There’s one SHIMANO product that’s so tried-and-true, so reliable that it hasn’t changed in 30 years—and it’s a part riders rarely give a second thought to while on the bike. The humble SM-SH51 cleat was introduced to the line in 1995 and it’s been there ever since. While SPD pedals and shoe soles have evolved significantly in the past three decades, the SM-SH51 remained compatible throughout the changes, firmly standing the test of time.
But now it’s time for the cleat to get its time in the spotlight. Enter the new Trail/Enduro CL-MT001 SPD Cleat. Why now? Multi-entry. With the single-entry SM-SH51, riders had to toe in and step down to clip into the pedal, and twist their foot to release. The updated CL-MT001 offers multiple options for engagement: the traditional toe in first method, step on top and press or heel in first, then toe. Trail and enduro riders will largely realize the benefits when attempting to clip back in after taking a foot off the pedal during a technical section, or rounding a berm, for example. Being able to click into the cleat multiple ways means quick re-engagement and less fumbling around to get your foot lined up just perfectly. The cleat has also been engineered to complement SHIMANO’s next gen XTR PD-M9220 Enduro/Trail pedals for optimal grip and stability.
