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Cleatskins SP ProBikeSkins

7
£14.95

VERDICT:

7
10
Functionally excellent but of limited use in the real world.
Weight: 
70g
Contact: 
www.cleatskins.co.uk

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Cleatskins SP ProBikeSkins make it easier to walk in Speedplay cleats, but they're probably too much faff for most people.

The only downside to Speedplay cleats is that they're make walking, particularly across shiny office floors, a decidedly precarious activity. For just such occasions these Cleatskins SP ProBikeSkins simply clip over the cleat and mean you can walk about off the bike without fearing off land on your bum.

They're a bit of a bugger to get onto the cleat though, especially when you're trying to do so while balancing on one leg. The trick is to get it mostly on, then just lean on them with your body weight. The snap into place. Once on they stay secure and you can walk, I mean hobble, around the office, cafe or wherever you've decided to abandon your bike.

In reality though, I've hardly used them. Even when I used to work in an office, I found it was just too much of a fiddle to dig them out of my backpack, scoop down and put them on, and then walk into the office. I like living with a bit of risk yet, and have perfected the art of skillful skittering across the floor. And I really can't imagine anyone would carry them in a jersey pocket for the post-ride cafe stop, it's just not worth the trouble.

So, they work well but I can happily live without them. If you really want some covers for your cleats though, these are well designed, easy to use and don't cost all that much. If you do a lot of walking on hard surfaces, using these is going to prolong the life of the cleats significantly, so they could be worth a look.

Verdict

Functionally excellent but of limited use in the real world.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Cleatskins SP ProBikeSkins

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Cleat Grips are designed specifically to fit Speedplay Zero, Look Keo, Time ICLIC and Shimano SPD-SL cleats. Cleat Grips fit over the cleat for a cushioned, comfortable movement to and from your bike and they are easily stored in your back pocket while riding

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Patent pending lightweight Skintek™ protects your cleats

Produces a softer, more secure and comfortable heel-toe stride

Preserves flooring and are Washable

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Excellent.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

They do work very well.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

The material is very durable, you'll never wear them out.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Cheaper than wearing out the expensive cleats if you do a lot of walking.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

They work well, but I have never really found them essential. I can live without them.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Ease of use, makes walking safe.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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