SHIMANO has unveiled SPD-SLR, a completely redesigned road pedal system that brings together a new generation of pedals, cleats and road shoes. Rather than focusing on one component in isolation, SHIMANO has re-engineered the entire connection between rider and bike, with the aim of improving efficiency, stability and engagement.
The new system makes its debut alongside the DURA-ACE PD-R9300 and ULTEGRA PD-R8200 pedals, as well as SHIMANO’s latest S-PHYRE SH-RC910 and SH-RC810 road shoes.
What is SHIMANO SPD-SLR?
SPD-SLR represents the next evolution of SHIMANO’s long-running SPD-SL road system. SHIMANO’s approach has been to treat the shoe, cleat and pedal as a single platform, refining each point through which a rider's power is transferred to the bike.
One of the biggest changes is a completely redesigned cleat-to-pedal interface. This reduces stack height by 2.3mm, positioning the rider's foot closer to the pedal axle. According to SHIMANO, the shorter distance creates a more stable pedalling platform while improving power transfer and bike control during everything from sustained threshold efforts to climbing and sprinting.
Engagement has also been redesigned. SPD-SLR combines a wider catch zone with a 10.5-degree engagement angle, compared with 15.5 degrees for SPD-SL. The idea is to make clipping in quicker and more natural, whether you're accelerating away from a junction or getting back on the power after a corner.
New lighter SPD-SLR cleats
The new cleats are up to 22% lighter than their SPD-SL equivalents, while high-contrast alignment markings have been introduced to make installation and repositioning easier.
There are four different options within the SPD-SLR family:
- CL-SL100 Red: Zero float for a fixed, locked-in position.
- CL-SL110 Yellow: Three degrees of rotational float and intended to suit the broadest range of riders.
- CL-SL120 Blue: One degree of float, combining limited movement with a stable pedalling platform.
- CL-SL130 Grey: Designed to allow riders with most non-SHIMANO three-bolt road shoes to transition to SPD-SLR pedals.
The CL-SL130 doesn't provide the same reduced stack height or weight savings as SHIMANO's fully integrated SPD-SLR cleats, but offers additional adjustment range for fixed-mount outsoles.
SHIMANO DURA-ACE PD-R9300 pedals
Sitting at the top of the new range is the DURA-ACE PD-R9300, SHIMANO’s new flagship road racing pedal.
An ultra-wide platform is paired with the new low-stack SPD-SLR interface, while an integrated stainless-steel contact plate is designed to improve engagement and interface stiffness. SHIMANO has also revised the axle and bearing arrangement, using wider bearings to distribute loads more evenly.
The result, SHIMANO claims, is an 11% increase in stiffness compared with the PD-R8200, helping create more direct power transfer under maximum load. A heat-treated axle and refined bearing surfaces also reduce rotational resistance by a claimed 47% compared with the PD-R8200.
The PD-R9300 uses an injection-moulded carbon-composite body and extra-wide platform, with SHIMANO focusing on creating as seamless a connection as possible between the shoe and pedal.
Shimano
Dura-Ace R9300 SPD-SLR Carbon Road Pedals
SHIMANO ULTEGRA PD-R8200
The new ULTEGRA PD-R8200 brings the same SPD-SLR architecture further down SHIMANO’s road hierarchy.
Designed for training, racing and long days in the saddle, it features a lightweight carbon body and stainless-steel contact plate. Crucially, riders get the same SPD-SLR engagement characteristics as the new DURA-ACE pedal, with SHIMANO targeting stiffness and efficient power transfer.
Available for pre-order.
Shimano
Ultegra R8200 SPD-SLR Carbon Road Pedals
A new SHIMANO S-PHYRE SH-RC910
SPD-SLR isn't simply a pedal update. SHIMANO has developed its latest flagship road shoe around the new platform, too.
The S-PHYRE SH-RC910 is designed for top-level racing, with SHIMANO concentrating on foot stability, fit and maintaining efficient power delivery across prolonged efforts.
A new Carbon Fibre Heel Cup with Anti-Twist Stabilisation is designed to hold the foot securely, while a Carbon Hollow Core midsole provides the rigid foundation for power transfer. SHIMANO has also introduced DYNALAST 2.0, intended to reduce foot fatigue during prolonged efforts.
The new shoe receives an updated surround-wrapping upper and additional ventilation perforations, while its SPD-SLR interface provides an expanded cleat adjustment range.
Coming Soon…
Shimano
RC910 S-PHYRE Road Cycling Shoes
SHIMANO SH-RC810
Joining the flagship S-PHYRE shoe is the new SH-RC810, which brings several of the same technologies to a shoe intended for both training and racing.
Dual BOA Li2 dials provide micro-adjustment, with DYNALAST 2.0, an external heel stabiliser and a hollow-channel carbon midsole working together to support the foot and efficiently transfer power.
Replaceable heel pads are designed to extend the shoe's usable life, while the hollow midsole also provides ventilation and water drainage.
Shimano
RC810 Road Cycling Shoes
Shop Shimano shoesIs SPD-SLR compatible with SPD-SL?
Compatibility is where riders considering an upgrade will need to pay particular attention.
SHIMANO says SPD-SLR cleats can be fitted to existing SHIMANO SPD-SL road shoes, although the full benefits of the new system are achieved when SPD-SLR shoes, cleats and pedals are used together. Previous SHIMANO shoes such as the RC703 and RC503 retain the adjustment range provided by their existing shoe design.
However, the pedal compatibility is more restrictive. SPD-SLR cleats are designed exclusively for SPD-SLR pedals and cannot be used with existing SPD-SL pedals.
Riders moving to the new pedals will need SPD-SLR cleats, even if they continue using a compatible existing SHIMANO road shoe.
A complete rethink of the rider-to-bike connection
SPD-SLR is more than a replacement pedal. SHIMANO has approached the system as a complete chain running from the rider's foot through the shoe, cleat and pedal to the bike.
A 2.3mm lower stack height, faster engagement, lighter cleats and revised adjustment are at the heart of that change, while the new DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA pedals and S-PHYRE footwear have been developed to take full advantage of the architecture.
For riders already invested in SHIMANO's road ecosystem, the arrival of SPD-SLR therefore represents a significant evolution of one of the most established road pedal platforms.
