Great review and comparison. Well narrated and filmed. I run all the pedals you mentioned 😁 One visible M8000 v M8100 difference you omitted: on the former the cleat retention mechanisms are retained with cross-headed screws. The latter uses Torx headed ones.
Careful! They might not be Phillips. Case in point: the cross-headed screws on Shimano derailleurs AREN'T Phillips - hence why Park have a special screwdriver for them. Though in truth, you should be fine.
still using some M520s and really dont see any reason to pay more for 35 gram less weight. Yeah the 8000 and 8100 look better but after this video I really see no reason to pay more. Thanks for the great review
@@yanmtb True, and if I was racing, then the consideration would be different. The user experience is certainly different, and there's certainly nothing wrong with splurging if you want that more premium ride experience. I'm not racing other than my mates on the group ride for fun, so I care a lot more about durability than weight. I ride my stuff hard enough that my bike shop guys call me "the destroyer." I've broken two different wheels, a brake caliper, and a crank axle. But I've never had an M520 fail, so they get my approval.
Hi, gr8 review. I run PDM-8000's. (Everything on my bike: brakes, wheelset, gear set, cranks, etc are all XT). After watching your review on the 8100's, I don't see any reason to upgrade. I use SH-51 cleats with old school XC50 shoes that I bought new in 2012 & after 15000 klms, are still in excellent condition. I like the idea of the SH-56's having multi-angle release & wish I knew about these back in 2012 when I started out - but wouldn't change now, because as of 2015 I have a road bike also & figured if in an emergency unclip type scenario - I may forget I'm on the roadie - and try and pull up with the SH-10's on the Ultegra's and fall off. So, at least the 10's and the 51's have exactly the same release action.
Ive been using m520 for ten years TEN years with no maintenance ¡ I was wondering buy-in Crankbrothers eggbeater but Maybe ill buy M8100 Shimano pedals are bombproof ¡
Excellent video, thank you! I've been using M520s on MTB and road bikes for 20 years and they've worked well, but have a new carbon road bike and looking to shave some weight. I found the 8100s on sale for $90 so I sprung for those.
Thanks for the informative video. I’ve had the Deore XT PD-M8000 for several years now, and they are excellent. Just recently the right one’s bearing is making nice. I looked at the 8100 vs the 8000, and was unconvinced they were worth another $10 (both discounted), so I just bought another 8000 this morning. Thanks for the video that reinforces that I made a good choice. Just a word of caution... I’ve noticed Chinese knockoffs with sane part#s as well American reseller scammers marking up the prices on these. For example, I ordered online from my LBS (Kyle’s) for $119.99, and on the Walmart website a 3rd party crook is charging $170.09 for the same pedals.
I just started to use SPD-s few months ago and together with the pedals I ordered cleats for begginers. Also I got brand new Cube SPD shoes and it’s perfect combination for me. Pedals are M520 For me it’s a big change but in better way 💪 Thank you for your nice video as always
Sticking with my 1 year old M520 for 2020, although after 1k km they became a bit loud/squeaky so every some time have to clean and grease them... Thanks for the review! :)
i've got the m520's for about 2 years now, they're my first and only set of clipless pedals. they've been reliable so far, though when trying out a friend's bike with m530's and coming back to mine, i've noticed the lack of extra material on the outside platform of my 520's allows my foot to roll laterally outwards. it looks like the xt's have that same extra width outboard of the clips while being much, much lighter in weight than the 530's
M820 Saints on the big bike. M520s on the fat bike. Thanks for the info - I had a feeling that the pricey XC pedals weren’t worth it. Most of the shops around me don’t stock the M520 - they push everyone into more pedal than they need.
Yours is a nice presentation but an important "detail" is missing, which is NOT a detail. I purchased the 8000 7 years ago and compared them with the 8100 purchased the day before yesterday: the front and rear recesses of the 8100 are slightly wider, so the studs fit looser. Basically the foot benefits from greater oscillations, and this may not please everyone. Greetings
Thank You for the very very good information. Now I know the difference between the clips and why I cannot make the black release as smooth as my blank. Thank you again
@@xeren45 it was always the retention (clips). I would replace the cleats and tighten the adjustment but they would still clip out way too easily. That was quite a few years ago now, though, so they might be more resilient these days...
