With the release of Shimano's Dura-Ace 9100 groupset, the Japanese manufacturer paid special attention to the pedals. The already excellent 9000 series pedals were tough to improve on, and Shimano is committed to the SPD-SL design for the way it supports the foot and shoe, it's very effective power transfer, and cleat-based float options. When you add in the seriously stout carbon composite body and superior bearing system, it may be hard to see where the 9000 could be improved. How about a 20 gram reduction in weight, better cornering clearance, and fully integrated permanent and strategic contact plates made from very high quality polished Special Stainless steel? Yes, the Dura-Ace SPD-SL PD-9100 Pedals deliver.

The SPD-SL pedal system has built it's case with cyclists. With an extra-wide platform that efficiently delivers exceptional power uniformly to the nickle-plated steel axle via a wide bearing placement, these pedals are the choice for many top pro riders, even those on teams not sponsored by Shimano. The CFRP carbon fiber bodies are seriously durable and inherently stiff, allowing the 9100 version to be sculpted more for lighter weight, also resulting in 3° of added cornering clearance. That may not sound like much, but it can easily be difference of holding a line in a tight corner and pedaling a second quicker than you could with the 9000, which in pro cycling can result in the difference between the top of the podium and sulking in the team bus, second guessing.

Instead of the replaceable stainless wear plate formerly used, the engineers bonded three strategically placed polished stainless plates to the carbon body. The plates not only protect the carbon body, but also allow the cleat to glide smoothly over the plate when in contact and won't wear out. What Shimano learned is that the removable plates could loosen, or be damaged in extreme situations, and only specific contact points were required, not a full plate. Poof! Changed. These are the pedals for true performers who value mileage, reliability, and power transfer over extreme lightweight. And at 228 grams for the set in the Standard axle length, Shimano has delivered a highly competitive weight as well.

A defining characteristic of Dura-Ace pedals has always been the use of three bearing systems. Very high quality Shimano steel ball cartridge bearings are used inboard and outboard, while a wide roller bearing sits in the middle, bringing extensive axle-to-body interaction that keeps the load on the three bearings, regardless of the pedal forces brought to bear by the rider. Combined with the ultra-stiff carbon body this pedal system is wonderfully stiff and utterly smooth. The axle and bearing interface is serviceable, but even pro riders with tens of thousands of miles on these pedals report that service has never been required.

With the release of the SPD-SL PD-9000, Shimano introduced a new self-centering cleat, referred to as the SM-SH12. This is the cleatset that comes with Dura-Ace 9100 pedals as well. It's walkable surfaces are blue for easy identification. This cleat features only +/- 1° of angular float, limiting freedom of movement. Although the PD-9100 was optimized for the new cleat Shimano still offers the non-centering options of the SH11 (yellow) cleat with 6° of float and the fixed (zero degree) SH10 (red). The current retention system and the blue SH12 cleats allow the toe of the cleat to automatically center and reduce lateral movement. Your local bike fit specialist can assist you if you have questions. The cleats themselves feature the Delta-style 3-bolt design, and though optimized for Shimano's SPD-SL shoes, the shape works with most other 3-bolt shoe models that have a slightly curved sole.

As with all Shimano pedals, the rear retention spring is adjustable, allowing you to customize release tension with a few turns of a 2.5mm hex key. The nickel plated chromoly axle is highly resistant to corrosion and is installed with an 8mm hex key from behind the crank interface. Always use a little grease on the threads and check for tightness after your first ride, as well as whenever you clean and lube your chain. As you see in the selection box, Shimano is offering these pedals with two axle lengths, which impacts your Q-factor, or the distance from the center of the bike to the center of the pedal. The Long axle version has a 4mm longer spindle (from the Standard version) to ensure a better alignment for riders who benefit from a wider stance. Standard (52mm) or Long (56mm); pedal with confidence, security, and efficiency knowing that the SPD-SL PD-9100 pedals are the best Shimano can engineer, with clear upgrades and advantages over its predecessor.