Delta or SPD: Which is the Best Pedal System for You?

The SPD and Delta cleats are the most popular cleats for spinning and biking. The two systems are not compatible. You will have to choose between SPD cleats or Look Delta cleats. However, the type of pedals on your bicycle will dictate the cleats you choose.

SPD is a favorite for MTB and everything from recreational riding to commuting. SPD pedals are also great for spinning classes!

LOOK DELTA (also called DELTA, or LOOK). Most commonly used on Peloton bikes, but also used for road cycling.

The most apparent difference between the two systems’ cleats is that Delta uses three-hole cleat features, while the SPD system uses two-hole.

What is a Delta Clip?

A Delta clip is a cleat design from the Look company, which has become a representation of three-hole cleats. It is triangular in outlook and has three large holes attached to pedals in the same design. Look also designs the Look Keo cleats, which are in the same design as the Delta option, and only the holes are narrower. Despite both cleats being 3-hole, it is common to hear people use Delta to refer to three-hole cleats.

The shoes and pedals of the Peloton are both Look Delta. The bike company has likely influenced the popularity of the Delta clipless design.

Delta Clips Uses

• The most common Delta on road bikes is the clipless bike.
• It has been used in indoor spinning, most notably by Peloton bikes.
• The rigid outsole of the Delta shoes is associated with more significant power transfer and, therefore, speed, which leads to less fatigue. Clips are an excellent option for power transfer and used by most cyclists.

Is Look Delta the same as SPD-SL?

No. The Look company makes the Delta, while the SPD SL designs come from Shimano. Both SPD-SL and Delta can be used in the same style of clipless pedals or cycling shoes. You can therefore use them interchangeably.

What is SPD Clip?

SPD clip is a Shimano brand of cycling shoe clips with two holes. The clips are rectangular and currently define two-hole cleat designs.

Shimano later introduced a new 3-cleat design, the Shimano Pedalling Design - Superlight. The design is compatible with the Look Delta design, and whose design Look Delta matches.

Uses for SPD Clips

• SPD clips are the most popular clips for biking
• These are the most common clip design for indoor spinning and most studios that offer cycling.
• Clipless pedal users prefer the SPD options because the cleats can be recessive. It makes the shoes more comfortable than the protruding ones.

Feature Difference Table Between SPD and Look Delta

Let’s look at the similarities and differences of SPD Cleats and Delta Cleats to understand the two better.

Similarities Between Delta and SPD Cleats

Although there are some differences between the cleat systems, it will surprise you to discover that they share some similarities.

1. They are used on Clipless Pedals

There are two main types of pedals: flat and clipless. Clipless pedals can be used with both SPD and Delta cleats.

You can choose the type of cleats that you would like to use to swap your flat pedals with clipless pedals. You will find SPD and Look Delta among the most common choices.

2. Suitable for Dual Pedals

Being typical is the best thing about a product. Most pedals with at least dual compatibility with SPD and Look Delta cleats will work well. Most bikes have pedals for both systems, especially road and spinning bikes.

Differences Between SPD and Delta Cleats

As we mentioned, SPD and Delta cleats can’t be interchanged. Let’s look at the reasons for this incompatibility.

1. The Number of Cleat Holes

Three holes are included in Delta cleats. These holes form a triangular shape. On the other hand, SPD cleats have two holes that give the cleats an oval shape.

This is why the two cleat systems can’t be used together.

2. SPD Cleats Can be Recessed

Both SPD and Delta cleats can protrude and make it difficult to walk. They can also make a loud and annoying sound, and it is risky to wear cycling shoes.

There are SPD cycling shoes with a receded cleat. These shoes make it easier to walk in. It makes it easier to commute in SPD recessed-cleat shoes, as you can walk short distances without changing shoes.

However, there are no Delta cleat shoes yet with a recessed plate. If you are looking for a comfortable ride in your cycling shoes, Look Delta is still the best option.

3. Delta Cleats are Primary for peloton Bikes

You will need the Delta cleats to attach the pedals to your Peloton bike. If you want your bike warranty to continue, it is important to maintain the pedals.

If you absolutely cannot live without your SPD shoes, swipe the pedals to get SPD pedals. Dual pedals that can accommodate both SPD and Delta cleats. This will affect your Peloton bike warranty.

4. SPD Cleats are More Common in Spinning Bike Studios

Delta cleats are popular with peloton riders, but SPD cleats are most popular in other spinning studios.

A spinning class will most commonly use these Shimano cleats in your area. This is why many people who spin in studios or have a Peloton switch to pedals.

5. Power Transfer

The pedals can handle the extra strength you bring to cycling through power transfer. It makes it easier for you to pedal to cycle faster and for more extended periods.

The power transfer of the SPD cleats is greater than that of the Delta cleats. The cleats are better, but the outsoles that each cleat fits into are also important. All
Delta shoes come with a rigid sole or semi-rigid sole. This prevents you from walking but increases power transfer by significant margins.

Is Peloton SPD or Look Delta?

Peloton’s pedal design is Look Delta, and the Peloton shoes also look Delta. You will need SPD-SL (or Look Delta) shoes and cleats when purchasing accessories separately.

