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SHIMANO Bike Cleats Review: Stable road cleats with 6° float?

Bike Cleats Compatible with Shimano, Cycling Pedals Cleat for SPD SL Cleats 6 Degree Float - Indoor Outdoor Road Bicycle Cleat Set, Yellow
4.7
[6° Float Design]  6-degree float allows natural foot movement, reducing knee strain during long rides.
[Wide Model Compatibility]  Compatible with numerous Shimano road models including M646, M647, M545, M959, M540, and more.
[Sold as Pair]  Includes both cleats for left and right pedal setups, ready for installation.
[Exact Replacement Part]  Official Shimano part number 128851 ensures precise fit for compatible pedals.
[Requires 4mm Allen Key]  Installs with a 4 mm Allen key; tool sold separately.
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Road cycling cleats for indoor and outdoor riding that promise secure engagement and a 6-degree float. SHIMANO Bike Cleats deliver a stable platform and confident clipping for training sessions and road miles. Are they compatible with your pedals and easy enough to fit for regular use?

⚡ At a Glance
  • Contact Surface: Large contact area increases stability and improves power transfer
  • Best for: Road cyclists using SPD SL style cleats who want a secure clip-in
  • Not ideal for: Riders who use two-bolt mountain SPD pedal systems

Road cleat pair with a 6-degree float and a wide contact surface. Compatible with a range of Shimano road and hybrid pedal models and sold in pairs.


Secure, forgiving engagement – Thanks to 6-degree float

SM-SH11 specification lists 6 degrees of float, allowing slight rotational movement between shoe and pedal during the pedal stroke. That small range of movement reduces a locked-feel while keeping the foot aligned on the pedal.

More forgiving clipping reduces awkward catches and helps protect knees during longer rides. The float also makes clip-in and release feel more natural for riders still refining technique.

Stable power transfer – With a large contact surface

Cleats present a broad interface between shoe and pedal, increasing the surface area that bears load during each downstroke. A larger contact patch spreads pressure across the sole rather than concentrating it in a small point.

Greater contact area gives a steadier platform underfoot and improves control when sprinting or pushing hard. Stability also makes indoor training sessions feel more secure.

Quick setup and replacement – With standard road mounting

Sold as a pair and supplied to fit the SPD SL three-bolt pattern named SM-SH11; no 4 mm Allen key is included. The cleats match a list of Shimano road and hybrid pedal model numbers for straightforward swapping.

Easy fitting and clipping are commonly reported by users, so swap-out during maintenance or upgrades is simple. Keep a 4 mm Allen key to hand since it is not supplied with the cleats.

✨ The 4 Key Reasons for SHIMANO Bike Cleats
  1. 6° float specification — Reduces rigid lock-in for more forgiving pedal engagement
  2. Easy to clip and unclip — Speedy entry and release for frequent training and group rides
  3. Sold in pairs — Ready for both feet straightaway without buying an extra set
  4. Broad model compatibility — Works with many Shimano road pedal models for simple replacement
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
  • Category: Road cycling cleats
  • Brand: SHIMANO
  • Model: SM-SH11
  • Float:
  • Compatibility: M646, M647, M545, M959, M540, M536, M505, M515, M520, M424, M324, M323, A510, A515
❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these cleats compatible with my Shimano pedals?

A: Check the compatibility list: M646, M647, M545, M959, M540, M536, M505, M515, M520, M424, M324, M323, A510 and A515 are named as compatible models.

Q: Do the cleats come as a pair?

A: Yes, the listing specifies the cleats are sold in pairs so both feet can be fitted at once.

Q: Is a 4 mm Allen key included for fitting?

A: No, a 4 mm Allen key is not included and will be needed to mount the cleats.

🏆 Our Verdict

Well suited to road cyclists who use SPD SL-style pedals and want a stable, forgiving clip-in for indoor and outdoor riding. A wide contact surface paired with a controlled 6-degree float helps with power transfer and easier clipping. Sold in pairs and compatible with a long list of Shimano models, the set makes a practical, reliable replacement that should serve well over time.