Not happy with Shimano 8100, done 1300k. And i had to dismantle them 3 times already because they come lose in cones and develop play. I have 14year old BBB and open them from curiosity. Inside nicely pack with original grease and bearings. Still smooth as new and no play. Shimano cost me £90 and BBB €35. Weight difference? BBB 20g lighter.
Hello sir i'm going to buy my first clipless pedals, M540 and M520 these are my considerations. In shimano's website M540 has more specifications than M520. In youtube very less people talks about M540. I am confused between these two, please help me in finding my next future pedals? Thanks in advance.
i would say, please go with M540 if possible, I've been using M540 for with SH-56 multi release clip for years, M540 has a slightly better spec compare to M520 and still give you good value for money.
@@LoveMTB i guess the one with polished aluminum cage around is M545, also have used this pedal while ago, great pedal mechanism with dual-sided 'pop-up' bindings that position the body at 12.5 degrees angle for easy and fast entry, also a good pedal, only downside is the weight.
Thumbs up for the vid. So the only real difference with M520 would be about 40gr? the rest is only marketing? I guess only 'pro' are able to 'feel' the difference. The amateur I am (I currently use mixed pedals and after 3 hours, I feel like going back home...) can't feel any difference when I put or not my 120gr gps on my bike, so I will order the M520. Nevetherless, I will probably try later the 9100 if I find them at around 60€, to look like more a 'pro' and just to make sure I am not missing something.
I've been rocking multiple 520's over the years as well as M8000 and M8020. Other than a bit more maintenance with m520, there's not much practical difference. That said - M8020 design is pretty useless. For rougher terrain I settled on XT T8000, they have clips on one side and pins on the other. I changed pins to longer ones and those pedals handle abuse like champs (reflectors fell out on day one in a bike park, lol). Alternative to T8000 is PD-EH500, looks probably a bit better too. The only criticism I have is regarding "multi release in for new riders". Well - maybe. But it's also going to save you ass during unforeseeable events and a lot of great riders I've met actually suggest to always use those cleats, especially in rougher terrain.
shimano pedals are not as durable as they used to be. I bought the xtr trail pair and the bearings become loose quite often. In the end to buy the 520 and replace them when they're worn is the way to go
@@LoveMTB the trail xtr. In fact they replace the first pair i bought for a new one. But after 2 years you can tell they have excesive play. Im a light rider and have not strong legs at all
@@LoveMTB correct the 9020, i just checked. First pair got destroyed within a month. Second pair goes better, but requieres fine tunning of the ball bearings
My M520 have been going strong for around 7 years now, will replace with like when they wear out. I prefer the option to use a spanner to loosen them off when removing
M-520 with SH-56 for me, I've this combo on all my bikes, good value for money and i don't need more.
What level of tension do u use?
@@proofcow4 , not too strong. I prefer to unclip easily.
i just started using clipless and went with the cheap and cheerful m520, great comparison thanks
been using the M520 on my bikes since 1987
Great review and comparison. Well narrated and filmed.
I run all the pedals you mentioned 😁
One visible M8000 v M8100 difference you omitted: on the former the cleat retention mechanisms are retained with cross-headed screws. The latter uses Torx headed ones.
Thanks for pointing that out! Just had to fix a M8000 pedal and I have to admit, was nervous with that Philips screw heads used
Careful! They might not be Phillips. Case in point: the cross-headed screws on Shimano derailleurs AREN'T Phillips - hence why Park have a special screwdriver for them.
Though in truth, you should be fine.
I have M520, M8100 and M9100, the latter the best 😎 👊🏻 as always is Shimano XTR
And the price reflects that 😊
still using some M520s and really dont see any reason to pay more for 35 gram less weight. Yeah the 8000 and 8100 look better but after this video I really see no reason to pay more. Thanks for the great review
en competencia cada gramo de la bici cuenta
@@yanmtb True, and if I was racing, then the consideration would be different. The user experience is certainly different, and there's certainly nothing wrong with splurging if you want that more premium ride experience. I'm not racing other than my mates on the group ride for fun, so I care a lot more about durability than weight. I ride my stuff hard enough that my bike shop guys call me "the destroyer." I've broken two different wheels, a brake caliper, and a crank axle. But I've never had an M520 fail, so they get my approval.
