit of blue threadlock to keep them secure and ensure they’ll come off again next time. Job done!

    Leave A Reply