Cycling cleats are one of those things that seem simple until you realize there are four major systems, each with different float, release tension, and walkability trade-offs, and the wrong choice can have your knees complaining by week three. Ask me how I know.
The good news: once you match the right cleat system to your riding style, everything clicks – literally. Below are eight cleat sets covering Look Delta, SPD, SPD-SL, and Speedplay/Wahoo systems, plus some budget-friendly alternatives that work just as well for most riders. Whether you’re setting up a Peloton, a road bike, or a gravel rig, there’s something here for you.
Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
- Shimano SM-SH11 (SPD-SL) and Look Keo 2 Max are the top road cleat systems, used by the majority of road cyclists worldwide.
- Shimano SM-SH51 (SPD) is the go-to for MTB, gravel, commuting, and indoor cycling because the recessed cleat lets you walk normally.
- Wahoo Speedplay Zero cleats offer the widest float adjustment of any system – ideal for riders with knee alignment issues.
- Look Delta cleats are what Peloton bikes require – BV and CyclingDeal make reliable compatible versions at a fraction of the original price.
- Float angle matters: 0-degree fixed cleats maximize power transfer; 6-degree float (SPD-SL standard yellow) suits most road riders; 9-degree (Look Keo red) gives maximum knee-friendly movement.
| Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL Cleat Set 6-Degree Float |  |
Best Overall Road Cleat | System: SPD-SL | Float: 6 degrees | Color: Yellow | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Look KEO 2 Max Pedal with Cleats |  |
Best Look Keo System | System: Look Keo | Float: Self-aligning | Area: 500mm² contact | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shimano SM-SH51 SPD Cleat Set Single Release |  |
Best SPD (MTB/Gravel) | System: SPD | Release: Single direction | Walkability: Excellent (recessed) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedal System with Cleats |  |
Best for Knee Health | System: Speedplay | Float: 0-15 degrees (adjustable) | Stack Height: Lowest available | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Look Delta and Peloton |  |
Best for Peloton | System: Look Delta | Float: 9 degrees | Compatible: Peloton bikes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| CyclingDeal Cleats Compatible with Peloton Look Delta |  |
Best Budget Peloton Cleat | System: Look Delta | Float: 9 degrees | Compatibility: All Delta pedals | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Shimano SPD |  |
Best Budget SPD | System: SPD compatible | Release: Single direction | Compatible: SH51, Look X-Track | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Exustar EPS-SL Shimano SPD-SL Compatible Cleats |  |
Best SPD-SL Alternative | System: SPD-SL compatible | Feature: Position memory | Float: Fixed (0 degree) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL Cleat Set 6-Degree Float
The Shimano SM-SH11 is the default choice for road cyclists for a reason. It’s the most widely used road cleat system in the world, which means every bike shop, every mechanic, and every cycling shoe brand you’ll ever encounter is familiar with it. The 6-degree float (yellow cleat) is Shimano’s middle-ground option – enough movement to protect your knees through a full pedaling motion, not so much that you lose power transfer efficiency.
SPD-SL’s three-bolt attachment pattern connects to the sole of road cycling shoes and creates a large, stable platform for power transfer. The cleat aligns as you clip in, which makes the engagement feel smooth and predictable. Release is by twisting your heel outward – once the muscle memory develops, it becomes completely automatic.
The SM-SH11 comes with an Allen wrench for installation. Shimano also makes the SM-SH10 (0 degree fixed) for maximum power transfer and the SM-SH12 (2 degree float) as a stiffer option. The SM-SH11 yellow is the right starting point for 90% of road cyclists.
The standard road cleat for good reason. If you’re setting up road cycling shoes for the first time, start here unless you have a specific reason to go with Look Keo or Speedplay.
