I am using the M8120s and have had them for 2 seasons. I like the extra platform and the Shimano reputation. Great pedal so far. I replaced a pair of SLX pedals I had for about 10 years and they were still working; too many rock strikes had ground away at the adjustment mechanism or I would have sold them used. I have used Crank Brothers before and liked them also, but I prefer the ability to adjust the release tension that Shimano features.
I have the older XT and XTR trail pedals all the way back to the originals. They developed a small amount of play but I guess I could get a rebuild get and reduce that. The newest I have is the 9120 but honestly my 8020 is great. I have several bikes and you have inspired me to look up all the different model numbers. Thanks
M9100 with 3mm shorter axles my love! Since we don't have big mountains here, there is no need to go for bigger platforms. Shoes are so stiff nowadays, that can provide propper support. Anyway the quility and longivity of shimano pedals is just unbeatable.
The release and insertion ease - of - use of the 8120's that I currently use on my Trek is more confidence inspiring than the 520 or 540's . This is more commonly stated on forums and is contradictory to your claim . It is about shoe type and feel through the mid - sole . I am in my mid 50's and have osteoperosis .
I run an old set of XT spd's (2014's I think) on one of my rigs... They're bomb proof and only need servicing every couple of years. I've also recently purchased a newer set of XT spd's for my big bike (170/150 XL Trek Remedy) and the biggest difference I notice between the two, is the wider (more supportive platform) I also run a set of the more XC XT's (small cage). They tend to go on my AM HT 29er... again, they require very little maintenance and work great... again, less real estate = better for more trail'ish applications. YMMV 🤘 No need to try anything other than Shimano SPD's PS - I run two different MTB shoes... One set is a Northwave trail type shoe with straps. The other is a stiffer, more winter friendly, Enduro style shoe (laces & strap). I prefer the lighter style shoe most of the time, until things get cold & damp.
Thanks for doing a comparison review. Fellow SW Ontario local here. Hope to see you out on the trails. Q: Could you use the SH56 Multi release cleat with the XT/XTR pedals?
I use Shimano Saint before I decided to give Look a try, and now my favorite is Look X-Track-Race. I have the race carbon and regular race and really don't notice ant difference at all. I also have the X-Track Enrage but prefer the X-Track race.
I went from the M8120s to the HT T2 Pedals. I much prefer the feeling of the HT engagement and pedal feel. I used both pedals with the Fizik Gravita Tensor Shoe
To be honest I can't tell the difference. Apart for the fact that it would be slightly harder to clip in on the pedals w/ platform vs the ones without/ XC type
Currently running the M8120s on my trail bike. I had the M9100 XC style pedal for a while, trying to shave some weight, but I found the M9100 _more_ difficult to engage so I sold them. I'd be curious to try the new Hope Union pedals to see how they work.
I have an XT and after a few months has a noticeable play on the right pedal. Upon checking the spindle and bearings there is an approximately 5mmm gap bearing to spindle. Are there any of you with similar issue? What can you recommend
you should have included the previous XT generation as well... I have the previous generation, was curious if there's any point in upgrading to the new XT.
My 8020s ended up with a lot of slop in the right pedal. Tried to rebuild them, change the bearings but none of that helped and they moved about 5mm on the axel. Just bought a pair of Nukeproof SPD compatibles. Two rides in and they are decent so far. Wider platform and there SPD mechanism is a bit stiffer. Time will tell but they were only $90cdn shipped.
@@LoveMTB Bought them off of eBay so not sure Shimano would honour the warranty given they have regional offices and don't allow for sales in different regions. Plus all of the Shimano numbers I found were in the US. I recall reading that there were design problems with the 8020s and it was a common issue but didn't see that until after I bought them.
There is a big thing u missed my friend. The lack of surface area for stability on the XT's compared to XTR. I just installed my XTR's in the garage and inspected that with at least a 1 gen shimano mt-07 trail shoe it last contacts with that spot in the back that the XT's r missing. So its a big stability boost. Shimano must-have knew what they had there with the better xtr. And even more suspicious that the older xt had the sides carved out for less weight. I bet we can mod these pedal to have that same shape to lose about 28 grams lol. I would love to see someone do this with power tools or stationary machines or at a machine shop
Good points Evan! TBH I prefer the lack of platform it's easier to clip in. And the platform, with a stiff sole shoe, does not do much. Again, that's my experience, thanks for sharing yours!
@LoveMTB i forgot about stiff shoes my shoes have some flex on them but for these pedals i feel its a benefit. So far in the garage test fitting it feels like as it flexes the pedal will hug the outersole. So unless a stiffer shoe is a perfect fit than id probably stick to my regular smaller xtr non caged
I really like the Saint SPDs, I forget the model number. I have XTRs without the cage on my gravel bike and agree they are easier/quicker to get into, I was surprised by that.
I will stick to flat pedals for my MTB. Gravelbike currently has Shimano T8000, but I'm looking to replace them with something like the pedals shown here (the T8000 are amazing, but I don't use the flat side anymore). Are there any great options other than the Shimano M8020 ones I should be aware of?