Great pedals,and very easy to install🎉
Hi, gr8 review. I run PDM-8000's. (Everything on my bike: brakes, wheelset, gear set, cranks, etc are all XT). After watching your review on the 8100's, I don't see any reason to upgrade. I use SH-51 cleats with old school XC50 shoes that I bought new in 2012 & after 15000 klms, are still in excellent condition. I like the idea of the SH-56's having multi-angle release & wish I knew about these back in 2012 when I started out - but wouldn't change now, because as of 2015 I have a road bike also & figured if in an emergency unclip type scenario - I may forget I'm on the roadie - and try and pull up with the SH-10's on the Ultegra's and fall off. So, at least the 10's and the 51's have exactly the same release action.
Ive been using m520 for ten years TEN years with no maintenance ¡
I was wondering buy-in Crankbrothers eggbeater but Maybe ill buy M8100 Shimano pedals are bombproof ¡
The M8100 are now using torx bolts for the plates rather than philips/JIS on the M8000, hardly a reason to upgrade but a change none the less.
Excellent video, thank you! I've been using M520s on MTB and road bikes for 20 years and they've worked well, but have a new carbon road bike and looking to shave some weight. I found the 8100s on sale for $90 so I sprung for those.
Thanks for the informative video. I’ve had the Deore XT PD-M8000 for several years now, and they are excellent. Just recently the right one’s bearing is making nice. I looked at the 8100 vs the 8000, and was unconvinced they were worth another $10 (both discounted), so I just bought another 8000 this morning.
Thanks for the video that reinforces that I made a good choice. Just a word of caution... I’ve noticed Chinese knockoffs with sane part#s as well American reseller scammers marking up the prices on these. For example, I ordered online from my LBS (Kyle’s) for $119.99, and on the Walmart website a 3rd party crook is charging $170.09 for the same pedals.
*Works great for our needs.*
I just got M520, cant wait for the shoes to be delivered to try it out for the first time.
Good video and informative too!
I just started to use SPD-s few months ago and together with the pedals I ordered cleats for begginers.
Also I got brand new Cube SPD shoes and it’s perfect combination for me.
Pedals are M520
For me it’s a big change but in better way 💪
Thank you for your nice video as always
Does the slightly wider platform make any noticeable difference in comfort or performance?
Not even one bit, you won't notice it
Sticking with my 1 year old M520 for 2020, although after 1k km they became a bit loud/squeaky so every some time have to clean and grease them... Thanks for the review! :)
Great video, very informative and detailed, thanks.
i've got the m520's for about 2 years now, they're my first and only set of clipless pedals. they've been reliable so far, though when trying out a friend's bike with m530's and coming back to mine, i've noticed the lack of extra material on the outside platform of my 520's allows my foot to roll laterally outwards. it looks like the xt's have that same extra width outboard of the clips while being much, much lighter in weight than the 530's
M820 Saints on the big bike. M520s on the fat bike. Thanks for the info - I had a feeling that the pricey XC pedals weren’t worth it. Most of the shops around me don’t stock the M520 - they push everyone into more pedal than they need.
Yours is a nice presentation but an important "detail" is missing, which is NOT a detail.
I purchased the 8000 7 years ago and compared them with the 8100 purchased the day before yesterday: the front and rear recesses of the 8100 are slightly wider, so the studs fit looser. Basically the foot benefits from greater oscillations, and this may not please everyone. Greetings
Good point, thanks for sharing.
Is it posible to add baskets in front
Thank You for the very very good information. Now I know the difference between the clips and why I cannot make the black release as smooth as my blank. Thank you again
mis pedales xt8000 ya se han dañado su interior muy malo
Valew amigo...tirou minha dúvida.....
On my ful sus mtb m530 . Going to get a gravel bike so im considering m520
thanks for the review on XT M8100 vs M8000, and by the way PD-M540 is a good step up from PD-M520
You’ll never need a better pedal than the M520!
I used to wear out two sets of 520s in one season. Bought XT about six years ago and am still running them.
