Side by side
Shimano XT vs Shimano SPD-SL
Shimano XT
32 positive (82%) · 4 mixed (10%) · 3 negative (8%)
Trust + time weighted: +76%
Top excerpts
I think the XT groupset on my last bike actually shifted a bit better.
I find that Shimano seems to have cheaper replacement parts (price out an XT cassette vs X01), and prefer the maintenance on their brakes to Sram. Lever feel is totally personal, but of the two, Shimano wins
Shimano xt are great
No contest. XT is bulletproof. Never ever had any issues with XT on any bikes.
XT will be like half the price, lighter, and shift better.
Shimano SPD-SL
18 positive (78%) · 2 mixed (9%) · 3 negative (13%)
Trust + time weighted: +69%
Top excerpts
I ordered 4 14tb recert drives from them for my new server last month. Two are fine but the other two wasn't able to read smart data or perform smart tests. Currently being sent back to them. Kinda disappointed first time
As someone that recently transitioned from SPD to SPD-SL for road riding, I'd highly recommend it! Did take me a couple of rides to get used to clipping in (I was using double sided SPD pedals before), but now would never go back to SPD.
SLs just feel better on a road bike. I resisted for ages and my feet paid the price. The larger platform on a SPD-SL is fantastic for roady/zwift stuff.
SPD-SL is superior for the road, full stop.
SPD-SL is much more comfortable than SPD. I get the advantages to SPD: easier to walk and…actually I can’t think of another advantage to SPD.