SPD or Look Delta, Which is Good for Peloton?

LOOK Delta is the best option for Peloton, as they are the only choice for pedals made by Peloton.

You can, however, change the Look Delta pedals to dual pedals with Look Delta or SPD cycling preferences. However, there is an alternative, as using other pedals could void your parts warranty on Peloton. For SPD cycling, you can attach pedal converters to your Peloton pedals.

In this instance, can be used to search for classes that require optimal power transfer, such as HIIT, Hills, Climbs, and Power Zone classes.

On the other hand, SPD cleats are easy to clip in and remove, making them the best choice for Bootcamp classes.

How to Use SPD Cleats on Default Peloton Pedals

You can use SPD cleats with the Peloton brand of pedals. Yes, you can. However, you will need to
make some adjustments.

• First, remove the cover from the Peloton pedals. It is located on the lower side.
• Second, attach the Venzo converter to the Peloton pedals.
• Third, attach the SPD cleats to your SPD cycling shoes. The adapter comes with a pair of SPD cycling cleats.
• Fourth, don’t forget to put on your cycling shoes and get on your Peloton with an SPD option.

This video offers a visual guide option.

Convert Look Delta Cleats to SPD?

Is it possible to convert my Delta cleats into SPD? You don’t need to buy a new pair of shoes if you go to the mountains. You only need to buy cycling shoe cleat adapters. They are cheaper and have the same function.

One good example is the
WellGo Cycling Shimano SPD Shoe Adapter. The converter comes with its fitting bolts, which are universal for different types of cycling cleats. So how do you fit in the SPD adapter on the Look Delta cleats?

• First off, uninstall the cleats from your cycling shoes.
• Secondly, fit in the cleat adapter onto the two top holes of the Look Delta cleats.
• Use the washers and bolts to fix the adapter onto the cleat. Ensure that the bolts are tight on the cleats.
• Install the cleats back on your cycling shoes.
• Hop onto your SPD pedal bike for a new riding experience.

Can You Convert SPD to Delta?

Unfortunately, there is no adapter available to convert SPD cleats and pedals to the Delta design. If you are an SPD user and want to have a Look Delta option, it is good to buy new Look Delta pedals or SPD pedals with a Look Delta cycling option.

Which is the Best for Power Transfer: SPD or Look Delta?

Power transfer is what Delta shoes excel at. The Delta shoes have a high level of shoe rigidity which increases power transfer. The SPD shoes have a flexible or semi-rigid design, making them less efficient in power transfer.

Benefits of Using SPD Pedals

• They are less expensive than the Delta pedal design
• These shoes are easy to wear for commutes, as they have a recessed plate for cleats.
• They are very popular in spinning classes and it is, therefore, economical to buy cleats and shoes.
• SPD pedals are easier to clip in and out, saving you time and strain.

Benefits of Using Look Delta Pedals:

• Due to the rigidity and shape of the shoe’s outsole, Look Delta pedals provide more power transfer.
• They are the best investment possible for SoulCycle at home cyclists and Peloton riders.
• Look, Delta pedals offer the best power transfer and are ideal for competitive cycling.
• Because you are not tempted to walk in them, the shoes and cleats are more robust.

How to Use the SPD Clips

Here’s how to use SPD clips in a simplified manner

• Hop onto your bike, and position the ball of your foot on the pedals.
• You will feel the clip platform, so move your weight back on your foot and hear a pop sound. That is the sound of a successful clipping in with SPD clips.

How to Use Look Delta Clips

Let’s see how we get on the bike with Look Delta clips.

• Stand on your bike, and set your pedals in the six o’clock position.
• Then, point your toes up, and bring your weight to the back of your foot to clip in. a pop sound will confirm that the clipping is successful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Look Delta cleats work with Peloton?

Yes. Peloton pedals have the Look Delta design. Therefore, they require to Look at Delta cleats in the default form. All Peloton shoes use Look Delta clips.

Do Spd cleats work with Peloton?

Yes. You will need an
SPD adapter to use SPD cleats with the Peloton pedals.

Do I need to buy cleats for my cycling shoes?

Yes. You can buy cleats separately for most shoes. These cleats are very affordable, around $20, and are essential for clipless cycling. Cleats are accessories that clip into clipless pedals. This means that your cycling shoes will be useless without them.

Is SPD the same as Delta?

It is not. SPD uses cleats for the two-hole design, whereas Delta uses cleats for the three-hole cleat design.

Is Delta the same as SPD?

It is not. Delta is a Look company design, with a three-hole cleat design. SPD is Shimano with a two-hole design.

Can You ride Peloton without cleats?

Yes, you can. Peloton can be used with some
clips and toes cagesthat allow you to ride it without cleats or in regular sneakers.

Final Thoughts

Look, Delta Vs. SPD cleats? The cleats are so different yet manage a couple of similarities. And which of the two cleat systems is better? Of course, the better cleat system will depend on the purpose you use with the cleats.

Delta is the best choice if you are looking for a competitive road bike venture. SPD is an excellent choice if you need commuting cleats.