When to Replace Shimano Cycling Cleats

How to Replace Shimano SPD-SL and SPD Cleats

Shimano’s 2025 World Cup Preview

The 2025 World Cup season is approaching fast, and there is much to be excited about. This winter has been busier than ever with big-name moves, team overhauls, race schedule changes and the publication of a jam-packed calendar. There’s plenty to unpack, so let’s dig into the who’s who and what’s where.

Sizzle: Dan Milner's MTB Journey Back to Mallorca

A Mallorcan Odyssey with MTB Photographer Dan Milner, Powered by DEORE XT.

Carolin Schiff: From Bremen to UNBOUND

Learn How To Prepare for Your First Race with Carolin Schiff

UNSUNG

Unsung follows three of the unheralded heroes who make events like Unbound so special. Linda Guerrette, Michelle Duffy, and Wayne Smith all contribute in their own way to the gravel community. Whether in their role as a photographer, an event organizer, or rider support/mechanic, they all infuse their passion and incredible energy into the greater gravel collective. In doing so, they ensure the bright future of the sport.

This is Home: Brage Vestavik

Brage Vestavik’s journey to the forefront of freeriding began at home, making features from construction materials scattered around his backyard. As the years passed, he took his budding passion into the nearby forests, mimicking the many films he’d watched over the years. The results are now legendary, earning Vestavik worldwide MTB filmmaking fame for his daring creativity, relentless work ethic, precision talent, and a raw and powerful riding style that’s uniquely his own. But even now, with a Red Bull contract and nearly 400,000 Instagram followers, his best days are spent back in those same woods, building, filming, and riding with friends. For Brage Vestavik, This is Home.

Road vs Gravel - The Shimano Explainer

As gravel continues to gain speed, the question remains.

A Guide to SHIMANO’s 12-Speed Freehubs and Compatibility

New innovations in Shimano freehub technology have delivered even more robust and reliable shift systems along with wider gear ranges for 12-speed road, mountain bike, and gravel groupsets. Each freehub system offers unique features and compatibility options that are suited for different riding styles and rider needs.

Finding the Time

The following story is an excerpt from CADENCE, a collection of road cycling tales from around the world.

Behind the scenes with Team Yeti at the EWS-E

Are you ready for the new EWS-E season? Build the anticipation by watching our behind-the-scenes film from Team Yeti preparing for their first ride on the EP8-equipped Yeti 160E last season in Crans-Montana

SHIMANO Performance Carbon Road Wheels

From the fastest sprints and hardest climbs of the WorldTour to the everyday riding experience close to home, SHIMANO's lineup of road wheels delivers high-end performance to take you farther, faster, or higher on any ride. Developed with over 100 years of engineering expertise and experience, the newest models of 11- and 12-speed road wheelsets are organized into three tiers with features to suit every road rider.

SHIMANO Expands Gravel Lineup with New 2x12-Speed GRX Di2

Electrifying Shimano’s 12-speed gravel component family, new 2x12-speed GRX RX825 Di2 components combine Shimano’s unrivaled electronic shifting with optimized gearing options for riding, racing, and all-day adventures. The new suite of electronic Di2 parts features dual control levers refined for comfort and control, a SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ equipped rear derailleur for better chain management, and a gravel-optimized front derailleur for precise shifting.

We Start Where the Road Ends

The make-up of gravel riders reflects the terrain that beckons them. Just like the different stones, sand and clay, gravel riders are a mixture of ethnicities, genders and orientations. We are found around the globe and across the economic spectrum. We come in all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness, all united in our passion.

In Between The Races With Camille Balanche

Most of know what goes on between the tapes because we watch races, analyse results and view hundreds of amazing photographs from venues around the World.

Gravel vs. road bike

Katherine, member of the Shimano Gravel Alliance, is a gravel and bikepacking rider who judges her rides by stoke level, rather than speed.

Behind the Hero: Nina Hoffmann

Meet Nina Hoffmann, the Santa Cruz Syndicate’s Queen of Downhill, arguably one of the most extreme disciplines in mountain biking.

Escape the Everyday With the Orbea Kemen

Orbea’s new iterations of the Kemen breathe adventure into everyday life.

GRX 12-Speed Mechanical

More Gearing Options For the Heart and Soul of Gravel Cycling

Trackside

Trackside, the latest Shimano Originals short film from Anthill Films, uncovers the secrets of one of the greatest downhill mountain bike teams of all time: the Santa Cruz Syndicate.

Gravel upgrades

Gravel riding is exploding throughout the cycling community, delivering a sense of exploration and freedom as we venture down unknown roads and seek out new adventures.

