Choosing clipless pedals means choosing a system: shoes, the cleats bolted to their soles, and pedals. Consider walking as well as riding. SPD uses a two-bolt attachment and usually a recessed cleat, making these shoes useful for stops and touring. The broader three-bolt SPD-SL cleat is designed for road riding and protrudes further from the sole.
The new SPD-SLR adds another compatibility check. Its cleats work only with SPD-SLR pedals, not SPD-SL pedals. Existing SHIMANO SPD-SL road shoes can accept the new cleats, however: compatibility with a shoe and compatibility with a pedal are separate questions.
The grey CL-SL130 lets riders use SPD-SLR pedals with most other brands’ three-bolt road shoes. That combination does not deliver the lower stack height and weight savings of the new integrated system. Check the compatibility of your particular shoe model before ordering.
For indoor cycling classes, ask which pedals the studio uses before buying shoes. Once everything is fitted, practise clipping in and releasing a foot with a secure support or on a stationary trainer. Learn the movement before riding in traffic.