Can I use Shimano SPD-SL cleats with power meter pedals?

The Shimano SPD-SL cleat is the most popular road cleat on the market, so it’s understandable that many cyclists want a power meter pedal that uses them. Fortunately, there are three power meter pedals that use Shimano SPD-SL cleats. Here is a quick summary of them.

 

Favero Assioma DUO-Shi Power Meter Spindles

Option #1 is the Favero Assioma DUO-Shi Power Meter Spindles. To be clear, these aren’t pedals, rather they are pedal spindles. More specifically, you install them into your current Shimano SPD-SL pedal bodies (installation is very simple). So you must already own…or purchase separately…a set of Shimano pedals. The DUO-Shi is compatible with Shimano PD-R8000, PD-R7000, PD-6800, PD-R550 and PD-R540 pedal bodies.

The Favero Assioma power meters are all very popular. They feature IAV power with +/- 1.0% accuracy, IAV cycling dynamics, Favero’s user friendly app and more. In addition, these DUO-Shi spindles are a dual-sided power meter with a power sensor located in each spindle. This means the power meter can show both left and right leg power, in addition to total power and cadence. They are also the most affordable option on the market.

 

Garmin Rally RS

Option #2 is the Garmin Rally RS200 Power Meter or Rally RS100 Power Meter, which are also compatible with Shimano SPD-SL cleats. Unlike the Favero’s above, with the Garmin you get the full pedal ready to ride right out of the box. The Rally RS200 measures total power as well as left/right balance, whereas the Rally RS100 measures left leg power only.

The Rallys are more expensive than the Faveros but they are also quite popular. They feature an ultra-slim design and are accurate to +/- 1.0%. In addition, they use a first-of-its-kind transferable spindle system. With the purchase of a Rally pedal body conversion kit, you can move the power meter from your road bike to your MTB!

 

SRM X-Power Road 

Option #3 is the SRM X-Power Road Power Meter. This is SRM’s latest power meter and first pedal-based power meter produced solely by SRM.

This is a premium power meter featuring a full aluminum pedal body. The are designed to be lightweight and have a minimal stack height. The electronics are housed entirely within the pedal body which gives them more protection against the elements and pedal strikes. They are available in single-sided and dual-sided options, are +/- 2.0% accurate and use a 30-hour rechargeable battery. While these are expensive, they provide riders with a pedal feel not offered in any other pedal-based power meter.