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SHIMANO Saint M820 Trail SPD Pedal Test: indestructible

We have extensively tested Shimano's SPD gravity pedals, namely the Saint model. Let's see how they behaved.

Shimano Saint pedals

HookupShot putPrice
SPD546 gr.€154
SHIMANO OFFICIAL SITE

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.

SHIMANO SAINT PD-M821_1_750_750

History of the

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).

shimano-right
The Shimano DX lasted many years but was aging badly: in 2018, the year the new Saints were presented, it was time to modernize it

FEATURES

MODEL NOPD M821
SERIESSAINT M820 Series
ColorBlack
Medium weight546 ( /pairs) (without pins and washers)
Footnotes4 height-adjustable pins
1,0mm cleat spacer included
TypeOff-Road/DH (SPD)
HookupTwo sides
Cartridge axis
Sealed mechanism
Plate withholding register
Integrated cage
Plate includedSM-SH51
Optional plateSM-SH56
ReflectorSM-PD60
Overall dimensions (mm)16,9
Pedal center (mm)55
SHIMANO SAINT PD-M821_1_750_750

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.

Height19 mm
Shot put551 gr.
Support78mm x 98mm
Asse94 mm
PinSI
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.

SHIMANO SAINT PD-M821_1_750_750

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.

Shimano Saint pedals

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.

maxiavalanche andorran (2)
During the Dual Slalom of Maxiavalanche Andorra with Mirco Montagni – credits: Zoom Dans L'Oeil de Fab

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



Written by

[email protected] I am passionate about everything that has 2 wheels: in my youth I practiced competitive cycling on the road and on the track with good results. At the age of 18 I moved to cross country competing at national/international level as U23. Once I passed Elite, I made the choice to take things easier from the training point of view, and that's how my love for gravity disciplines was born, training as an FCI MTB instructor and guide. Now I have made my passion my profession by managing 3 MTB centers on the island of Elba (Elba MTB), creating the FANTAmtb and telling in an ironic but professional way, everything that revolves around MTB thanks to 365mountainbike and 365TV (YouTube 'PULITI dentro BIKER fuori').

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