- REI is currently 50% off clothing & footwear: https://www.rei.com/s/clothing-and-footwear-deals
If you don’t have time and just want hear the key points of this article, here they are:
As someone who has been using clipless pedals for years, I have to say that the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are some of the best I’ve tried. They offer a wide contact area for efficient power transfer and improved control on technical terrain, as well as rearward extensions for added support and stability. The integrated cages also protect the bindings from impacts and act as a guide for beginners.
However, it’s important to note that these pedals are best suited for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers, and may not be the best fit for everyone. Road cyclists, absolute beginners, and those on a tight budget may want to consider other pedal options. Additionally, if you prioritize weight savings or don’t use Shimano shoes, these pedals may not be the most optimal choice for you.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable set of clipless pedals for off-road riding, the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are definitely worth considering. Just make sure they fit your specific needs and preferences before making the investment.
Quick links:
Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals Review: Who is it for?
As an avid mountain biker, I’ve been using clipless pedals for years and have tried out many different brands and models. Recently, I’ve been using the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals, and I have to say, they have quickly become my go-to pedals for off-road riding.
One of the standout features of these pedals is the wide contact area between the pedal and shoe. This translates to more efficient power transfer and improved bike control, especially when tackling technical terrain. Additionally, the generous rearward extensions provide extra support and stability for your feet.
Another feature that I appreciate on these pedals is the integrated cages that protect the bindings from impacts. This not only prolongs the life of the pedals but also makes it easier to step in and clip out. The cages also act as a guide, which is especially helpful for beginners who are still mastering the clipless system.
It’s worth noting that these pedals are fine-tuned to work with Shimano ME- and AM-series off-road shoes. While other shoes can still be used with the pedals, the performance may not be as optimal. However, the included 1mm cleat spacers help create a better interface with shoes of varying outsole design and lug height.
In terms of durability, the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are built to last. The chromoly steel and aluminum construction make them strong and sturdy, while the improved axle durability ensures they can withstand the wear and tear of intense mountain biking.
Overall, these pedals are best suited for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers who prioritize efficient power transfer and improved control on technical terrain. While they may not be the most beginner-friendly option out there, the integrated cages and cleat spacers do make it easier for riders to get used to the clipless system.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a high-quality, durable set of clipless pedals for your off-road adventures, the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are definitely worth considering.
Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals Review: Who isn’t it for?
While the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are a great choice for many mountain bikers, there are some types of riders who may not find them to be the best fit. Here are some reasons why the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals may not be the right choice for you:
1. You’re a road cyclist: While these pedals are great for off-road riding, they may not be the best choice for road cycling. The recessed cleat design is meant for walking and hiking, which may not be necessary for road cyclists. Additionally, the wide contact area may not be as beneficial for road biking as it is for mountain biking.
2. You’re a beginner: While the integrated cages and cleat spacers do make it easier for riders to get used to the clipless system, these pedals may not be the best choice for absolute beginners who are just starting out with clipless pedals. The learning curve can be steep, and the added complexity of the cages may be overwhelming.
3. You’re on a tight budget: The Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are not the most affordable pedals on the market. While they are certainly worth the investment for serious mountain bikers who prioritize performance and durability, they may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.
4. You prioritize weight savings: While the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are not the heaviest pedals out there, they are not the lightest either. If you are a weight weenie who prioritizes every gram of weight savings, you may want to consider a lighter pedal option.
5. You don’t use Shimano shoes: While other shoes can still be used with these pedals, the performance may not be as optimal as it is with Shimano ME- and AM-series off-road shoes. If you don’t use Shimano shoes and don’t want to switch, you may want to consider other pedal options that are more versatile.
In conclusion, while the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are a great choice for many mountain bikers, they may not be the best fit for everyone. If you fall into one of the categories listed above, you may want to consider other pedal options that better suit your needs and preferences.
Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals Review: Conclusion
As someone who has been using clipless pedals for years, I have to say that the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are some of the best I’ve tried. They offer a wide contact area for efficient power transfer and improved control on technical terrain, as well as rearward extensions for added support and stability. The integrated cages also protect the bindings from impacts and act as a guide for beginners.
However, it’s important to note that these pedals are best suited for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers, and may not be the best fit for everyone. Road cyclists, absolute beginners, and those on a tight budget may want to consider other pedal options. Additionally, if you prioritize weight savings or don’t use Shimano shoes, these pedals may not be the most optimal choice for you.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, durable set of clipless pedals for off-road riding, the Shimano PD-M8120 XT SPD Trail Pedals are definitely worth considering. Just make sure they fit your specific needs and preferences before making the investment.