The pedal market has been a little boring in recent times, with the market-leading brands set in their ways and offering little if any innovation. No company is more dominant in this space than Shimano, and its SPD-SL road pedals have hardly changed in recent years.
First released with Dura-Ace 7900, Shimano has offered its SPD-SL pedals with a carbon body since 2010. Prior to this, it was much the same pedal design, just in alloy. This carbon trend continues with the latest generation, and its a few grams lighter. Shimano clearly feels is a better fit for the performance rider.
Much like Shimano’s new 9100 groupsets, the pedals have been treated to a stealthy black finish. It’s a great change and one will surely enjoy these pedals without having to worry about the obvious branding mismatch.
It’s here that Dura-Ace pedals hide an advantage over Ultegra and lower models, with an added needle bearing row inside providing addition support and durability. They also hold a three-year warranty, compared to the two years you get with all other Shimano pedals.