Dan Milner Riding the Void

Trail-tripping through Scotland’s wilds

SHIMANO Extends Collaboration With A.S.O. Until 2028

In a move that underscores their commitment to cycling, Shimano and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have announced the extension of their successful partnership for an additional four years, now running until the end of 2028.

Gravel your way

Choice. Shimano’s new GRX line is all about choice.

SHIMANO Releases Limited Edition GRX Pedals

Featuring United in Gravel graphics

Heritage Precision & Heat-Treated Steel

The following story is an excerpt from CADENCE, a collection of road cycling tales from around the world.

Leave Time Behind: Shimano ULTEGRA

It starts with a playful text thread between friends.

EU vs. US gravel

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Erwin Sikkens knows his gravel riding, which is what made him the perfect choice to conduct a study of gravel at Unbound.

In Between the Races with Damien Oton

Shimano presents: In Between the Races, a portrait of the painstaking preparation and fierce focus leading up to—and during—the epic races of the MTB and e-MTB season.

MADE IN: New England

For Kevin Wolfson, the beauty of designing a gravel bike is understanding how the mere term ‘gravel’ can mean totally different things to different riders.

Short-Crank-Curious?

When it comes to picking the right crank length, choice is definitely a good thing.

People like me - How Cycling Helps My Photography

Everyone has their own reason for riding, on the surface it might be that a bike is transport, or exercise but dig a little deeper and the reasons get more personal.

Andrew Neethling Explores Taiwan

In Lifting the Lid, Andrew Neethling travels through Taiwan’s best MTB trails.

Groves in Green at La Vuelta

From Lisbon to Madrid, this year’s Vuelta a España was a thriller. Kaden Groves from team Alpecin-Deceuninck won the green points jersey at La Vuelta, marking his second consecutive victory in this category. The Australian sprinter secured three stage wins during the Spanish Grand Tour. With 15 stages won on DURA-ACE R9200, let’s look at the Alpecin-Deceuninck bikes and the beautiful photography from one of the most challenging cycling races in the world.

Big Tall Wayne’s MTB Race Checklist

So, you're headed to a gravel race! That means you're looking to work hard and have a great day in the saddle.

First time bikepacking - Rondane National Park Norway

How do you start bikepacking? That was the question we put to Shimano Gravel Alliance rider Henna Palosaari.

In Between the Races with Mona Mitterwallner

We’ll be following along for the travel days, training days and rest days, and discovering how riders relax and reset after one race, and prepare for the next.

In Between the Races with Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Tom Pidcock

In competitive cycling, every mile is its own battle.

The War Roads of Alpine Piedmont

Chris Case founded Alter Exploration to help other adventurous cyclists experience the types of transformative journeys he's been lucky enough to take his entire life.

This is Home - Laurie Greenland

Growing up, Laurie Greenland could see Bristol’s St. George Skatepark from his bedroom window.

In Between the Races with Noga Korem

In Between The Races is back for another season of insight into the world of cycling that you don’t often see.

The Path Less Paved - Alex Morgan

Alex isn’t limited by the restrictive definitions of a single discipline.

Shimano GRX Personalities

What does it mean to be a gravel cyclist? There is no one definitive answer—and that’s the beauty of cycling’s drop bar, dirt road discipline. Indeed, gravel cycling is about personal expression and the freedom to choose. There is no rule book, no established norms, no stodgy old traditions. You decide when, where, and how to ride.

INEOS Grenadiers at Paris-Roubaix

A classic of cobbles ‘n carnage

How Far Can You Go on an E-Bike? Barcelona to Girona

One of the joys of cycling is heading out on an all-day adventure. Leaving in the fresh light of the early morning and returning dusty, satisfied and relaxed just as dusk falls. Even better is doing it on an e-bike because with pedal assistance you can go further, see more and enjoy your day out without returning home exhausted.

Choosing the Right SHIMANO SPD-SL Road Cleats for You

Shimano SPD-SL road pedals and cleats are a popular choice among professional and amateur cyclists thanks to their stable platform, easy operation, and long-lasting performance. The wide, low-profile cleats distribute force evenly and allow for easy walkability without needing to carry special cleat covers for your mid-ride coffee stop.

Roads to Ride: Caught on the Cobbles

There is no race like Paris-Roubaix.

Seven Bikepacking Lifehacks

With countless Insta-posts of lonely plains, wild campsites, and thousands of miles on the road – you could be forgiven for seeing bikepacking as a difficult pursuit.

