Modifying Shimano SPD-SL pedals for use with straps

I use Shimano SPD-SL pedals at the track, and I needed to modify them so they could be used in conjunction with a strap for extra security during standing starts in Olympic Sprints and in match sprints.

I found some info on fixedgearfever and bicycleforums about modifying SPD-R pedals for use with a strap, and have seen pictures of older style Look pedals modified with wing nuts etc to stop them accidentally releasing, but found little on how to do this with SPD-SLs. Then I discovered Tomity's SPD-SL mod for keirin racers and thought I'd try and come up with something that didn't involve drilling the pedal spindle.

The mod below is straightforward to do and unlike methods that involve drilling is easily reversible / portable to other SPD-SL pedals.

The completed mod.

 

You need a pair of steel toeclips, plus an M3 x 25mm long bolt (aka 'machine screw') and nut.

 

Before cutting the loop from the toeclip, bend the end of the clip on the underside of the pedal to give it a curve. this is much easier to do before you cut the end off the clip as you can use the clip itself for leverage.

 

Cut the end of the toeclip off with a Dremel. Drill out the rivet and slightly enlarge the hole so that its at least 3mm wide.

 

Using a dremel cutting disc cut out a piece of flat steel from the remainder of the toeclip. This piece will fit into the recess that's between the plastic nameplate and the spring loaded rear of the pedal. You can trace the outline of the recess onto paper to get the shape right. It doesn't have to be perfect; cut the piece crudely and slightly large then shape it to fit afterwards. You need two of these plates, one for each pedal. Use the first one as a template for cutting the second. Drill a 3mm hole in the centre of each piece.

 

The completed piece.

 

Assemble by fitting the bolt through the 2 parts of the assembly, and tightening the nut. The nut doesn't have to be ultra tight - just enough to keep the strap loop snugly braced against the pedal spindle and the rear plastic clip mechanism. Add an M3 washer between the nut and the loop.

 

 

The profile of the pedal. Cornering clearance isn't affected by the mod, as the outside edge of the pedal will contact the banking before either the strap loop or the screw does. You could file the screw down slightly for appearances sake if you feel the need.

 

Although the loop is resting on the rear clip mechansim of the pedal, it is unaffected by the modification; the clip mechanism only needs to move very slightly when clipping / unclipping.

 

When clipped in the upward force on the strap is borne entirely by the body of the pedal rather than by the loop modification.

 

 

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