SPD Cleats-SH51 Versus SH56?

[Biketouringhobo]

SPD Cleats-SH51 Versus SH56?

So what Shimano SPD Cleats do you use on
your SPD Shoes and Pedals?

Shimano SH51 lateral release SPD cleat.
Shimano SH56 multi directional release SPD cleat.
and which one is the best for bike touring?

I am going to use Shimano SH56 SPD cleats on my
Teva Pivot DH SPD Shoes with Shimano M545 DH
SPD pedals

[PeteJack]

Now you're asking. I didn't even know there was more than one kind of SPD. Not relevant but I do know there are SPD lookalikes that don't work with SPD cleats, my LBS had me try two pairs of pedals that looked just like SPDs but wouldn't work with my cleats. They seemed to clip in but came out with the least pull upwards. In the end I went elsewhere and bought vanilla SPDs that work just fine.

[erniegrillo]

I've used SH 51 single release for decades and tht's the only one I've used.
I ride mainly on the road with some single track. I want to know exactly how my
shoe will release. I do not want my foot to release when I pull up or move in any direction other
than heel out. No issues with SH 51 but,  I have never tried the multi release and don't intend to.

[walks.in2.trees]

I'd give the multi a go... Not sure of the price difference but worst case is you swap it for the other one. I'd evaluate it with a lot of stop and go to make sure it doesn't detach when you don't intend before taking it on a tour. So long as it only releases when you need it to, I don't see a reason for anyone to be all stubborn about it. That said, aside from the initial learning curve, I don't have any issues with the original version

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[DaveB]

I've used SH 51 single release for decades and tht's the only one I've used.
I ride mainly on the road with some single track. I want to know exactly how my
shoe will release. I do not want my foot to release when I pull up or move in any direction other
than heel out. No issues with SH 51 but,  I have never tried the multi release and don't intend to.

+1 My experience and feelings exactly.

[bnolan@yahoo.com]

I used the SH51 cleats on my mountain bike until last month when I fell 3 times in one day because I couldn't unclip fast enough.  I then switched to the SH56 and have never failed to unclip since.   I did have to tighten the release tension so that I didn't unclip accidently while climbing.   Because of the good results with the SH56, I switched my touring bike pedals from toe clips / straps to SPD.

[paddleboy17]

I like the SH56 multi-release cleats for mountain biking.  I used to have a more aggressive riding style and like the assurance that they would release when I got launched over the handle bars during and endo.

The stock SH51 cleats are more than adequate for road riding and touring.

[misterflask]

Everyone's happy until they find out there are TWO cleat styles.  I'm pretty sure the SH51 is what most people are used to.  If you revert to bad habits in a clinch the SH56 might be safer.  But touring is so laid back that if you use the SP51s around town or on the trail they should tour fine for you.  Off topic, but I like the Shimano M324 pedal in case I  feel like riding for beer in my camp shoes.  And thanks to the MTBers for their comments on the SH56s.