- System: Shimano SPD-SL
- Float: 6 degrees
- Color Code: Yellow
- Attachment: 3-bolt road shoe pattern
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Walking: Poor (protruding cleat)
- Best For: Road cycling, indoor training
- Includes: Cleat nuts and Allen wrench
- Brand: Shimano (OEM)
- Compatible Pedals: All Shimano SPD-SL pedals
-
Look KEO 2 Max Pedal with Cleats
Look invented clipless pedals in 1984 and the Keo 2 Max is their mass-market sweet spot – a 500mm² contact area pedal that gives excellent platform stability with a self-aligning Keo cleat. The self-alignment feature means you don’t have to carefully orient the cleat as you step down; the pedal finds center for you, which is noticeably less stressful in traffic or technical situations.
The Look Keo system uses a 3-bolt road pattern that’s compatible with most road cycling shoes, and the cleat float options go from 0 degrees (black, fixed) up to 9 degrees (red, maximum float) – more knee-friendly range than Shimano’s SPD-SL standard yellow. The pedal body is lightweight nylon composite and the chromoly axle keeps weight down.
Look Keo cleats are less widely available in cycling shops than Shimano SPD-SL, which is worth considering for travel or emergency replacement situations. But for home-based training or regular riders who plan ahead, the availability on Amazon is fine.
Great alternative to Shimano SPD-SL for road cyclists who want the self-aligning float and slightly more relaxed knee tracking. The Keo 2 Max is often available at a lower price than comparable Shimano pedals.
- System: Look Keo
- Contact Area: 500mm²
- Cleat Float Options: 0° (black), 4.5° (grey), 9° (red)
- Self-Aligning: Yes
- Attachment: 3-bolt road shoe pattern
- Pedal Body: Nylon composite
- Axle: Chromoly steel
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Walking: Poor (protruding cleat)
- Best For: Road cycling
-
Shimano SM-SH51 SPD Cleat Set Single Release
SPD is the two-bolt cleat system that changed cycling for everyone who isn’t a pure road racer. The recessed cleat design means you can actually walk in SPD shoes – coffee shops, trailheads, and cobblestone city streets are all navigable without the embarrassing clomping of road cycling shoes. For gravel, MTB, commuting, and most indoor cycling setups, SPD is the obvious choice.
The SM-SH51 is the single-direction release version – you release by twisting your heel outward. Shimano also makes the SM-SH56 multi-release version that lets you release in any direction, which is more beginner-friendly but offers slightly less security when riding technical terrain. The SH51 is the standard for experienced riders.
SPD works with a massive range of shoes including dedicated MTB shoes, touring shoes, commuter shoes, and most indoor cycling shoes. The two-bolt mounting pattern is different from the three-bolt SPD-SL road standard, so they’re not interchangeable between road and SPD shoe soles.
The best cleat for anyone who needs to walk in their cycling shoes. Gravel riders, commuters, touring cyclists, and MTB riders should default to SPD unless they have a specific reason to use a road-only system.
- System: Shimano SPD
- Attachment: 2-bolt MTB/touring shoe pattern
- Float: Small amount of lateral play
- Release: Single direction (heel out)
- Walking: Excellent (recessed cleat)
- Best For: MTB, gravel, commuting, indoor cycling
- Includes: Cleat set
- Brand: Shimano (OEM)
- Compatible Pedals: All Shimano SPD pedals, many other 2-bolt systems
- Mud Clearance: Good (small cleat)
-
Wahoo Speedplay Zero Pedal System with Cleats
Speedplay has always been the cleat system of choice for riders with knee issues, and Wahoo acquired the brand and kept the core technology intact. The Speedplay Zero offers 0-15 degrees of independently adjustable float for each foot – which is a level of per-foot customization that no other system matches. If your left knee tracks differently from your right, you can set different float for each side.
Lowest stack height of any road pedal system – the Speedplay design puts your foot closer to the pedal axle than Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo, which improves power transfer efficiency. The float adjustability is done via the cleat itself, without tools, which is a practical advantage during bike fit sessions or if your needs change over time.
The Speedplay system requires specific Speedplay-compatible cycling shoes with a 4-hole cleat plate pattern. Most dedicated road cycling shoes offer this option, but it’s worth verifying before buying. The cleat also requires periodic lubrication – it’s part of the maintenance routine that some riders find annoying but it’s not a major burden.
