Shimano celebrate the 25th anniversary of SPD
What better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Shimano's SPD system than with new shoes and pedals?
With the 25th year of SPD shoes and pedals upon us, Shimano announced a new shoe and two new pedals today to celebrate the occasion. Shimano shoes and pedals are probably the most popular in Australia, thanks to their huge range and durability.
Putting a premium trail shoe above the current M200, the SH-M200B is a bright blue shoe, which combines the low weight and stiff pedalling efficiency of their XC racing shoes with the strength, durability and protection of a trail shoe – perfect for trail riders around the globe.
Like the M200, it’s a low-profile shoe with an asymmetrical upper that offers some inner ankle protection. There’s venting which should work better for an Aussie climate, and a low profile buckle to make sure you have a precision fit, every time. Comfort is important,, and the dual density insole assists with shock absorption and stability when pedalling.
The last uses the “TORBAL” system. Basically it’s a midsole that allows the foot to roll a little, as opposed to acting like a stiff carbon board on the pedal. When you’re riding aggressively, it helps your handling be a lot more natural – all the time keeping great pedalling efficiency. The rubber around the pedal contact is stiff, for great stability, but the lugs towards the edge of the sole are softer, for grip when you’re off the bike and checking lines or hiking something too hard to ride. The cleat adjustment options are quite long, to suit both trail and race setup.
PD-M9000 (M990)
The new M990 pedal is also bright blue, but has a slimmer axle and body for better mud shedding, plus a very low body height for stability and clearance. Weight is 310g for the pair. Like all Shimano MTB pedals, entry and exit release tension is adjustable.
PD-M9020 (M995)
The XTR Trail equivalent M995 has far more contact area with a shoe, and wider bearing placement for strength, stability and durability. Entry and exit tension is adjustable, and the ovalised shape of the body around the axle helps with mud shedding.
Limited quantities of these shoes and pedals will be made world wide – so your best bet would be to drop in to your local Shimano dealer if you’re interested in getting into some fancy blue shoes and matching pedals.
