How to Install SPD Cleats in a Specialized Road Shoe

Bicycle shoe manufacturers try to accommodate numerous kinds of pedals and cleats. Shimano's SPD pedals are a popular pedal system, so most shoe models will accept them. An SPD cleat set contains two cleats, two cleat nuts, two cleat adapters (a two-hole metal washer) and four screws. Specialized, a large bicycle manufacturer, makes cycling shoes that are designed to accept SPD cleats. Installing a cleat on a Specialized cycling shoe is as simple as properly positioning the few parts of the cleat and tightening them down.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleat set
  • Grease
  • 4 mm Allen wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install a cleat nut into the shoe by removing the sockliner and setting the nut into the cut-out near the front of the shoe. Place it in with the flush side up so it will be flat inside the shoe. Replace the sockliner. Many shoes already have a cleat nut installed, in which case you may disregard this step.

    • 2

      Spread a thin layer of grease on the screw threads. This aids in installation and ensures easy removal in the future.

    • 3

      Place the cleat adapter into the slot that runs across the width of the cleat. The beveled side should face outward so the screws will sit flush when they are installed. The washer is not as wide as the slot, which allows for side-to-side adjustment.

    • 4

      Place and hold the cleat onto the bottom of the shoe. The holes in the adapter will align with the holes in the cleat nut visible through the two slots at the widest part of the sole of the shoe. The cleat has a rounded tab on one end and a square tab on the other end. The rounded end points toward the front of the shoe.

    • 5

      Insert and lightly tighten the screws into the two holes in the adapter using the 4mm Allen wrench. Make sure they cleanly thread into the cleat nut. Don't tighten them all the way down -- only to the point where the cleat doesn't move -- so the cleat's position can be adjusted.

    • 6

      Move the cleat into the desired position. Use old shoes as a guide or clip the shoe into the pedals and check the positioning. The adapter will allow side-to-side adjustment and the cleat nut will slide forward and backward with the cleat until the screws are fully tightened.

    • 7

      Tighten the screws all the way down with the wrench. Alternate between the screws and do a few turns at a time until they're fully tight.