Mike O'Connor
Shimano has introduced SPD-SLR, a new road pedal and cleat system designed to work with its latest S-PHYRE road shoes.
Rather than simply updating its pedals or cleats, Shimano has redesigned the interface between the shoe, cleat and pedal as a complete system. The changes focus on stack height, engagement, weight and cleat adjustment.
The biggest change is a 2.3mm reduction in stack height, bringing the rider’s foot closer to the pedal axle. That’s a relatively small change, but Shimano says the lower position improves stability and power transfer.
SPD-SLR also uses a wider catch zone and a 10.5-degree engagement angle, compared with 15.5 degrees for the existing SPD-SL system. Shimano says this makes clipping in easier, particularly when restarting after a corner, traffic light or short stop.
The new cleats are up to 25 per cent lighter than their SPD-SL equivalents, while retaining the durability expected from Shimano’s road system.
Cleat setup has also been revised, with high-contrast alignment markings designed to make positioning and subsequent adjustments easier. The new cleat also has an expanded adjustment range when used with the new shoes.
Two new S-PHYRE shoes
The SPD-SLR system launches alongside two new road shoes.
The flagship S-PHYRE SH-RC910 features a carbon-fibre heel cup with anti-twist stabilisation, a Carbon Hollow Core midsole and Shimano’s DYNALAST 2.0. It also gets an updated upper and additional ventilation perforations.
The SH-RC910 has an RRP of $649.95 AUD.
The SH-RC810 brings some of the technology from the S-PHYRE range to a slightly lower price point. It features dual BOA Li2 dials, an external heel stabiliser, replaceable heel pads and a hollow-channel carbon midsole. It has an RRP of $499.95 AUD.
New DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA pedals
The new DURA-ACE PD-R9300 is the flagship pedal in the range, with an RRP of $379 AUD. It features an ultra-wide platform, injection-moulded carbon-composite body and integrated stainless-steel contact plate.
Shimano says the revised axle and bearing design increases stiffness by 11 per cent compared with the ULTEGRA PD-R8200, while reducing rotational resistance by 53 per cent.
The ULTEGRA PD-R8200 is priced at $289 AUD. It uses a carbon-composite body and stainless-steel contact plate and shares the new SPD-SLR engagement system.
You can find out more about the new gear on Shimano’s website.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
