As a simplified version of the binding pedals that are essential for customizing road and cross bikes, Shimano’s SPD binding pedals are popular with road and cross bikers for city use, as well as with beginners in sports biking.
Shimano SPD Binding Pedals
Binding pedals originally designed for mountain biking
SPD stands for SHIMANO PEDALING DYNAMICS.
SPD is also popular as a casual binding pedal for street use
SPD pedals are not suitable for casual use, as the SPD-SL has large cleats and is difficult to walk on.
For city riding, cross bikers who want to use binding pedals more casually, and beginners who are afraid of falling down, SPD pedals are preferred over SPD-SL pedals.
SPD pedals for road bikes
Although this binding system is designed for mountain bikes, SPD pedals for road bikes (part number PD-A series) are also available to meet the demands of road and cross bike enthusiasts.
Several types of SPD pedals for road bikes have been sold so far.
Shimano’s official website also introduces SPD pedals for road use as an introduction to SPD pedals.
However, as of 2021, the only SPD pedal on the market for road use is the PD-ES600, which is essentially a single-sided SPD.
Shimano SPD Pedal PD-ES600 for Road Bike
ULTEGRA R8000 series PD-ES600
Photo via:https://bike.shimano.com/ja-JP/product/component/shimano105-r7000/PD-ES600.html
The PD-ES600 SPD pedal for Shimano road bikes is part of the ULTEGRA R8000 series lineup.
Successor model of PD-A600
The ULTEGRA grade SPD pedals were the PD-A600 that I have been using, but as of 2021 they have been downgraded to Tiagra grade and are no longer available on the market.
The timing of the downgrade to Tiagra was when the PD-ES600 was added to the lineup, and given the many similarities in specifications and price, we believe that the PD-ES600 is an SPD pedal positioned as the successor to the PD-A600.
It is the lightest SPD pedal, and its shape gives the impression of an SPD pedal that is closer to the SPD-SL with a wider width for a more firm step, a thicker shaft, and increased rigidity.
SPD pedals that seem to be aware of ULTEGRA and 105
The grade of the PD-ES600 is ULTEGRA, but the color has been changed to 105-like black instead of the iconic ULTEGRA color of ice gray that was used until the PD-A600.
Considering that the AP-A600 was downgraded to Tiagra grade instead of 105 grade, the PD-ES600 can be said to be an SPD pedal that is both ULTEGRA and 105 grade.
Existing problems remain
Problem with pedal reversal
As is the fate of single-sided SPDs, the PD-A600 has a problem with heavy cleats when in the free position, which causes the pedals to flip over and face the back side.
Therefore, when using the bindings, you must always invert the pedals with your feet before starting to ride.
Once you get used to it, it is not a big deal, but if you can, it is less stressful if the cleats are facing up all the time.
It would be tempting to hope that the PD-ES600 solves that problem, but unfortunately, it does not seem to have solved that problem.
Paint that peels easily
There is also the problem of the pedals inverting, so they must be inverted with the foot when mounted.
This can cause the pedals to clatter with the cleats, which can peel off the paint and quickly become scratched up.
Since it is a pedal, it is inevitable that it will be damaged to some extent, but many people may feel “ooh” if the paint peels off after just a few uses.
Nevertheless, the lineup of SPD pedals for road bikes has been sorted out, and when considering the introduction of SPD pedals for road bikes, there is no other choice but the PD-ES600.
It is practically the only choice.
PD-EH500 for single-sided flat single-sided SPD pedal
The PD-ES600 is a one-sided SPD pedal with nothing on the back side. Personally, I think single-sided SPD pedals are sufficient, since you can step on the side with cleats even with regular shoes, but some people may find it stressful.
For such people, we recommend the PD-EH500, a single-sided flat single-sided SPD pedal with a flat back side.
CT5 SPD for casual SPD shoes
Photo via:https://shimano.cycle-yoshida.com/syousai.php?SYOCODE=00637676
In order to use SPD pedals, SPD-compatible binding shoes must be used.
A decade ago, Shimano’s binding shoes had the worst design and were very unpopular, but recently, binding shoes that look like ordinary casual shoes have finally become available.
Among these binding shoes, the CT5 binding shoes are the most casual design and are recommended for street riding.
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