SHIMANO SM-SH56 SPD Cleat Set, Alloy Steel

I tried some new SPD-SL cleats and carbon road shoes when I decided I'd like to experience the increased efficiency that clipless pedals provide (this is the "traditional" set-up for a road bike, right?)... I had more difficulty adjusting to them than I had anticipated. The soles were slick, making clipping in difficult and the release was not as predictable as I had hoped for. "Everyone falls at least once" was something I didn't want to relate to, but it seemed inevitable with this set-up... I began to look for what I thought was the best beginners cleats and pedals for a road bike. I found these after some research and paired them with the Shimano A520 road pedals, and some touring shoes. I can't begin to tell you how much easier it was to start out with this set-up. The clip-in was simpler (the shoes with a less slick sole certainly helped too). The release was more predictable, and when I was learning the routine of clipping out (and sometimes in an emergency) these multi-release cleats never let me down (pun intended). These cleats are better than I could have imagined. My original intent was to use them until I gained a comfort level with the whole clipless process, but honestly these seem to work just fine. I may eventually switch my pedals and shoes back to the SPD-SLs, but I'm in no hurry...

On time and as expected. Reasonable price. Works with my SPD pedals.

These are great beginner cleats -- pretty easy to use and get out of, while still being clipped in. Only reason I bought a pair was that I, being silly, did not torque the bolts on the cleat set which came with my Shimano hybrid pedals enough. I lost a few components and was super curious why my shoe wasn't clipping in, until I saw no cleat. Ordered a replacement set immediately rather than backtracking to find some.In any case, I wanted to highlight the packaging -- no plastic! Only a small cardboard box and a white paper bag which held the cleats, bolts, and retainer bracket thing. Fantastic packaging, very eco-friendly.

Someone once told me these were for beginners and uncoordinated people. Well 10 years later I'm an expert MTB rider and have worn these for tens of thousands of miles. I never unclip accidentally. I always unclip when I want or need to. I ride technical trails and jumps as well as hundreds of miles on gravel with these. No issue.I think these might be better for people with smaller feet and less leg strength, especially women, who don't have the same lever strength as someone with big feet. I'm 5-1, 130 lbs, and wear a women's size 7 shoe.

The SPD cleat / pedal is a great starter pedal. It was my first and is a common and well supported standard. Some can be unclipped either side (SH56) and they are small so you know it is going to fit any shoe. They can however be a loose fit (pedal choice may vary). Very cheap and get the job done but you will likely find you can not deliver the power through the pedals that you can with a Time ATAC for example.I have only owned 2 types of SPD pedal and both were not expensive. Some of the more expensive pedals may well provide a better fit and allow you to deliver more power without popping out. Do your research but for sure these and a Shimano PD-M520L pedal do not allow the kind of power you will want if you want to go at real speeds. For a casual commuter or someone starting who is not sure about preference then it is an excellent choice t discover the advantages to using a cleat.

Cleat was easy to install and looked to be branded and similar to other Shimano clips I have. However the metal seems to be a little bit softer? Possibly old stock for the box as well? I ended changing them back out because they had way to much freedom of movement and would have to turn my foot almost 45 degrees to the pedal to get them to release. This in combination with the wear after only 2 or 3 clip ins I decided to go back to my old set and get a different style.

I have never used a clip type shoe or pedal before. I got a pair of Tommaso bike shoes that came with cleats, I put them on and tried to "clip in" with the pedals. I tried to adjust the cleats on the shoes and the pedal , but the were still hard to "clip out". I saw these multi-directional cleats, ordered, them, received them, installed them on my shoes, grabbed my helmet and off I went. I clipped in the very first time and was amazed at how easy they were to clip out of. The pedal tension was set perfect as I never unclipped on steep incline, but was able to release them with ease when I had to stop. I was very hesitant to take the plunge and go clipless, but I am sure glad I did and these cleats work perfect for me as a beginner. Did a 14 mile ride around town the same day I got these cleats and had to stop at a lot of crossings and not once did I have an issue with getting them to release. I am pleased beyond belief. I am 6'2 and 230 lbs with a size 13 shoe.

Someone said they wish they were cheaper than 18.00. I bought my pair of 56s back in 2012 for 17.00. Pretty good price considering they have only gone up $1.00 in 13 hrs.Also others have said they are only good for beginners. I too bought mine as a beginner but now use them on both mtb & road bikes. 56s twist to get out left or right but not as other have said by lifting up on your heel. I ride out of the saddle often on both bikes and have NEVER come unclipped