Shimano introduces SPD-SLR, The successor to the well-known SPD-SL system for racing pedals. Shimano not only renewed the pedal, but the entire system: the shoes, the footplates and the pedals were developed together. At the same time, new Dura-Ace- and Ultegra-pedals and two new racing shoes, the S-PHYRE SH-RC910 and the SH-RC810.
What is different?
- 2.3 mm lower stack: The pedal and footplate have been redesigned, making your foot closer to the pedal axis. This should provide more stable pedaling and a more direct power transfer.
- Easier to insert: a wider ‘reach’ and a turning angle of 10.5 degrees instead of 15.5 degrees. Handy when backing out at a traffic light or after a turn.
- Lighter shoe inserts: up to 25 percent lighter than the SPD-SL plates.
- Easier adjustment: Clear markings help you quickly and precisely return your pictures to the same position.
The pedals
SPD-SLR makes its debut on the new Dura-Ace PD-R9300. The pedal has an extra wide platform, a carbon-composite body and an integrated stainless steel contact plate. Wide bearings make the axle according to Shimano 11 percent more expensive Then with the Ultegra pedal, and a hardened axle and refined bearings reduce the turning resistance. 53 percent. It Ultegra PD-R8200 gets the same SPD SLR system, with a lightweight carbon body and stainless steel contact plate.
The shoes
The new top shoe S-PHYRE SH-RC910 has a carbon heel cap with anti-rotation stabilization, a hollow carbon sole and more adjustment space for the shoe inserts. It uses the new Dynalast 2.0-reads more space at the toes, which comes in narrow, normal and wide fits. The SH-RC810 It brings much of that technology to a lower price, featuring two BOA Li2 turn buttons, an external heel stabilizer, replaceable heel inserts, and a carbon sole with ventilation channels.
Four shoe plates
- CL-SL100 (red): Fixed, without play.
- CL-SL120 (blue): 1 degree of play in each direction, for most riders.
- CL-SL110 (yellow): 3 degrees of play to each side.
- CL-SL130 (gray): 3 degrees of camber, for shoes from other brands. This model does not have the advantage of a lower stack and lower weight.
Please note: The new SPD SLR plates only fit on SPD SLR pedals, not on your current SPD SL pedals. You can still screw them onto existing Shimano shoes, but you get the full benefit only with shoes, plates, and pedals from the new system together.
Prices
- S-PHYRE SH-RC910: € 429
- SH-RC810: € 329
- Dura-Ace PD-R9300: € 249
- Ultegra PD-R8200: € 149,99
Our perspective
Lower stacks and easier shifting are real improvements, and €249 for a Dura-Ace pedal is a fair price. The downside: anyone who switches needs new pedals and plates, because the new plates don’t fit the old system. If you’ve been riding happily on SPD-SL for years, you don’t have to switch right away. If you buy new pedals or shoes, SPD-SLR is the logical choice.
Source: Shimano Benelux