Japanese bike component giant Shimano launched the Deore XT M8020 Trail pedal last year as the new benchmark SPD double-side mountain bike pedal for trail, enduro and all-mountain bikers.
Those who have been riding Shimano SPD pedals at some point during the 25 years since they were first introduced will find the XT M8020 performs with much the same reliable efficiency as they have become used to.
This is because in terms of design as well as looks not much has changed - with the main evolution being the increased size of the alloy platform that surrounds the SPD mechanism. Shimano says that the new pedal has 3.3mm more width and 11.7 percent more pedal-to-shoe contact than its predecessor, and while this difference can only be barely noticed in a side-by-side riding comparison, the new trail pedal remains a confidence-inspiring platform when you're throwing shapes on the hill.
The mechanism, and the SPD cleat that clips into it, remain unchanged from the previous model. This means you get the same hardened steel axle and easily serviced quality bearings. Just undo the bolt on the axle and refill with grease every 12 months or so and these pedals will keep spinning smoothly for years.
Fit the cleats that come with the pedals - which also come with spacers to adjust the height of the cleat should it be needed - and the clip-in, clip-out action is light and crisp out of the box. An included 3mm hex key easily adjusts the tension should you want it lighter or tighter. Finding the cleat is intuitive too, with the shape of the pedal guiding it into the centre groove of your shoe.
Don't think the M8020 is a platform pedal with SPD added - the clip in mechanism protrudes from the platform on both sides and makes pedalling in soft-soled flat shoes uncomfortable.
The downsides to the confidence-inspiring platform is a little extra weight, as well as more area for mud to get between your shoe and the pedal. Occasional mud-clogging will be nothing new to SPD users though and if weight is everything then there are much lighter options available - even Shimano's own racing XTR Trail model, which does away with the cage-style platform.
In summary, the XT M8020 Trail Pedal is not a quantum leap evolution from Shimano's previous trail pedals but an incrementally improved, dependable, efficient and confidence inspiring pedalling platform for ripping up the trails.
