SPD SL cleats cracked

[jd843]

Hi all,

Got back from a ride today and noticed that part of my cleat is cracked. It's only this part of the cleat:

The front yellow part is fine and fully intact. As far as I can see, the small yellow parts of the cleat don't really do all that much, so do I really need to replace them? Or do they only need replacing when the front part that clips in is worn?

Cheers.

 

[Colin S]

It won't affect the functionality at all.
I had one break off completely when I stud on something getting my bike out. It might not look as pretty but absolutely no effect in use.


C

 

[zacklaws]

I had one of the yellow pads break off first time I rode on a brand new pair of cleats. I usually replace them when all the yellow bits have gone and down to the wear line and at some point before that swap them round on the shoes so they get equal wear on the edges with clipping in and out which also extends the life span. I also avoid twisting my foot on the ground after I have unclipped as that soon breaks the little yellow pads off. But last year I have started riding mainly in SPD's and its saved me constabtly having to buy new cleats every few months and just use the SPD-L's for events and special occasions etc.

 

[Apollonius]

SL cleats take a lot of punishment and are not very good at contact with the ground. The only bits that affect the functionality are the "nose" at the front and the lip at the back that do the gripping. I usually replace mine when the lip at the back doesn't hold any more. By then, the yellow bits are usually long gone.