Compared with inventory settings, cleats can save up to 30 grams

This game is now over

Silca’s new 3D printed titanium double-bolt mountain bike clipless pedal cleats are said to last four times longer than brass cleats.

The cleats priced at $85 are 3D printed from 6Al 4V titanium and have a "hollow" structure, leaving gaps filled with gyroscopic lattices.

The main claimed advantage of titanium splints is increased strength. They are said to be about twice as strong as ordinary brass splints. This combined life expectancy is approximately three to four times that of standard brass splints.

Brass cleats are used for Time Atac and Link pedals, as well as Crankbrothers pedals. However, the product page of cleats does not describe the comparison of cleats with steel stock Shimano SPD cleats in terms of service life.

We have asked Silca for clarification and will update this article when we get more information.

It is said that the cleats have also reduced a moderate weight. Compared with a set of steel Shimano cleats, the entire titanium cleats and hardware kit are said to be reduced by up to 30 grams.

It is said that the strength of titanium cleats is slightly lower than the steel fixing plates used in clipless pedals. This means that they are still worn/disposable items in a typical pedal system.

The cleats can be used with the standard two-bolt Shimano SPD system, Crankbrothers pedals, and 10 degree Time Atac pedals.

Of course, the cleats come with matching titanium hardware. Unusually, they use T25 heads (4 mm hex heads are more commonly used for cleats), and Silca claims that these heads are not prone to long-term wear.

It is said that this $85 cleat has been tested by six athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The cleats will be shipped in late November, and the international pricing is yet to be determined.

Jack Luke is the associate editor of BikeRadar and he has been studying bicycles all his life. Jack is always looking for the most fashionable new niche in cycling. He considers himself a gravel idiot, troublemaker, tandem evangelist and mountain climbing effort. Jack thinks that riding a bicycle to sleep in the ditch after get off work, or accepting stupid challenges for the BikeRadar YouTube channel. He is also a regular contributor to the BikeRadar podcast. With almost encyclopedic knowledge of bicycle technology, from the most esoteric retro niche to the most cutting-edge modern equipment, Jack is proud to be able to find stories that would otherwise not be reported. He also particularly likes tan tires, generator lights, cup and cone bearings, and skis. Jack has been writing and testing bicycles for more than five years. Before that, he had worked in a bicycle shop for many years, and he often found riding strange and wonderful machines. You can often see Jack and his partner riding in their beloved tandem Cecil.

Subscribe to Cycling Plus Magazine to save 35% + get Lezyne Mini Floor Pump HP! 

Subscribe to British mountain bikes now and save 30% + get Lezyne Micro Drive 600XL headlights

Sign up to receive our newsletter!

Thanks! You have subscribed to our newsletter.

Already have our account? Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences

By entering your details, you agree to the BikeRadar terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to British Mountain Bike Magazine and save up to 51%

Subscribe to Cycling Plus Magazine and save up to 51%