A hands-on guide to Shimano’s new SPD-SLR
Summary
Dave and Ronan discuss Shimano’s new SPD-SLR pedals, analyzing the 2.3mm stack height reduction against the significant drawback of complete cleat incompatibility. They also cover Shimano’s updated road shoes and the new Canyon Grail gravel bike, which features increased tire clearance and a more aero design. The episode concludes with an interview on evolving bike air-freight costs and brief news on the Scott Spark DC and Specialized’s internal cable routing updates.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Odoo business software
Intro: Caliper authenticity and show structure
Preview: Interview with Bike Flights founder
Shimano SPD-SLR pedal release and groupset strategy
Shimano release delays and internal frustrations
First ride impressions and stack height differences
Cleat compatibility and fore-aft adjustment issues
Backwards compatibility and multi-bike ownership costs
Comparison to SRM/Q36.5 and potential conspiracy theories
Biomechanical benefits of lower stack height
Scientific evidence for power transfer gains
New Shimano shoe fit updates (wide/regular)
Canyon Grail Gen 3: Overview and tire clearance
Canyon Grail Gen 3: Sizing and geometry changes
Canyon Grail Gen 3: Weight and frame storage
Canyon Grail Gen 3: Mudguard compatibility debate
Canyon Grail Gen 3: Geometry and finish details
Scott bike review: Internal cable routing
Specialized Diverge: Future Shock and internal routing
Wolf Tooth hub release and market positioning
Outro: Bike Flights interview and travel plans
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