Shimano PD-5700 Pedal Compatibility Secrets: What Works, What Fails, and What to Avoid

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The Shimano PD-5700[paid link] pedals, part of the 105-series component line, are engineered for efficiency, reliability, and broad compatibility across Shimano’s SPD-SL road ecosystem. While these pedals have been succeeded by newer generations, their design remains a benchmark for performance-to-value balance. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding PD-5700 pedal compatibility, including which cleats, shoes, cranksets, and drivetrain components integrate smoothly—and which combinations should be avoided.

Understanding the Shimano PD-5700 Design

The PD-5700 pedals are SPD-SL type clipless pedals featuring a wide platform for optimal power transfer and a low-profile design that enhances stability. They use a Chromoly spindle with sealed cartridge bearings, ensuring long-term smoothness and durability.

Shimano designed the PD-5700 to deliver consistent engagement and release performance for both competitive and recreational road cyclists. However, correct compatibility is crucial to maintaining these qualities. Mismatched cleats, shoes, or crank arms can compromise engagement precision and riding comfort.

Cleat Compatibility: The Core of PD-5700 Performance

The PD-5700 pedals are SPD-SL specific. This system is different from the MTB-oriented SPD system used on mountain bikes and touring pedals.

Compatible Cleats

  • SM-SH11[paid link] (Yellow) – Standard float cleat with 6° of lateral movement. Ideal for most riders, providing a balance between comfort and efficiency.
  • SM-SH12[paid link] (Blue) – 2° float cleat that offers a more locked-in feel for riders seeking tighter engagement without complete restriction.
  • SM-SH10[paid link] (Red) – Zero-float cleat for maximum power transfer, suitable for racers or riders with precise biomechanics.

All three cleat types are fully compatible with the PD-5700. However, it’s critical to ensure the cleat bolts are torqued correctly and the shoes are SPD-SL road-specific. MTB shoes with recessed cleat mounts are not compatible.

Cleats to Avoid

  • SPD cleats (two-bolt system)
  • Non-Shimano SPD-SL copies with altered engagement geometry
  • Worn or deformed cleats, which can cause accidental disengagement or excessive play

Using off-brand or worn cleats can lead to uneven pedal wear, premature release, or unsafe clip-in behavior. For consistent performance, stick to genuine Shimano SPD-SL cleats.

Shoe Compatibility and Fit Considerations

The PD-5700 is compatible with three-bolt road cycling shoes. This includes Shimano’s own RC-series and other brands like Sidi, Giro, Specialized, and Fizik, provided they adhere to the standard SPD-SL bolt pattern.

However, there are a few key fit considerations:

  • Shoes with excessive sole curvature can cause uneven pedal contact, affecting power transfer.
  • Shoes designed for “Look Keo” cleats may have minor alignment differences that slightly alter cleat angle or engagement tension.
  • Carbon-soled shoes perform best with PD-5700 pedals, offering direct force transfer and better energy efficiency.

Always ensure cleat alignment matches your natural pedaling biomechanics. Misalignment can lead to knee discomfort or uneven pedal wear.

Crankset and Drivetrain Compatibility

Although the pedals interface with the rider rather than the drivetrain directly, crank arm design and Q-factor (the distance between crank arms) can subtly influence engagement and comfort.

The PD-5700 is fully compatible with:

  • Shimano 105 (5700, 5800, 7000) series cranksets
  • Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets
  • Tiagra and Sora road series cranksets with standard pedal threading (9/16” x 20 TPI)

These pedals use the standard 9/16-inch thread, meaning they can fit nearly all modern road cranks. However, when installing onto carbon crank arms, apply a thin film of grease or anti-seize compound to prevent thread binding or creaking under torque.

Avoid pairing PD-5700 pedals with cranksets that use proprietary spindle threads or older square-taper cranks not designed for road clipless systems.

Bearing and Axle Compatibility

The PD-5700 uses serviceable sealed cartridge bearings, meaning it shares spindle maintenance principles with other SPD-SL pedals. The internal bearing assembly and spindle design are compatible with other mid-tier Shimano SPD-SL models, including PD-5610 and PD-5800.

However, the axle units themselves are not interchangeable between SPD-SL and SPD designs, or between different pedal series with structural differences (e.g., Dura-Ace PD-9000). Mixing parts can lead to misaligned bearings or excessive friction under load.

If servicing, use only Shimano-specific tools and original replacement kits to ensure bearing preload and seal integrity are preserved.

Drivetrain and Cleat Float Alignment

Riders often overlook how drivetrain alignment interacts with pedal float. If your bike has narrow Q-factor crank arms and minimal float cleats (e.g., SH10), the result can be excessive inward knee tracking or rubbing on the crank arm.

The PD-5700’s design compensates for moderate lateral flexibility, but ideal alignment requires balancing:

  • Cleat float setting
  • Saddle height and setback
  • Q-factor width

This coordination ensures smooth pedaling motion and reduced joint stress during long rides.

Cross-Compatibility with Newer SPD-SL Systems

Although Shimano has released several updated SPD-SL pedals since the PD-5700, backward compatibility remains a cornerstone of Shimano’s design philosophy. The PD-5700 is compatible with:

  • Modern SPD-SL cleats (SM-SH11[paid link], SH12, SH10)
  • Current-generation road shoes using the same three-bolt pattern
  • Newer SPD-SL spindle tools and bearing kits

However, note that some new cleat materials are slightly softer, meaning they wear faster when walking. Riders using PD-5700 pedals should periodically inspect cleat wear indicators and replace when necessary to maintain precise engagement.

Combinations to Avoid

To preserve the longevity and performance of the PD-5700, avoid these setups:

  • Mixing SPD-SL cleats with Look Keo pedals or vice versa
  • Using non-Shimano aftermarket cleats without proven engagement geometry
  • Installing on MTB cranks or flat pedals with incompatible threading
  • Over-torquing the pedal spindle, which can damage crank arm threads
  • Using excessive lubricant on pedal surfaces, which reduces engagement friction

These incompatibilities can cause unsafe disengagement, accelerated wear, or poor pedaling efficiency.

Optimizing Compatibility for Performance

For best performance with PD-5700 pedals:

  • Pair with Shimano RC or S-Phyre shoes for optimized interface design.
  • Regularly clean and lightly grease the contact points to prevent corrosion.
  • Maintain cleat torque (5–6 Nm) for consistent alignment.
  • Re-grease spindle bearings every 5,000–8,000 km, depending on riding conditions.

This combination ensures smooth entry and release, consistent power transfer, and reduced maintenance frequency.

Conclusion

The Shimano PD-5700 pedals remain one of the most reliable SPD-SL options for riders seeking proven compatibility and efficiency. When paired correctly with SPD-SL cleats, road-specific shoes, and standard crank arms, they offer a seamless pedaling experience. However, overlooking compatibility—especially with cleats or crank threads—can compromise safety and performance. Following the correct compatibility guidelines ensures your PD-5700 pedals deliver precise engagement, long service life, and the consistent performance Shimano pedals are known for.