Shimano has expanded its flat pedals line-up with the launch of the Saint PD-G8040 and Deore XT PD-M8240 mountain bike pedals.
This is the first new Saint-branded component we’ve seen since 2013 from the brand, which has yet to reveal the latest iteration of its downhill drivetrain.
We’ve caught possible glimpses of the groupset on the downhill circuit, spotting some unusual-looking stoppers on Jackson Goldstone's Santa Cruz V10 last year.
The new pedals are designed to meet the demands of aggressive trail, enduro and gravity riders, with both models said to deliver confident grip, excellent stability and long-lasting durability.
While Shimano’s SPD is near-ubiquitous for clipless mountain bike pedals, the Japanese brand is hoping to bring a similar standard to flat-pedal shredders.
Both have a wide 121x110mm platform that looks up to scratch, with the Saint pedal featuring up to 14 pins per side, while the XT is less aggressive with 12.
The XT pedals are priced at £129.99 / €149.99, while the Saint pedals are slightly more expensive at £159.99 / €183.99.
Shimano Saint PD-G8040 flat pedals
Because Saint is Shimano’s downhill groupset, these pedals feature a greater gravity focus compared to the XTs
The Saint pedals have more pins per side than the XTs, but a similar platform design.
Another difference is the composite skid plate that surrounds the pedal body, which is designed to reduce the impact of rock strikes.
Shimano says the platform is designed flat for consistent pedal height, and a durable axle and bushing construction is used for low maintenance.
Despite featuring more pins and a composite skid plate, the Saint pedals come in at 393g on the scales, lighter than the trail-inspired XT at 423g.
They are priced at £159.99 / €183.99.
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8240 flat pedals
Shimano’s XT pedals can have up to 12 pins on each side and feature a similar platform design to the Saints.
The brand says they share a thin pedal body for improved ground clearance, with both made from forged alloy.
They are priced at £129.99 / €149.99.
