I purchased these with high expectations - thought they were a step up from the multi exit SH-56 cleats. Glad I tried them out before my Arizona trip.
I am not quite sure what Shimano tried to accomplish with these cleats - they work but for me not as well as the SH-56. As soon as I put them on I went back to the SM-SH56. I did not feel I could get out of them as quickly and easily as I liked for mountain biking. Maybe for gravel biking they are ok, but so are the SM-SH56. I still prefer SPD over platform pedals and the SM-SH56 in the lowest retention setting are a good compromise for me.
I didn't notice a difference. Secure lock-in.
There is minimal difference between the standard SH-51 and the new CL-MT001. The CL-MT001 has a curved front and is a hairline narrower, but I noticed no improvements for walkability or clipping in that Shimano claims. It is a scam to sell you new cleats. Beyond freshening up your cleats, I wouldn't recommend.
Needing new cleats, i figured I'd try the upgraded version. Hard to explain, but they feel more solid - def a more pronounced click when pressing down - but that's likely based on me forgetting what new vs worn cleats feel like
Float is good, and unclipping is a breeze
Works well. These are especially good for cyclocross