The pick for road cyclists with knee pain, anyone who’s had a professional bike fit with float recommendations, or high-mileage riders who want the maximum adjustment flexibility over thousands of miles.
- System: Speedplay (Wahoo)
- Float: 0-15 degrees, independently adjustable per foot
- Stack Height: Lowest of any road system
- Attachment: 4-hole cleat plate (Speedplay-specific)
- Maintenance: Periodic lubrication required
- Best For: Knee pain, high mileage, bike fit optimization
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Walkability: Moderate (protruding cleat)
- Cleat Adjustment: No-tool adjustable
- Brand: Wahoo (formerly Speedplay)
-
BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Look Delta and Peloton
Peloton bikes come with Look Delta pedals, and unless you’re buying original Look Delta cleats directly, you’re in the aftermarket. BV makes one of the most reliable Look Delta compatible cleat sets available – durable red metal construction, 9-degree float, and a price that makes replacing worn cleats a non-event instead of a $30+ inconvenience.
The 9-degree float is the maximum available in the Look Keo/Delta system, which is the knee-friendliest option for riders who are new to clipless pedals or who use their Peloton for high-volume indoor training. More float means less rotational constraint on your knee joint, which reduces the risk of overuse discomfort as your body adapts.
BV’s build quality is consistently reliable – I’ve seen riders use these for 6-12 months of daily Peloton use without issues. The 3-bolt mounting pattern works with the Look Delta attachment point on Peloton pedals and any other Look Delta or Look Arc pedal system.
The sensible choice for Peloton owners who don’t want to pay a premium for brand-name Look Delta cleats. Same function, fraction of the cost, solid durability record.
- System: Look Delta compatible
- Float: 9 degrees
- Material: Durable metal (red)
- Compatible: Peloton bikes, all Look Delta pedals
- Attachment: 3-bolt road shoe pattern
- Best For: Indoor Peloton training
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Walkability: Poor (protruding)
- Brand: BV
- Value: Excellent vs. original Look price
-
CyclingDeal Cleats Compatible with Peloton Look Delta
CyclingDeal has built a solid reputation as an accessories brand for indoor cycling equipment, and their Look Delta compatible cleats are a reliable budget option for Peloton users who replace cleats regularly. The SC-DCR91 is described as functionally identical to or compatible with Peloton’s stock Delta system – which is exactly what you want from an aftermarket replacement.
The 9-degree float is consistent with the BV option above – maximum float for knee comfort during high-volume indoor training sessions. The cleat construction is adequate for normal wear, and CyclingDeal’s track record on Amazon shows consistent performance across a large number of buyers.
Where CyclingDeal often wins over BV is price – when both are available, CyclingDeal cleats are typically slightly less expensive, which makes them the default budget pick for Peloton owners going through their first set of replacement cleats and not sure how long they’ll last.
Best for first-time cleat replacement on a Peloton where you want the cheapest functional option before deciding if you want to invest in a premium set. Works the same as the BV option for most users.
- System: Look Delta compatible
- Float: 9 degrees
- Compatible: Peloton bikes, Look Delta pedals
- Attachment: 3-bolt road shoe pattern
- Best For: Budget Peloton replacement cleats
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Walkability: Poor (protruding)
- Brand: CyclingDeal
- Value: Lowest price Look Delta option
- Includes: Hardware for installation
-
BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Shimano SPD
BV’s SPD-compatible cleats hit the same note as their Delta option – solid construction, Shimano SM-SH51 compatible function, at a price that makes stocking a spare set entirely reasonable. For mountain bikers, gravel riders, and spin cyclists who go through cleats regularly, having an affordable compatible option means you don’t have to delay replacing worn cleats because of cost.
Compatibility with both Shimano SPD and Look X-Track pedals is a genuine advantage – if you’re shopping across both systems or have bikes with different pedals, one box of BV cleats covers you. The single-direction release works the same as the Shimano SM-SH51 OEM version – heel outward to disengage.
