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New, longer Shimano pedal spindles widen your stance on Dura-Ace & Ultegra

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It seems like we’re always talking about keeping q-factor as narrow as possible when it comes to road bikes. But what about those who would benefit from a wider q-factor? That may go against popular thinking in terms of aerodynamics and pedaling efficiency, but as Shimano points out – recent research in bike fitting has shown that not everyone benefits from ‘the narrower, the better’ philosophy.

So they made wider pedal axles

Shimano goes long w/ Dura-Ace & Ultegra axle options for those who need wider stanceShimano SPD-SL pedal width adjustment range

Which is exactly why they have a new axle option for their latest top two road pedals. Where the standard SPD-SL has a 52mm pedal center as measured from the shoulder of the axle, the new option adds 4mm for a total of 56mm. Otherwise, the pedals are identical in bearings, release, and performance. Keep in mind that the cleats themselves have 4mm of lateral adjustment built in, so the actual width ranges from 50-54mm and 54-58mm.

Do I need wider pedal axles?

Shimano says that riders with “naturally wide hips, large quad muscles, or those who simply don’t feel comfortable with their feet close together” will all see some benefits to the wider axle. It also may bring your road pedal position closer to that of your mountain bike – if you’re switching back and forth and want your pedal position to be identical, this could be an important factor. Of course, there’s also the option of running the -3mm shorter spindle option on the XTR XC/Gravel pedal to achieve the same result, but in the opposite direction. Depending on crankset q-factors, you may need a combination of both.

Shimano goes long w/ Dura-Ace & Ultegra axle options for those who need wider stance

The +4mm spindle option will be available on the Dura-Ace PD-R9100 and the Ultegra PD-R8000 pedals. Each are available now for $279.99 and $199.99 respectively.

bike.shimano.com

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luddite
luddite
4 years ago

also handy for those of us with size 15 feet to avoid crank or chainstay/heel rub!

猪子 総司
猪子 総司
4 years ago

Not a New Option at all. It’s been years.

jdog
jdog
4 years ago

Sorry S, Not long enough. Look to Speedplay on this one. They make 50mm,53,56,59 & 65mm. All of these sizes are important. I do use 65mm fairly often for fitting as well.

Xhombre
Xhombre
4 years ago

Mmm this already has existed for years. I’ve had the ultegra ones for over two years.

Josh
Josh
4 years ago

Yeah. As others said, they’ve already been doing this for years and just offering 4mm is kind of stupid. 5, 10, and 15 would be so much more useful to people with wider hips or pronation.

taylor
taylor
4 years ago

agreed, this is not new?
and jdog, you better hoard those speedplays if you can. Since they’re owned by Wahoo now, they are no longer selling any non-stock spindles. . . .

STS
STS
4 years ago
Reply to  taylor

I also already heard that. Is this confirmed?

satanas
satanas
4 years ago
Reply to  STS

Wahoo have apparently dropped most Speedplay products, and are said to be moving production to Asia somewhere. I was told that the Frog and Syzr pedals and cleats were gone, and even existing orders wouldn’t be honoured, including mine. If enough people complain Wahoo might resume manufacture of something other than Zeroes eventually, but maybe not. I’d really like to buy more Syzr Lift pedals, but don’t hold out much hope. 🙁

Krischan
Krischan
4 years ago

Options are important for a proper fit as we are all different. SQlab offer -5mm, +/-0mm, +8mm, +15mm in their SPD compatible pedals.

Larry Miller
Larry Miller
4 years ago

Issi is +6 and +12 which is +4 and +10 over XT/540/xtr!
I have had great luck with the issi +12 for my big ass feet.
Get on it shimano!

Rohan Deelen
Rohan Deelen
4 years ago

@STS I have purchased, made in Taiwan custom spindles for my Speedplay pedals, as Speedplay has stopped making them. I needed axles at least 5mm longer, but couldn’t find them on their site anymore.

STS
STS
4 years ago
Reply to  Rohan Deelen

Thanks Rohan,
would be great if you could point me to the source where you bought them.

Ted Wiegandt
Ted Wiegandt
3 years ago

Please make longer spindles for mountain pedals. I had to get some ISSI +6 for winter and they jam up on release half the time. I will be making a lot of snow angels with these 🙁

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