In Between the Races with Cannondale Factory Racing

Shimano presents: In Between the Races, a portrait of the painstaking preparation and fierce focus leading up to – and during – the UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

Cycling Photography 101

In this season of adventure cycling, it is common to see cyclists with cameras slung over their shoulders so that they can document their ride—or parts of it—in any fashion they choose.

Vanzacs and The Zoo Boys

The Vanzacs are a small group of mates from Australia and New Zealand that wanted to take on the world, and they are getting away with it by the skin of their teeth.

Shimano DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA Long Axle Pedals

Enhancing stance width through pedal axle lengths

This is Home: Matt Hunter

For many people, mountain biking is a migratory sport.

This is Home: Kurt Sorge

Just downriver from Nelson, British Colombia, professional freerider Kurt Sorge has hand-crafted a compound that dreams are made of.

This is Home: Hentique Avancini

For years, Henrique Avancini has left Brazil behind to travel to races across the world. Competing at the highest level of XC mountain bike racing, his success has grown throughout the years, bringing home a mix of medals and jerseys and making a name for Brazilian mountain biking.

This is Home: Marine Cabirou

Becoming one of the world’s fastest downhill MTB racers was a natural fit for Marine Cabirou as she grew up in the hills of Millau, France and spent her childhood chasing her older brother Rudy around on mountain bikes. Her inner daredevil, natural drive, and support from family and friends have all contributed to Marine’s success at the top level of the sport.

Gravel Shoe Guide

We specially design our off-road shoe lines for all types of gravel riders who love wild adventures away from the asphalt. Each series provides the performance, protection, and confidence voyagers like you need to explore your passion. No matter how deep you like to wander off the paved path, there is a SHIMANO gravel shoe for you.

Shimano Against the Tampering With E-bikes

Shimano speaks out against any kind of manipulation of e-bikes and e-bike drive systems, e.g., to increase the performance or the maximum supported speed.

Battery

Our total system engineering approach means that the SHIMANO ecosystem is not only offering perfect harmony with SHIMANO components but extends to products of connected partners. We have a licensing development program on a contract basis which allows compatible battery manufacturers, wireless device manufactures and even bike brands to utilize Shimano proprietary communication profile to develop products compatible with Shimano products. This can create a more open and integrated product portfolio for both bike brands and end-user.

Sustainable Packaging

We constantly search for new ways to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us. Product packaging is a huge opportunity to reduce waste and deliver our products more sustainably. That is why we decided to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions for our components and service, and upgrade parts, footwear, apparel, and most eyewear packaging.

Explorer Shoes

Tour more comfortably with our new EXPLORER SERIES of SPD shoes with reliable grip, soft walking cushioning and comfortable pedaling at cruising speeds. We have specialized models for both city and mountain touring so you can wander the world your way.

Tool & Accessories

Various Fitting Tools and Accessories

Shoe Fitting & Cleat Setting

The optimal shoe size is found by measuring the arch length, foot length and width. This sizing information can then be cross-checked with the shoe size table, to find the shoe size and width that best matches the rider.

Gravity Footwear

Bleeding edge technology, progressive styling, and total on-bike control let you push your riding to the next level and beyond.

Which is the Right Brake For You?

Choosing the equipment for your bike can seem like a never-ending task; a circle of questions and options and decisions. What do I need; what do I want; what can I afford?

WHICH IS THE RIGHT BRAKE FOR YOU?

choosing the equipment for your bike can seem like a never-ending task; a circle of questions and options and decisions. What do I need; what do I want; what can I afford?

How to Ride High Altitude Gravel

If there’s one thing that’s hard to avoid when cycling Colombia, it’s high altitude.

Similarities and Differences Between EP801 and EP6

In 2022, we launched the EP801, the successor to our popular EP800 e-bike system. The new drive unit provides more support, offers more connectivity options, is compatible with our new battery management system and enables the revolutionary AUTO SHIFTand FREE SHIFT technologies.

Tyler McCaul - Settle Your Soul

Soon after fulfilling a life-long dream to relocate to southern Utah, Tyler McCaul found himself riddled with injuries and unable to get out and enjoy the vast desert landscape he spent his entire career working towards calling home.

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

In the heart of Virginia, the Richmond Cycling Corps (RCC) is hard at work connecting with local youth and helping them discover the power of cycling.