I still use the CrankBrothers double shots on my gravel bike. I don't really use the flat side, but it's great when I just go the the ice-cream shop with my daughter.
Are you sure the XT's dont have a seal ring? I have have been regreasing xt pedals for years, and remember the seal from previous model XT pedals. Usually if you poke it back in deep with a toothpick kt doesn't come out anymore
I’ve read somewhere the pins on the saint pedal don’t actually make contact with the shoe as the spd mechanism sits so much higher than the platform. So I doubt the cage on the xt/xtr would be any different
You mention that the entry into the trail pedal wasnt as natural and took more getting used to than the race style pedals . How about when riding, do the trail type feel like they give more support than the race style or are they indistinguishable ?
Using the m8120’s, thought about the xtr’s but the walking seals puts me off. Just one more thing that needs your attention, whereas the m8120’s are solid
I am using the M8120s and have had them for 2 seasons. I like the extra platform and the Shimano reputation. Great pedal so far.
I replaced a pair of SLX pedals I had for about 10 years and they were still working; too many rock strikes had ground away at the adjustment mechanism or I would have sold them used.
I have used Crank Brothers before and liked them also, but I prefer the ability to adjust the release tension that Shimano features.
Can't you replace the adjustment mechanism?
It's usually just screwed in with three screws.
I have the older XT and XTR trail pedals all the way back to the originals. They developed a small amount of play but I guess I could get a rebuild get and reduce that. The newest I have is the 9120 but honestly my 8020 is great. I have several bikes and you have inspired me to look up all the different model numbers. Thanks
M9100 with 3mm shorter axles my love! Since we don't have big mountains here, there is no need to go for bigger platforms. Shoes are so stiff nowadays, that can provide propper support. Anyway the quility and longivity of shimano pedals is just unbeatable.
The release and insertion ease - of - use of the 8120's that I currently use on my Trek is more confidence inspiring than the 520 or 540's . This is more commonly stated on forums and is contradictory to your claim . It is about shoe type and feel through the mid - sole . I am in my mid 50's and have osteoperosis .
I hear you. I still prefer the 520-540 type for ease of in-out.
The M8120s DO have seals, but they are built into the bushings, so no worry about them slipping out.
@@kentjoosten8149 got it. Whichever way they implement it on the XT works a lot better than the XTR!
My 8120 pedals are from a Japanese batch . 135 people have done this review on RUclips in the past year .
I run an old set of XT spd's (2014's I think) on one of my rigs... They're bomb proof and only need servicing every couple of years.
I've also recently purchased a newer set of XT spd's for my big bike (170/150 XL Trek Remedy) and the biggest difference I notice between the two, is the wider (more supportive platform)
I also run a set of the more XC XT's (small cage).
They tend to go on my AM HT 29er... again, they require very little maintenance and work great... again, less real estate = better for more trail'ish applications.
YMMV 🤘
No need to try anything other than Shimano SPD's
PS - I run two different MTB shoes... One set is a Northwave trail type shoe with straps.
The other is a stiffer, more winter friendly, Enduro style shoe (laces & strap).
I prefer the lighter style shoe most of the time, until things get cold & damp.
Thinner axle and lower stack height on the XTR? Supposedly better mud-clearing (due to thinner axle)
Thanks for doing a comparison review. Fellow SW Ontario local here. Hope to see you out on the trails.
Q: Could you use the SH56 Multi release cleat with the XT/XTR pedals?
I use Shimano Saint before I decided to give Look a try, and now my favorite is Look X-Track-Race. I have the race carbon and regular race and really don't notice ant difference at all. I also have the X-Track Enrage but prefer the X-Track race.
Thanks. A good review. I’m shopping for pedals now and I still don’t know whether to spend my money on the XTR or the pedals without the platform.
No worries
I would personally go for XT without platform
Why?
I went from the M8120s to the HT T2 Pedals. I much prefer the feeling of the HT engagement and pedal feel. I used both pedals with the Fizik Gravita Tensor Shoe
Hi what are the notable differences between the XC style vs with the platform? Is there less hot spot?
To be honest I can't tell the difference. Apart for the fact that it would be slightly harder to clip in on the pedals w/ platform vs the ones without/ XC type
@@LoveMTB thanks brother I'm new to these and I was looking for this info. I'll go with the XC style to start with.
Currently running the M8120s on my trail bike. I had the M9100 XC style pedal for a while, trying to shave some weight, but I found the M9100 _more_ difficult to engage so I sold them.
I'd be curious to try the new Hope Union pedals to see how they work.
Hello.
The most significant difference between 8100/9100 and 8120/9120 is the larger contact area for the foot. correct?
Yes and i personally prefer the 9100 form factor
@@LoveMTB do I need special shoes/soles for these pedals?
Specifically for the 8120/9120 because of the bigger Frame of the Pedal?
@@AWEG-qu8bz no you do not
@@LoveMTB Great. Thanks.
Excelente comparativa. Saludos desde Spain.
I have an XT and after a few months has a noticeable play on the right pedal. Upon checking the spindle and bearings there is an approximately 5mmm gap bearing to spindle.