These won’t outlast genuine Shimano cleats in durability testing, but for indoor cycling and moderate riding they’re a strong value play. I’d still recommend OEM Shimano SM-SH51 for outdoor riding where reliability under pressure matters more.
Best for budget-conscious riders replacing SPD cleats on an indoor trainer or anyone who wants a backup set without spending full price on Shimano originals.
- System: Shimano SPD compatible
- Also Compatible: Look X-Track pedals
- Release: Single direction (heel out)
- Attachment: 2-bolt MTB/touring pattern
- Walking: Good (recessed cleat)
- Best For: Budget SPD replacement, indoor cycling
- Brand: BV
- Value: Excellent
- Durability: Good for price point
- Includes: Hardware
-
Exustar EPS-SL Shimano SPD-SL Compatible Cleats
Exustar is a lesser-known brand but a legitimate cycling accessories manufacturer, and the EPS-SL cleats are worth knowing about for one specific reason: the central twist-lock button that lets you replace cleats without losing your cleat position. If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes re-dialing cleat position after installing new cleats, you’ll immediately appreciate this.
Position memory during cleat replacement is rare in the SPD-SL compatible aftermarket. Most replacement cleats require you to re-measure or use alignment tools to get back to your dialed-in position. The Exustar’s mechanism retains your existing foot bed position while you swap the cleat body, which saves significant time and frustration for riders who’ve already invested in a professional bike fit.
The cleats are compatible with all Shimano SPD-SL pedals and most SPD-SL compatible road shoe soles. The fixed (0-degree) option maximizes power transfer for riders who’ve determined through fit that a fixed cleat works for their biomechanics.
Best for road cyclists who have a dialed-in bike fit and want to replace their SPD-SL cleats without disrupting their cleat position. The position retention feature alone justifies considering these over the standard Shimano replacement.
- System: Shimano SPD-SL compatible
- Float: Fixed (0 degrees)
- Position Memory: Yes – central lock button
- Attachment: 3-bolt road shoe pattern
- Compatible Pedals: All Shimano SPD-SL
- Best For: Post-bike-fit cleat replacement
- Walking: Poor (protruding cleat)
- Brand: Exustar
- Release: Heel twist outward
- Differentiator: Position retention during swap
How to Choose Cycling Cleats
Cleat selection is a bigger decision than most cyclists think when they’re starting out. Get it wrong and you’ll know it by week three in the form of knee discomfort. Here’s how to match the right system to your riding.
Cleat System: Start with the Pedal, Not the Cleat
Your cleat choice is determined by your pedal system, not the other way around. If you have Shimano SPD-SL pedals, you need SPD-SL cleats. If your bike has SPD pedals, you need SPD cleats. Peloton bikes use Look Delta pedals. If you’re starting fresh, SPD is the most versatile choice (walkable, works on road/gravel/indoor); SPD-SL and Look Keo are road-specific but offer a larger platform for power transfer.
Float: How Much Movement Do You Need?
Float is the lateral rotational movement your foot has while clipped in. Zero-degree fixed cleats maximize power transfer but require your foot alignment to match your natural biomechanics exactly – if it doesn’t, you’ll get knee pain. Most riders do well with 6-degree (SPD-SL yellow) or 9-degree (Look Keo red) float. Wahoo Speedplay offers 0-15 degrees of independent adjustment if you have specific knee tracking requirements from a bike fitter.
Peloton Users: Look Delta, Not Look Keo
Peloton bikes use Look Delta pedals, which are different from Look Keo pedals despite the similar name. Look Delta cleats are larger and use a different attachment pattern. The BV and CyclingDeal options listed above are specifically Delta compatible. Look Keo cleats will not work on Peloton pedals – this is a common and expensive mistake. Check our best shoes for Peloton bike guide for shoe recommendations to go with these cleats.
