*Shimano SPD Cycling Cleats Explained – SM-SH51 – SM-SH56 – CL-MT001*
Shimano has just done something it hasn’t done in decades… redesigned the humble SPD cleat. Yeah — that tiny bit of metal, sat under your shoe that most of us haven’t thought about for years.
And this new cleat, the Shimano CL-MT001 Multi-Entry Cleat, has a very clever party trick that has completely changed the way we clip in. So the question is… is this actually a game changer, or just a small tweak no one asked for?
In this video, I’m going to break down exactly what this new cleat does, how the Shimano CL-MT001 Multi-Entry Cleat compares to the both the SM-SH51 Single Release, the SM-SH56 Multi-Release, and which one you should now be using.
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*🔗Website Links, Affiliate links, and or products/tools used in this video🔗*
Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission.
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🛒 🛒 Shimano SM-SH51 – Single Release Cleat:
➡️ https://amzn.to/3PoYCcP
🛒 🛒 Shimano SM-SH56 – Multi Release Cleat:
➡️ https://amzn.to/40UgOxu
🛒 🛒 Shimano CL-MT001 Multi-Entry Cleat (The New One):
➡️ https://amzn.to/4bOdrwX
🛒 🛒Shimano PDM520 SPD Pedal (2 Bolt System):
➡️ https://amzn.to/47m2zVD
🛒 🛒 Shimano SPD Pedal PD-EH500 (Dual SPD/FLAT):➡️ https://amzn.to/4t9PcR3
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*⏰ Timecodes ⏰*
00:00 – Intro
01:11 – Shimano SM-SH51 – Single Release Cleat
02:02 – Shimano SM-SH56 – Multi Release Cleat
03:08 – Shimano CL-MT001 Multi-Entry Cleat
04:20 – My Thoughts – SM-SH56 – Multi Release Cleat
05:12 – My Thoughts – Shimano SM-SH51 – Single Release Cleat
05:41 – My Thoughts – CL-MT001 Multi-Entry Cleat
06:42 – Outro
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42 Comments
I dislocated a finger years ago in Moab. Then I switched to flats. Now flats are my personal preference.
Time atac or crank brothers is my choice until they pry them from my dead lifeless feet.
Flat pedal rider here. Couldn't be happier.
How is it with mud caked shoes and pedals, like you get in cyclocross ?
"changes everything" i can't roll my eyes hard enough with these titles.
I’ve happily used the multi release ones for years both on MTB and gravel, and whilst not competitive, I wouldn’t describe myself as either unconfident or inexperienced. I’ve always found that in tricky off-road situations the ability to unclip easily is worth the trade off of occasional accidental unclips – just tighten the tension if it’s an issue. I’ll be sticking with the SH56’s thanks!
I use a different system, but these LOOK interesting!
Looks like the way to go, thanks for the video. Minor suggestion, next time hold it still for a couple of seconds so that we can see it.
For fast road biking the SPD or Shimano pedals o and shoes is the part of my biking that just been working. To set the cleat in a nice position to fit your bikefit is what really I spent time with, half an hour.
Clipping in and out is zero problems maybe at spinning sessions where the bikes only have one sided pedals. I daily road bike I never look to the pedal and clip in in milliseconds, but for sure adjust the tension on the pedal of clipping out its 1-20 in tension, starters can really set it to 1.
Road shoes like XC703 or XC502 and a pair of winterboats MW702 and a few pair of M8120 XT pedals I can't be more happy, with road biking. Sure SPD systems maybe should be cheap but this stuff isnt
"game changer?" in the thumbnail
"changes everything" in the title…stop this clickbaiting bs
I guess this multi entry might feels like the clip of Eggbeater padel?
My city/commuter bike still has toe clips which allow for any shoe to be worn.
they have been around for over 15 years where have u been all i ever use direct pull out …
Don’t use cleats, never have. Not a MAMIL either.
I love it. 9 of 10 time you'll clip in smooth. But that 10th time is always as you're trying to session a drop, climb a root, get over something and you miss your clip. Easier clip in's in mountain biking is a great thing, even if you don't need it all the time.
Much prefer Rock Brothers flats a lot less bother and can wear any type of shoes.
Don’t buy the new ones if you do a bit of jumping as they pop out of the pedal too easily .. I changed all mine back to the old version
The originals are fairly forgiving for entry, but I've been using them for 36 years so it's very automated. If I was still racing, these would be a no brainer if they worked well.. Usually you don't miss clip in at race start with the original cleats, but it can happen and it sucks when it does if your foot slides off. Aside from the extra bit of start line assurance, easier entry but same security once in.. I don't see a reason not to get these when the next replacement time comes.
Been using SPD for 25+ years and I STILL have trouble getting into the freaking things! Maybe these will FINALLY help me with that?!
Me Time ATAC
Sounds like a good idea! I often have trouble clicking in in odd traffic situations, and why not make clicking in easier anyway. Cost? I just checked, they are way more "expensive" but you only buy them that often…
You can take a file and put a chamfer on the back to turn a 51 single release into a 56 multi. I do this all the time with no issues.
I've been using the multi release cleat for at least 15 years. The foot is firmly on the pedal and the pedals can be pulled while climbing. When the bike slips, it releases no matter where you pull your foot. The thinner cleat with a modified front end helps to avoid damaging the more delicate floors at home or in the yard
Very well put together video. I just discovered your channel, and I just subscribed.
I think SPD cleats are one of Shimano's best inventions, and they have come up with many. I've been watching the industry since 1975, so I've seen a lot. I like how shoes can have a recess for an SPD cleat so it doesn't protrude from the sole. I have a variety of shoes with SPD cleats and a variety of pedals that accept them.
I'm glad to know about this new cleat and might give it a try.
F.L.O.A.T.
100% about the float.
O.K. what are the best spd style clips and pedals?
I really dont see a huge improvment, as long a I do not need to get new pedals
Pretty cool that the standard pedal body accepts all these cleats.
Everything? This cleat changes EVERYTHING???? Okaaaaaay, if you say so…
Cyclo cross mecanics in my region have been grinding the tip of the old style cleet since it was released. Shimano must have picket up on it.
Just tested the new MT cleats today. Haven’t noticed the difference. Maybe I just kept clip in the same as with old ones.
Quel est le modèle de chaussures vertes, elles sont magnifiques ?
What was wrong with the original design?
For those of us who learned to ride with the little leather straps you had to reach down to tighten or loosen we also learned to never need to to put your foot on the ground
???????????????
do you know what was wrong with the old design? the patents expired…
I love this mechanic very positive. Most mechanics in youtube just complain and wank.
Watching this with a new set of SM-SH51s in the other hand, had to return the Shimano shoes I ordered to replace the old as the straps were ludicrously short – will order the new version for when I manage to find some "XL" versions of the same shoe. Thankfully they are pretty cheap!
Or go Time ATAC and ignore all that malarkey.
multi release seems to be more useful than multi entry
It is not a game changer. It is entirely unnecessary which makes this video absolutely clickbait.
I keep that exact pedal piece all of the place they were a huge part of my life. I can’t just through that little guy away.