@@xeren45 it was always the retention (clips). I would replace the cleats and tighten the adjustment but they would still clip out way too easily. That was quite a few years ago now, though, so they might be more resilient these days...
520s bearrings are built cheap, xt's will last in the long run, worth it imo.
Bought my first cleats today (xc701) got the 8100 to with it. Very nice combo
Great pedal and even run the XTs on my road bike.
Você acha que a penetração de terra e menos no pedal XT?
How do I know if the shimano xt 8100 pedal is a genuine or fake original? How to find out? thank you
Gracias voy a usar M520
Can you use mt8000 with a m7000 slx crank?
i bought the new obes today cause they are at 60€ at the moments and thats prettx good for these
Not happy with Shimano 8100, done 1300k. And i had to dismantle them 3 times already because they come lose in cones and develop play. I have 14year old BBB and open them from curiosity. Inside nicely pack with original grease and bearings. Still smooth as new and no play. Shimano cost me £90 and BBB €35. Weight difference? BBB 20g lighter.
How about the m540?
Got the 540s and the XT’s. Not sure I feel a difference other than in my wallet but I have only used them for a few months now.
40nm for pedals!??
Были m770, теперь пользуюсь m780.
Nice info
Is there a fake xt pedal?
Hello sir i'm going to buy my first clipless pedals, M540 and M520 these are my considerations. In shimano's website M540 has more specifications than M520. In youtube very less people talks about M540. I am confused between these two, please help me in finding my next future pedals? Thanks in advance.
i would say, please go with M540 if possible, I've been using M540 for with SH-56 multi release clip for years, M540 has a slightly better spec compare to M520 and still give you good value for money.
@@LoveMTB i guess the one with polished aluminum cage around is M545, also have used this pedal while ago, great pedal mechanism with dual-sided 'pop-up' bindings that position the body at 12.5 degrees angle for easy and fast entry, also a good pedal, only downside is the weight.
M520 . My wallet smiles :)
Thumbs up for the vid. So the only real difference with M520 would be about 40gr? the rest is only marketing? I guess only 'pro' are able to 'feel' the difference. The amateur I am (I currently use mixed pedals and after 3 hours, I feel like going back home...) can't feel any difference when I put or not my 120gr gps on my bike, so I will order the M520. Nevetherless, I will probably try later the 9100 if I find them at around 60€, to look like more a 'pro' and just to make sure I am not missing something.
Only old Nokia phones are harder than these pedals, virtually indestructible.
I've been rocking multiple 520's over the years as well as M8000 and M8020. Other than a bit more maintenance with m520, there's not much practical difference. That said - M8020 design is pretty useless. For rougher terrain I settled on XT T8000, they have clips on one side and pins on the other. I changed pins to longer ones and those pedals handle abuse like champs (reflectors fell out on day one in a bike park, lol). Alternative to T8000 is PD-EH500, looks probably a bit better too.
The only criticism I have is regarding "multi release in for new riders". Well - maybe. But it's also going to save you ass during unforeseeable events and a lot of great riders I've met actually suggest to always use those cleats, especially in rougher terrain.
I Will use old 8000.
shimano pedals are not as durable as they used to be. I bought the xtr trail pair and the bearings become loose quite often. In the end to buy the 520 and replace them when they're worn is the way to go
@@LoveMTB the trail xtr. In fact they replace the first pair i bought for a new one. But after 2 years you can tell they have excesive play. Im a light rider and have not strong legs at all
@@LoveMTB correct the 9020, i just checked. First pair got destroyed within a month. Second pair goes better, but requieres fine tunning of the ball bearings
Do you like e mountain bikes ?
@@LoveMTB I would totally agree - motor bike or mountain bike. Ebony or Ivory. Ford or GM, Samsung or Apple. No room for compromise!!
520s work great. I'd rather save the money than have the cosmetics on this one...
M8100 all the way
The first thing what I do after I have bought new clips is buying the multirelease cleats 😂. Why shimano can’t add them? 🎅
Flat pedals !! Comfy with my Crocs sandals hahaahah
My M520 have been going strong for around 7 years now, will replace with like when they wear out. I prefer the option to use a spanner to loosen them off when removing