SHIMANO Di2: The Ultimate Shift

The Uncompromising Reliability and Performance of Shimano Di2

GRX: Mechanical Modernity

In an ever-more computerized world, we set out to break the mold by breathing new life into mechanical shifting to give you a gravel ally that works with next-level analog technology. Or three distinct allies, to be precise. For this piece, we asked none

SHIMANO Indexed Shifting Explained

Indexing is the predetermined, incremental movement of a derailleur that corresponds with each click of a shifter. When a derailleur is activated, either by a mechanical shifter tensioning or releasing a cable or the Di2 button to activate derailleur motors, the component will move the chain from cog to cog on the rear cassette or different chainrings in the front. SIS derailleurs and shifters are designed to move a specific amount to achieve accurate and reliable gear changes every time.

United in Gravel

Just as gravel is composed of quartz, stones, sands, and clays, gravel riders are a mixture of ethnicities, genders, and orientations. Diverse in shape and level of fitness, but united in passion. That is the magic of gravel riding.

What is SHIMANO LINKGLIDE?

To fully understand SHIMANO LINKGLIDE technology and what it can do for you, it helps to first ask yourself what mountain bike drivetrain features and functions you value most. If your answer centers around low weight and lightning-fast shifting, then SHIMANO’s best-in-class HYPERGLIDE+ is the right choice. HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrains dominate the start lines of the world's fastest races, where competitors are in a constant quest for marginal gains and measure success in grams shaved and seconds saved.

Roads to Ride: The White Roads of Tuscany

At Strade Bianche, there’s magic in the air along with the dust.

Getting high in Colombia

After watching Narcos on Netflix, Gravel Alliance rider Sofiane Sehili wasn’t sure what to expect from Colombia, but it took just one week for the endurance addict to fall in love with this Latin American nation.

Roads to Ride: The crosswind conundrum

Crosswinds can break up a whole peloton and a well-drilled team within seconds.

Roads to Ride: Steep Steeper Steepest

What is that mysterious quality reserved for the highest mountains? Why are we so hell-bent on suffering in silence on our solitary climbs to reach cloud-riddled peaks? We join Sophie Moser on a ride on the Julier Pass to learn more about our fascination with the gravity-defying act of cycling in the mountains – and why we keep coming back for more.

SHIMANO CUES for Drop Bar

Introducing CUES for Recreational Road and Gravel Riding.

MADE IN: Milano

Expertise and passion for crafting made-to-measure bikes are at the heart of the Italian Passoni brand. Founded in the late 80's in the pre-carbon era by Luciano and Luca Passoni, it was the first company in Europe that produced titanium bikes when off-the-shelf tubing wasn't yet available. Every tube had to be made by starting from titanium sheets which were bended and welded into exceptional quality, bespoke bicycle frames. A passion for the sport and its culture has always been at the very heart of Passoni’s identity as they have spent the last 30 years building stunning machines for those with a true appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Passoni has always been a brand steeped in cycling history.

MADE IN: Sakai City

Inspired by his artist friends, Soukawa infuses new meaning into gravel cycling and celebrates how locally produced frames can be customized for the local needs.

The Art of MTB: Utah

In the third episode of The Art of MTB, we follow photographer JB Liautard and MTB-pro Thomas Genon as they load their red pickup truck with Canyon MTBs and head for Utah’s vast expanse of winding gorges and plateaus.

Shimano’s Gravel Ergonomics

Learn why ergonomics matter when you ride gravel

Cool Bus

What could be a better mode of transportation for five young B.C. shredders embarking on classic southern B.C. roadtrip than an old skoolie dubbed the Cool Bus? With the legendary freeride TV shows from the 2000s serving as inspiration and Shimano’s new GRIPD gravity shoes on their feet, Jacob Murray, Natasha Miller, Lucy Van Eesteren, Mateo Quist and Ryder Bulfone climb aboard the Cool Bus and set out on a four-day, 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage into the past.

Yeti/Shimano EP Racing Team Triumphs in 2024

Two years of dedication and hard work pay off with eMTB racing squad’s strong start to the season

In Between the Races With Orbea Factory Team

Shimano presents: In Between the Races, a portrait of the painstaking preparation and fierce focus leading up to – and during – the UCI Mountain Bike World Series. In this episode, we join the Orbea Factory Team on their journey from Val di Sole to Talamona to Crans Montana in Switzerland!

Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed

New 2x12 Di2 Addition to Shimano’s Legendary Gravel Group

SHIMANO 105: Mechanical Magic

If groupsets are like rockstars, and we think they are, the SHIMANO 105 Mechanical 12-speed could be Bruce Springsteen. Ever-professional performance, incomparable longevity, balancing roughneck beauty and that pure joy that comes from doing things in a classic way. Learn all there is to know about our only premium mechanical groupset.

