| Hookup | Weight | Price |
| SPD | 546 gr. | €154 |
Shimano has the right pedals for every occasion: models from Deore to XTR (tested here in trail version), all in SPD/Flat version and often in XC or Trail version (trails have a slightly wider tread). The new Saints have a new stable metal base and height-adjustable pins. We tested them in the Trail/all-mountain area.
HISTORY
As the inventor of the SPD (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) system, it's no surprise that Shimano offers such a broad clipless range. For a long time only the popular but somewhat obsolete DX pedal was offered in the Gravity range. In 2018, the Saint series was born and here are the Saint PD-M820 pedals. The improvements were in the cage, now made of aluminum instead of plastic, height-adjustable pins and a click system firmly screwed into the cage (and not movable like on the DX).
FEATURES
| MODEL NO | PD M821 |
|---|---|
| SERIES | SAINT M820 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Medium weight | 546 ( /pairs) (without pins and washers) |
| Note | 4 height-adjustable pins 1,0mm cleat spacer included |
|---|---|
| Type | Off-Road/DH (SPD) |
| Hookup | Two sides |
| Cartridge axis | ✔ |
| Sealed mechanism | ✔ |
| Plate withholding register | ✔ |
| Integrated cage | ✔ |
| Plate included | SM-SH51 |
| Optional plate | SM-SH56 |
| Reflector | SM-PD60 |
| Overall dimensions (mm) | 16,9 |
| Pedal center (mm) | 55 |
The pedal body is made of non-floating alloy for maximum simplicity and resistance, a thin and durable cr-mo pin with 8 mm Allen key mounting and the classic engagement and release tension adjustment.
| Height | 19 mm |
| Weight | 551 gr. |
| Support | 78mm x 98mm |
| Asse | 94 mm |
| Pin | SI |
| Price | €154 |
BETTER SAINT OR XTR PEDALS?
FIELD TEST
The new cage is narrower than the old DX ones but is still important in terms of width: all this gives a lot of safety and makes the foot feel stable. The structure is grooved in the center and has four pins on each outer side to provide grip.
While most pedals rely on a mix of sliding bushings and industrial bearings, the Saint pedal rotates via open ball bearings on the axle. With a special tool, you can do the entire maintenance at home. Nothing to say about the SPD system: it has now been quite tested over the years 🙂 I really like the rigid feel of the SPD compared to the Cranks, which are a little more elastic in lateral movement. You have to try them: it's personal taste.
The only flaw, compared to the Crank, is in the situation in which the foot is released: the wide platform of the Saints also helps when you are released, but you don't feel the sensation of a flat pedal because the SPD mechanism is very protruding, which is why it is better to hang up as soon as possible.
Throughout the entire test phase we did not have any particular problems: the pedals behaved very well and there were no problems. 2021 Update: This test has been updated and I confirm that this period has not yet had any problems after 3 years of heavy use! Shimano's reliability is a guarantee.
| Particular signs | LABORATORY The quality and resistance of the materials stands out: like many Shimano products, this Saint is also indestructible in normal use |
| + | Spring tension adjustment High quality workmanship Wide cage that gives excellent lateral support |
| High weight in Enduro perspective |
HOW MUCH DO SHIMANO SAINT SPD PEDALS COST?
The price of the Shimano Saint is €154.
THE VERDICT
Excellent pedals for Gravity: indestructible
(update)Even after three seasons of testing, the bearings still rotate smoothly and smoothly. The precise and easily adjustable SPD mechanism, combined with a large and stable aluminum cage, guarantees maximum control. Suitable for downhill but also for the most advanced enduro, given its very solid structure.
MORE INFORMATION TO THE OFFICIAL SITE