Walkability: SPD vs. Road Systems
SPD cleats are recessed into the shoe sole – you can walk normally in coffee shops and across parking lots. Every road system (SPD-SL, Look Keo, Look Delta, Speedplay) has a protruding cleat that makes walking awkward and damages the cleat rapidly on hard surfaces. If you ride to destinations where you’ll walk around, SPD is the only sensible choice. If you train purely on the bike with minimal walking, road systems are fine.
Replacement Frequency and Compatibility
Road cleats wear out faster than people expect – the plastic wears down with walking and clipping in/out cycles. OEM Shimano SM-SH11 and SM-SH51 cleats are the most widely stocked and easiest to replace anywhere in the world. BV, CyclingDeal, and Exustar alternatives work well but are online-only purchases. If you travel for cycling events, the availability advantage of Shimano OEM cleats has real practical value. Also see our best cycling shoes under $100 guide for compatible shoe recommendations.
Cycling Cleats Comparison
| Cleat | System | Float | Walkability | Shoe Pattern | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano SM-SH11 | SPD-SL | 6° | Poor | 3-bolt road | Road cycling default |
| Look KEO 2 Max | Look Keo | 0°/4.5°/9° | Poor | 3-bolt road | Road, self-aligning |
| Shimano SM-SH51 | SPD | Small | Excellent | 2-bolt MTB | MTB, gravel, commuting |
| Wahoo Speedplay Zero | Speedplay | 0-15° adjustable | Moderate | 4-hole Speedplay | Knee issues, fit optimization |
| BV Look Delta | Look Delta | 9° | Poor | 3-bolt road | Peloton |
| CyclingDeal Look Delta | Look Delta | 9° | Poor | 3-bolt road | Budget Peloton |
| BV SPD Compatible | SPD | Small | Excellent | 2-bolt MTB | Budget SPD replacement |
| Exustar EPS-SL | SPD-SL compatible | 0° fixed | Poor | 3-bolt road | Post-fit cleat swap |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleats do I need for a Peloton bike?
Peloton bikes come with Look Delta pedals, so you need Look Delta compatible cleats. The BV and CyclingDeal options on this list are both fully compatible. Do not buy Look Keo cleats for a Peloton – they look similar but use a different attachment system and won’t work. The Delta cleat is larger than the Keo cleat. Check our best shoes for Peloton bike guide for shoe pairing recommendations.
What’s the difference between SPD and SPD-SL?
SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) is the 2-bolt mountain bike system with a small, recessed cleat designed for walkability. SPD-SL is the 3-bolt road system with a larger, protruding cleat designed for road cycling power transfer. They are not compatible with each other – different pedals, different shoes, different performance characteristics. The SM-SH51 is SPD; the SM-SH11 is SPD-SL.
How often should cycling cleats be replaced?
Most cleats need replacement every 12-18 months for regular riders or when the plastic engagement tabs show visible wear. Road cleats (SPD-SL, Look Delta) wear faster than SPD because they protrude and contact the ground during walking. Signs of wear include difficulty clipping in consistently, clicking sounds during riding, or visible rounded-off plastic on the cleat body. Worn cleats release unexpectedly, which is a safety issue.
Can I use SPD cleats on road shoes?
Only if your road shoes have a 2-bolt compatible sole (some do, most don’t). Dedicated road shoes typically only have the 3-bolt hole pattern for SPD-SL or Look systems. Check your shoe sole before buying. Some cross-training cycling shoes offer both patterns. If walkability matters on your road rides, look for “gravel” or “adventure” cycling shoes that specifically support SPD mounting.
What cleat float is best for beginners?
More float is more forgiving. For first-time clipless users, the Look Keo system with the red 9-degree float cleat or the Shimano SPD-SL with the yellow 6-degree float are the recommended starting points. Maximum float allows your foot to find its natural rotation during the pedal stroke instead of being constrained into a potentially incorrect position. Start with more float, reduce it only if a professional bike fitter recommends it.
🚲 Free: The Smart Bike Buyer’s Cheat Sheet
Get our 2-page PDF - budget tiers, the components that actually matter, and a 12-point used-bike inspection. We'll email you the download link. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.