Are there any of you with similar issue? What can you recommend
you should have included the previous XT generation as well... I have the previous generation, was curious if there's any point in upgrading to the new XT.
I was curious if the different size of the platform brings about some improvement.
My 8020s ended up with a lot of slop in the right pedal. Tried to rebuild them, change the bearings but none of that helped and they moved about 5mm on the axel. Just bought a pair of Nukeproof SPD compatibles. Two rides in and they are decent so far. Wider platform and there SPD mechanism is a bit stiffer. Time will tell but they were only $90cdn shipped.
@@LoveMTB Bought them off of eBay so not sure Shimano would honour the warranty given they have regional offices and don't allow for sales in different regions. Plus all of the Shimano numbers I found were in the US. I recall reading that there were design problems with the 8020s and it was a common issue but didn't see that until after I bought them.
I have made titanium bushes that fix this in a machine shop .
I have had to repair Nukeproof , Funn and Syncros ones as well .
Axial strikes can "KILL" any small cartridge bearing system .
What’s the point of the frame? Is it with contact with the shoe?
Apparently it could for shoes that are meant for it not hard sole XC shoes that ppl usually use😉
There is a big thing u missed my friend. The lack of surface area for stability on the XT's compared to XTR. I just installed my XTR's in the garage and inspected that with at least a 1 gen shimano mt-07 trail shoe it last contacts with that spot in the back that the XT's r missing. So its a big stability boost. Shimano must-have knew what they had there with the better xtr. And even more suspicious that the older xt had the sides carved out for less weight. I bet we can mod these pedal to have that same shape to lose about 28 grams lol. I would love to see someone do this with power tools or stationary machines or at a machine shop
Good points Evan! TBH I prefer the lack of platform it's easier to clip in. And the platform, with a stiff sole shoe, does not do much. Again, that's my experience, thanks for sharing yours!
@LoveMTB i forgot about stiff shoes my shoes have some flex on them but for these pedals i feel its a benefit. So far in the garage test fitting it feels like as it flexes the pedal will hug the outersole. So unless a stiffer shoe is a perfect fit than id probably stick to my regular smaller xtr non caged
@@evanm.2300 And I think that is their preferred use. I use the same shoes for XC/ Trail so maybe that's why there's no benefit for me.
I run the M8120s. Never ridden anything else, don't have any issues with them and my riding style so why waste money on something that's not broken.
I really like the Saint SPDs, I forget the model number. I have XTRs without the cage on my gravel bike and agree they are easier/quicker to get into, I was surprised by that.
Are the cleat spacers required for proper operation ?
I run flats because I ride dj and freeride. I'm always switching it up. As long as the platform has a prominent concave and sharp pins I'll run them.
@@LoveMTB no. My shins someone took a meat cleaver to them 😅
Always been curious about these pedals but I love my OneUp oil slick aluminum flats too much to convert.
i use 9020 on my road bike paired with shimano spd sandals.. i always get asked about them, esp when its 30+ degrees out and humid
Tengo pedales de los dos modelos xt y xtr con plataforma(por problemas en los pies uso plataforma)sin problema en ninguno de los dos modelos
I will stick to flat pedals for my MTB.
Gravelbike currently has Shimano T8000, but I'm looking to replace them with something like the pedals shown here (the T8000 are amazing, but I don't use the flat side anymore).
Are there any great options other than the Shimano M8020 ones I should be aware of?
I still use the CrankBrothers double shots on my gravel bike. I don't really use the flat side, but it's great when I just go the the ice-cream shop with my daughter.
Shimano 858 but there are no longer available blocks for them,
Are you sure the XT's dont have a seal ring? I have have been regreasing xt pedals for years, and remember the seal from previous model XT pedals. Usually if you poke it back in deep with a toothpick kt doesn't come out anymore
SLX ME700 and the classic - Deore M520
My 520s still going strong after 7 years, before that I had 525 pedals that I bought in 1995
Wow... I would like to prove one of those pedals. But at the moment I will keep my crankbrothers in action...
I honestly do not see a purpose of this cage as it does not engage with the shoes. Or does it?
I’ve read somewhere the pins on the saint pedal don’t actually make contact with the shoe as the spd mechanism sits so much higher than the platform. So I doubt the cage on the xt/xtr would be any different
saint dh pedals 👌
crank brothers eggbeater 3 ftw :)
crank brothers are the worst out of all the clipless pedals. I tried them for two years and they were horrible.
Nice malaysia and japan
Utilizo o Welgo.
SLX platform pedals 😊
I’ll take made in Japan over Malaysia. Lol
You mention that the entry into the trail pedal wasnt as natural and took more getting used to than the race style pedals . How about when riding, do the trail type feel like they give more support than the race style or are they indistinguishable ?
@@LoveMTB cheers , that's enough for me to stick with what I've got. 😄
Using the m8120’s, thought about the xtr’s but the walking seals puts me off.
Just one more thing that needs your attention, whereas the m8120’s are solid
@@LoveMTB ya, same! I just eat one less pie before the ride 😂