I've ridden just about every SPD offering from shimano, and even have been experimenting with the look x-track pedals, but I keep coming back to my M520s for the mtb. Same set is still going strong after 15 years with a rebuild every 2-3 years.
I have been using XT m8100 clipless pedals for years and have never had any issues! I thought it was a good compromises between weight and price, plus it matches the rest of my bike components which it is all XT! 🤘🏾
I was wishing I had a set to compare after opening these 2 up together. People definitely love the XTs. I expect it to be sealed like the 540 but with the nicer axle similar to XTR. Thanks for watching!!
Re spindle length--I saw one video where the poster said the shorter spindle is intended for bikes with wider 'boost' spacing like fat bikes to compensate for that difference. Nothing to do with better power transfer or more comfortable pedalling position, etc. I just bought the XTRs yesterday, and went with the standard 55mm width.
Q factor (the distance between your feet) can be a bit controversial. I’m in the camp that believes narrow is better. Go run on a beach, as you move from walking to running, and as you speed up, you’ll see that your feet get closer together and eventually follow a single center line. Compare this with using an elliptical machine (which holds your feet at a fixed width) where I always feel like I’m trying to run while straddling a horse. Does a few mm difference matter? I don’t know, but it sure does on my seatpost. So given the choice, I’ll take narrower. YMMV 🙂
Funny thing is, it takes literally the same work and materials to make either pedal. So basicaly, they are purposely making a shittier one and then overpricing the other.
From looking at it, I’d bet the XTR spindle is some kind of hardened stainless (17-4ph??) and the 540 is black-oxide 4140 steel. I’d also wonder about the spring and cage stampings…possibly plated steel on the cheap pedal and stainless on the xtr,
@@AnAvidCyclist : yup, many stainless steels are magnetic, and most non-magnetic ones will become magnetic if the material is cold-worked (like hard-drawn sheet for example).
I've ridden just about every SPD offering from shimano, and even have been experimenting with the look x-track pedals, but I keep coming back to my M520s for the mtb. Same set is still going strong after 15 years with a rebuild every 2-3 years.
Can’t argue with solid design and a great price!!
I have been using XT m8100 clipless pedals for years and have never had any issues! I thought it was a good compromises between weight and price, plus it matches the rest of my bike components which it is all XT! 🤘🏾
I was wishing I had a set to compare after opening these 2 up together. People definitely love the XTs. I expect it to be sealed like the 540 but with the nicer axle similar to XTR. Thanks for watching!!
Re spindle length--I saw one video where the poster said the shorter spindle is intended for bikes with wider 'boost' spacing like fat bikes to compensate for that difference. Nothing to do with better power transfer or more comfortable pedalling position, etc. I just bought the XTRs yesterday, and went with the standard 55mm width.
Q factor (the distance between your feet) can be a bit controversial. I’m in the camp that believes narrow is better. Go run on a beach, as you move from walking to running, and as you speed up, you’ll see that your feet get closer together and eventually follow a single center line. Compare this with using an elliptical machine (which holds your feet at a fixed width) where I always feel like I’m trying to run while straddling a horse. Does a few mm difference matter? I don’t know, but it sure does on my seatpost. So given the choice, I’ll take narrower. YMMV 🙂
Funny thing is, it takes literally the same work and materials to make either pedal. So basicaly, they are purposely making a shittier one and then overpricing the other.
100%. I was actually pretty disappointed the first time I cracked the XTR open. But they do just work.
I mean who needs a carbon bike. It’s a hobby-relax
Had my M540 for years, riding them hard and never had an issue with them...
Solid pedals for sure. Little reason to bother with anything else. Hopefully you’ve re-greased them though!!
I use XT on my converted “gravel” bike - from my understanding, it does not have the same seal issue while having a better price and ok weight
Yeah, there’s a lot of devoted XT users. I’m not sure what they offer over the 540’s though, especially with the great price on the 540’s!
I recently bought the XTRs to replace my almost 30 year old 737s. The weight comparison was crazy. XTRs were 200g lighter as a pair than the 737s 😮
And compared to other high end parts they aren’t that expensive either
Does the wider platform on the 9100 make any noticeable difference in comfort or performance?
I can’t feel any difference once clipped in
From looking at it, I’d bet the XTR spindle is some kind of hardened stainless (17-4ph??) and the 540 is black-oxide 4140 steel.
I’d also wonder about the spring and cage stampings…possibly plated steel on the cheap pedal and stainless on the xtr,
Worth noting that the XTR axle and springs were magnetic
@@AnAvidCyclist : yup, many stainless steels are magnetic, and most non-magnetic ones will become magnetic if the material is cold-worked (like hard-drawn sheet for example).
Love my xtr’s, except for the shit seals.
Batman