A Guide to SHIMANO’s 12-Speed Freehubs and Compatibility

New innovations in Shimano freehub technology have delivered even more robust and reliable shift systems along with wider gear ranges for 12-speed road, mountain bike, and gravel groupsets. Each freehub system offers unique features and compatibility options that are suited for different riding styles and rider needs.

Shimano Di2 Deep Dive

Consistent. Customizable. Instantaneous. Intuitive. Precise. Reliable. Seamless. All these words accurately describe Shimano’s Di2 wireless electronic shifting experience.

A Humble Pursuit of Perfection

Trek Project One Ultimate: SHIMANO’s 100 Years of Excellence

Shimano FRONT SHIFT NEXT

Cycling doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be simple, straightforward, and all about the freedom of two-wheeled adventures. And while it may feel like cycling sometimes requires a deep wealth of technical know-how, the best components and bike technology require minimal thought. They work as intended, all the time.

Race-Specific Firmware Update for SHIMANO EP801 Systems

Race-Specific Firmware Update for SHIMANO EP801 Systems

The Women of Red Bull Rampage

The first ever women’s competition at Red Bull Rampage includes heavy hitters Vaea Verbeeck, Vinny Armstrong, and Robin Goomes, who are eager to make their mark in Virgin, UT this October

Shimano Extends Collaboration With A.S.O. Until 2028

In a move that underscores their commitment to cycling, Shimano and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have announced the extension of their successful partnership for an additional four years, now running until the end of 2028.In a move that underscores their commitment to cycling, Shimano and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) have announced the extension of their successful partnership for an additional four years, now running until the end of 2028.

Shimano Trail Born

Over the next 10 years, Shimano will donate $10 million to “boots on the ground” trail projects and trail advocacy organizations. Then we’ll work closely with these partners to ensure truly meaningful and sustainable gains both on a local and global scale. No greenwashing here. Just good old fashioned hard work with dedicated and passionate people.

Food I Think About When I Think About Cycling

Place. For Chris Cosentino, celebrated chef and avid cyclist, there are several ways to connect with the Bay Area of California, the place he calls home. At local markets and in the kitchen, Chris explores ways to deepen his relationship with the area’s produce, both vegetable and animal. Likewise, while cycling on some of the world’s finest roads, gravel tracks and mountain bike trails, Chris experiences firsthand the climate that produces these amazing culinary possibilities. Integrating these is the essence of Chris self-expression and exactly what is captured in “Food I Think I About When I Think About Cycling.”

Update of SHIMANO CONNECT Lab Improvement & new functions

SHIMANO CONNECT Lab, a riding data collection and analysis service by SHIMANO, is getting a major update with a more user-friendly interface and new features.

Information for the counterfeit products of our disc brake pad

Please beware of counterfeit Shimano brake pad sets. To our regret, recently counterfeit Shimano products have been illegally sold at local retailers, online flea markets and other online marketplaces.

Strengthened tampering detection features

SHIMANO endeavors to ensure that SHIMANO products are used safely by requesting manufacturers of bikes that include a SHIMANO drive unit to comply with national and regional standards that guarantee a certain level of quality.

Voluntary Recall: 11-Speed Bonded HOLLOWTECH II Road Cranksets Inspection and Replacement Campaign

With our dedication to safety and quality in mind, Shimano is issuing a voluntary recall of some bonded 11-speed HOLLOWTECH II road cranksets produced before July 2019 for a possible bonding separation issue.

Road to Paris: Paved With Gold

This year, the Tour de France may have ended in Nice. But for the hard-working athletes involved, the road led straight to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With a backdrop worthy of a classic film, where champions speed from Montmartre, past the Arc de Triomphe, onwards to the history books. With the Time Trial starting just north of the tower, in Invalides.

Tour de France 2024 the Beauty, the Battle, the Bikes

Shimano-supported riders Biniam Girmay and Remco Evenepoel won the Green and White jersey, respectively, at the Tour de France 2024. The competition was fierce, and the road was long and perilous. It takes a profound athlete to brave the mammoth challenge of the Tour de France. And it takes a special… je ne sais quoi… to come out on top with a jersey.

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS

SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS is an integrated shoe and pedal system that provides the pedaling performance of cleated cycling shoes along with the ability to walk safely and comfortably off the bike.

Important notice for E-BIKE battery BT-E8016 users

It has been confirmed that there are cases where the bicycle cannot be started after the BT-E8016 battery has been fully charged. If this occurs, plug the charger into the battery, confirm the LED lights up, then remove the charging plug. This enables the bicycle to be started.