The Shimano Deore XT clipless pedal is a real old-school classic in MTB clipless pedals. It’s been on the market since 2011. Since its release, Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 (that’s the full name) has been one of the most popular models. No surprise, because as always Shimano delivers perfect engineering and thus does full justice to its reputation as a giant in bicycle parts.
The myth Shimano SPD
The features convince: the pedal is equipped with Shimano’s proprietary SPD system . The legendary click system can be found all over the world, because the “Shimano Pedaling Dynamics System” makes it possible to ride different cleats. That gives you significantly more flexibility than closed systems. The metal plates are available in all kinds of versions for single and multiple entry/exit — a safe method for beginners and perfect functionality for pros who know exactly what they want.
Shimano Deore XT pedal – key facts:
- Aluminium pedal body
- Chromoly steel axle
- Cleat spacer (1.0 mm) included
- Sealed mechanism
- Adjustable release tension
- Weight: 438 g
Before the test: fitting & adjusting the Shimano XT pedals
As always… before the fun on the bike, it’s time for the mechanic’s fun! Before you head out onto the trail, the pedals need to be fitted. And important: we have to adjust them. Unlike flat pedals, you should adjust the release mechanism to your needs before your first ride.
- Using a small internal hex screw, we can adjust the spring tension on each side of the pedals
- Here, beginners in particular should make sure that all four springs are set correctly and evenly.
- The Deore XT offer a good way to adjust release tension, so the pedal is suitable both for experienced clipless riders and for newcomers.
- For beginners, we recommend starting with a soft setting and then gradually getting used to it.
The test – how do the Shimano Deore XT clipless pedals ride?
The first rides with the Deore XT from Shimano are already good. The release works, as usual with Shimano, faultlessly. The mechanism gives clear feedback on when the shoe is clipped in or out. Especially when clipping in, that’s very pleasant. Thanks to the clear click sound, you’re sure you’re really standing firmly on the pedal. This kind of feedback is particularly helpful for clipless beginners. Otherwise too, the mechanism makes a very solid and high-quality impression.
The aluminium platform provides stability and protection
Thanks to the aluminium pedal cage, the clip system is also well protected. Even with harder impacts or catching on rocks or roots, the click mechanism won’t be affected so quickly. This larger cage not only protects the sensitive internal parts of the pedals, it also gives us a larger standing surface and more safety and stability on rough descents.
Comfortable floating with Shimano
On the MTB you rarely stand completely rigid. The more demanding the terrain, the more you react with unconscious movements. That’s exactly what the float — the “float angle” — allows: a slight sideways rotation of your feet on the pedal. It’s essential for active cornering posture on the bike. Some riders prefer a very small float angle, but with this mechanism it will release more quickly unintentionally. That’s a real problem, especially for very active riders. The Shimano Deore Xt also convinced us in this respect: exactly right for our intended use.
How does the XT pedal from Shimano ride?
The Shimano pedal works reliably and provides optimal power transfer to the drivetrain. On harder descents or even a DH track, however, the standing stability in combination with our shoe could be better.
The big plus with the Deore XT pedals is the high-quality clip mechanism. In every situation we find a quick entry into the pedals and get clear feedback that the shoe is actually clipped in.
On top of that, the release tension is very adjustable. With the help of the small internal hex screw, we set the pedal perfectly. And it works. You’re not held too tightly, but the shoe also doesn’t unclip unintentionally. For us, the mechanism is one of the best we’ve ever had on a mountain bike — if not the best on the market, and in a class of its own.
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The high-quality workmanship and precise function are huge plus points that make the pedal genuinely worth recommending! |
Hardness test: rain and mud
If you really want to feel MTB equipment down to the last detail, you can’t be afraid of water. So we also went out in constant drizzle to get test results for you in these conditions. You’ll surely appreciate that 😉.
Especially in wet conditions, good grip on the pedals is often in short supply. Here, clipless pedals are a really good thing — until so much mud gets into the shoe that the mechanism no longer engages. The test showed that the function of the clip system is completely unaffected by mud. Whether it’s a wet forest floor or clay and mud, the SPD cleats can still be clipped in very well even under harsh conditions.
Proof photo for our Deore pedal test in mud
The clipless pedal in the test: our verdict
Even more than a decade after the first release, Shimano Deore XT PD-M8120 are a real standout for touring and trail riders. For all-mountain use, they offer enough hold and support. If you’re looking for a high-quality, robust pedal for mountain bike tours, these clipless pedals are a very good choice. For MTB riders who also hang around in the bike park or on the downhill track, or who ride with the Enduro bike, there are interesting alternatives — but the Deore XT are a bit over their head here. If you want to Shimano stick with it, for example for harder use the Saint clipless pedals PD-M820 are a good option. Like flat pedals, they have a few pins and therefore provide better standing support on rough descents.
Our recommendation for clipless beginners
If you’ve had no or little experience with clipless pedals so far, we’ve got a tip for you. For beginners, Shimano comes with the SM-SH56 cleats — built for “multiple release”. You can unclip not only with a twisting motion, but also with enough upward pull. In combination with these cleats, the pedal is also ideal for clipless newcomers, because the risk of not getting out of the pedal is significantly reduced.
Tests in the BMO Bike Blog
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