Is there a benefit using SPD SH-51 cleats over SH-56?

Question

With SH-56, you can remove your shoes easier.
I wonder if there's a benefit of using SH-51 over SH-56? Does 51 help produce more power (less loss)?

MaplePanda · Accepted Answer

SH56 releases when you pull up on the cleats, ironically defeating the largest benefit you’re trying to achieve by using a clipless pedal system. Using SH51 allows you to benefit from that upstroke.
Before anyone tells me that “you can’t pull up!”, try pulling up more than you push down while sprinting  out of the saddle, clipped in. You can actually pick the entire rear end of the bike up off the ground with each leg by pulling up hard enough. Try doing that with flats!
As you said, using SH56 will make it easier to remove the shoe from the pedal, defeating another purpose of clipless systems: better foot retention. Racking up the pedal tension while using SH56 in an effort to make release more difficult defeats the purpose of SH56.
SH56 is a crutch for inexperienced clipless users who haven’t mastered the clip-out movement yet. That’s it. Arguably, it is best to never use it so you completely remove the pull-up-to-release instinct from your body. Simply turn the tension down as a beginner. You’ll pop out in a crash, don’t you worry.

juhist · Answer

With sh-56, you can remove your shoes easier.

Let us consider a lock.
If you can open the lock with any key, not just the specific key you have in your pocket, is it a good thing?
I would consider the number one feature of locks that it is opened by only the key intended for it.
A similar consideration applies to clipless systems.
If you can release the cleat with any motion, not just the specific motion intended for releasing it, is it a good thing? No. You may accidentally release the cleat when pedaling hard. The sudden unintended release of the cleat can be very dangerous. If you are pedaling hard and suddenly the cleat releases, it could cause you to fall.

Does 51 help produce more power (less loss)?

Yes, but not via less loss.
With SH-56, you cannot pedal hard or else you risk accidental cleat release and thus falling.
With SH-51, you can confidently pedal with as much force as you can produce.

Is there a benefit using SPD SH-51 cleats over SH-56?

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