(This is a parody of the official Shimano Press Release, with a hint of sarcasm, and a dash of reality about the cycling industry behemoth)
30 Years Later … Shimano FINALLY makes a long-awaited and much-needed refinement to their super popular SPD pedal system with the New Multi-Entry CL-MT001 2-Bolt SPD Cleats
Yes, they finally did it. It took them 30 years, millions of poles hit while looking down, countless slips and cracked nuts while taking off, and tons of feedback from the field to make it all the way back up to the engineers in their ivory towers, and they listened! The newly-designed CL-MT001 cleat provides multi-directional entry for easier engagement!
Since its introduction in 1995, the SM-SH51 cleat has become the default cleat shipped with untold millions of pedals worldwide. Once Shimano engineers develop something, they rarely look back because doing so is perceived as weakness. They prefer to make up their minds, develop the product, and full steam ahead. Rarely is their will to push forward questioned by the industry, and even more rarely is the pushback enough to make them change direction (see XTR Rapidrise and DualControl levers circa 2003).
With so much competition these days in pedal and shoe technologies, as well as evolving rider demands, they were forced to look at where they can improve their product to stay competitive. The result is the CL-MT001, the regular SPD cleat, but with a small shaved-off section in the front that took about 5 minutes to design and change in production.
MULTI-ENTRY FUNCTIONALITY
Where the original SH51 cleat requires a toe-first, single-entry approach, the CL-MT001 allows riders to engage the pedal in multiple ways. That means you can clip into your pedal with the traditional front first then rear, or rear first then front, or simply stomp straight down to get instant engagement like some other popular pedals brands. It’s a big enough change that they thought it worthy of a press release and at least one after-work celebration at headquarters. 乾杯 Kanpai!
This expanded engagement window is beneficial for a wide range of riders.
• Enduro riders and those who enjoy dynamic off-road conditions will appreciate the quick re-engagement that is critical after dismounts or foot dabs in technical terrain.
• Cyclocross and gravel racers will appreciate speedy remounts and their ability to quickly get back to pedaling and powering forward.
• New riders will enjoy the intuitive clip-in experience with added peace-of-mind that comes from the multi-entry engagement, so they can get on their way down the road, trail, or path.
BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY BUILT IN
The new CL-MT001 cleat is fully backwards compatible with all existing two-bolt SHIMANO SPD pedal and shoe systems because If it wasn't, the outcry from the industry would be so loud, it would be audible in space. This allows riders to experience improved performance and versatility without replacing their current setup.
AVAILABILITY
The CL-MT001 cleats are available through Shimano retailers and distributors worldwide
SIdebar...
In all honesty, we at Urban Pedaler sell and fully support Shimano shoes, pedals, and other Shimano products, but their position is increasingly under pressure from some very competitive, innovative and fast-moving brands. Their cleat/pedal system has been used and loved by millions, I even learned how to clip in on SPDs in 1996 - a very rough introduction that ultimately sent me to Time ATAC pedals and cleats which I have been on ever since. I reluctantly sell SPD pedals in my store because they have the strongest distribution here in Australia, but that's not the case in other countries where their competitors share most of marketshare in pedals. I've watched their response to market feedback ignored at times over the years, and their advancements can move at a glacial pace compared to other companies. This tiny (and I mean teeny-tiny) change to their cleats could have improved their product 30 years ago, 20 years ago, even 10 years ago, and improved rider experience - all without fanfare or press releases. So when I read the original press release I was not impressed. Apologies to anyone offended. :)
