Shimano produces models with and without the benefits of an additional platform for shoe support, i.e. the classic non-trail models starting from Deore up to XTR. The models XTR Trail (tested here) to Saint (tested here) are similar visually but various differences arise if analyzed carefully.


SHIMANO XTR Trail PEDALS (PD-M9120)
The XTR Trail pedals have an additional base compared to the classic XTR, which does not have the additional cage around the mechanism. However, the XTR Trails are not designed to forgive you if you lose your footing. The body design also protects the attachment mechanism better than the Race version of the pedals.
SHIMANO Saint PEDALS (PD-M820)

This pair of pedals was designed for gravity athletes: i.e Downhill and Enduro. The Saint pedal has a fuller profile than the XTR Trail. It also has four height-adjustable pins per side for a better grip when you lose your grip. Previous generations of Shimano gravity (DX) pedals had a spring mechanism that lifted to activate, but this new version is fixed for added durability.

FIELD TEST
Although the layout of the XTR Trail and Saint pedals is similar, the feel is very different on the trails. The XTR Trail has an effective contact patch but reduced to the bare minimum. It is not recommended to lose your foot on rough sections. The SPD mechanism offers plenty of adjustable tension to keep you attached to the bike (as does the Saint). If you use Enduro shoes, the sole risks not adhering well to the back of the pedals and feeling a little unstable. In contrast, the Saint pedal features a body that is not only protective but also has four additional pins to help grip the sole of a rubber-bottomed shoe. When combined with the larger contact surface, the Saint pedal has much more grip. This is useful for bikers who want the most stability, even at the cost of a few extra grams. The XTR Trail is much faster and more intuitive in releasing and engaging, unlike the Saint where the goal is to keep the shoe still on the pedal.

The Saint pedal (top) is more substantial in size and weight. While the chart may only show a couple of millimeters of difference between the two, we experienced a couple more rock hits per run with this setup. While we appreciated the extra stability, pedaling performance on technical terrain is better with the shortened XTR Trail pedal (bottom). The extra space might not seem like a lot, but it's useful when you need it most and could be the difference between tackling that technical climb and putting one foot down. We still consider the Saint pedal to be relatively thin compared to some, but the squared aluminum edges snag more often. That said, those extra millimeters and pins on the corners will help you feel more and more connected to the bike, especially on rough terrain. Those who fear unexpected disengagement will prefer the Saint pedals, because you can ride them with reasonable control, even if the cleat isn't engaged in the mechanism. While the XTR Trail pedal appears to have a large enough platform for this, the shape isn't as willing to grip the shoe without the mechanism.
COMPARISON: XTR TRAIL PEDAL VS SAINT PEDAL
XTR Trail | Saint | |
Height | 17 mm | 19 mm |
Shot put | 398 gr. | 551 gr. |
Support | 70mm x 99mm | 78mm x 98mm |
Asse | 92 mm | 94 mm |
Pin | DO NOT | SI |
Price | €170 | €154 |
PROJECTED IMPACT
Endurance riders (Cross Country) will prefer the classic XTR version while most gravity bikers will naturally opt for the Saint. The XTR Trail can please different categories of bikers, such as those who are in the middle and do not have racing goals. The XTR Trail can also be used for enduro use if you are a fairly technical biker but without racing goals: the fact that it does not have a very wide base like the Saint allows for good mobility at the ankle level.
While the Saint and XTR Trail overlap somewhat, the variation in design produces two distinctly different sensations. The XTR Trail is light, fast and slides easily over rocks. The Saint is firmer and makes the bike more stable and safe on rough terrain. If you are still undecided between the 2 pedals, you certainly won't go wrong: the quality is excellent in both products.
