Shimano Y40B98150 road pedal cleat spacers

Shimano ’s SM-SH20 height adjustment spacers, part number Y40B98150, are designed to precisely adjust the height of SPD-SL cleats Shimano between the shoe and the pedal. They allow the cleat height to be adjusted by 1 to 5 mm, in order to optimise foot position and improve comfort and pedalling feel.

These spacers are particularly useful for cyclists seeking precise adjustment of their position on the bike, especially as part of a postural analysis, a biomechanical assessment or to compensate for a difference in leg length.

Precisely adjust the height of your SPD-SL cleats

The position of the cleat plays an important role in the quality of your pedalling. A difference in height or asymmetry between the two legs can affect pelvic position, knee alignment and how you feel during rides.

The SM-SH20 ‘Shimano ’ are stackable spacers that allow you to gradually achieve the desired height. ‘ Shimano ’ indicates an adjustment range of 1 to 5 mm.

The kit includes:

• 1 x 1 mm spacer
• 2 x 2 mm spacers
• 3 M5 x 10 mm screws
• 3 M5 x 13.5 mm screws

The different thicknesses can be combined to achieve the desired height.

Shimano SPD-SL compatibility

Shimano ’s SM-SH20 spacers are designed for the SPD-SL SM-SH10, SM-SH11 and SM-SH12 road cleats. They are therefore compatible with the three main types of SPD-SL Shimano cleats: fixed cleats, cleats with angular freedom and cleats with central pivoting.

In particular, they can be used with Shimano road pedals fitted with the SPD-SL system.

Please note: the SM-SH20 are not cleats. They are simply spacers designed to adjust the mounting height of the cleat.

Why use Shimano SM-SH20 cleat spacers?

Spacers can be useful in various situations:

• To compensate for a slight difference in leg length
• To adjust the cleat height during a cycling posture assessment
• To fine-tune the position of the foot in relation to the pedal axis
• To correct certain positioning asymmetries
• Adapting the adjustment to shoes or insoles with different characteristics
• Achieve a more balanced and comfortable pedalling position

The aim is not necessarily to systematically place a spacer under each cleat. The adjustment should be made gradually and either symmetrically or asymmetrically, depending on the identified needs.

The SM-SH20 spacers are particularly useful when standard cleat adjustment is no longer sufficient to achieve a satisfactory position. Their main advantage is the ability to adjust the height of the cleat in small increments, rather than radically altering the position of the foot.

For a cyclist who rides regularly, a few millimetres can have a noticeable effect on the feel of pedalling. A difference in leg length, a particular type of sole, or simply a desire to optimise one’s position may justify the use of these spacers.

The important point is not to view the SM-SH20 as an accessory designed to automatically resolve pain or a biomechanical problem. For significant corrections or where discomfort persists, it is best to have your position assessed by a posture specialist.

Another point to bear in mind: Shimano offers a range of thicknesses and suitable fasteners, allowing for a precise adjustment without having to improvise using washers or screws of the wrong length.

Technical specifications for Shimano Y40B98150

• Brand: Shimano
• Manufacturer’s reference: Y40B98150
• Productname: SM-SH20 Cleat Spacer
• Type: spacers / height-adjustment spacers for pedal cleats
• Use: road bike
• Compatible systems: Shimano SPD-SL
• Compatible cleats: SM-SH10 / SM-SH11 / SM-SH12
• Available adjustment: 1 to 5 mm
• 1 mm spacer: 1 piece
• 2 mm spacers: 2 pieces
• M5 x 10 mm screws: 3 pieces
• M5 x 13.5 mm screws: 3 pieces
• Shimano reference: Y40B98150
• EAN: 4524667933731

These specifications correspond to the data published by Shimano for the SM-SH20 kit.

Fitting the Shimano SM-SH20 spacers

The spacer is positioned between the sole of the shoe and the SPD-SL cleat. The cleat is then secured using the appropriate fasteners.

It is recommended that you proceed gradually: start with the thinnest spacer required, then check the position and how it feels before adding any further spacers.

When carrying out a biomechanical adjustment, it is also important to check the cleat’s position along the other axes: rearward offset, lateral position and orientation.

In summary

Shimano s SM-SH20 Y40B98150 are height-adjustment spacers designed for SPD-SL cleats Shimano s SM-SH10, SM-SH11 and SM-SH12. Thanks to their stackable design, they allow the height of the cleat to be adjusted by 1 to 5 mm.

This accessory is particularly useful for cyclists wishing to optimise their pedalling position, compensate for a difference in leg length or fine-tune their settings following a postural assessment.