Shimano Saint Line Gets an Update – Not the One We’ve Been Expecting

We’ve all been waiting for a new Shimano Saint downhill groupset, but that’s not what we’re getting today. Instead, Shimano has introduced two new flat pedals in the Saint and XT component families. The platforms are big, the pins are replaceable, and the internals are rebuildable.

Shimano’s SPD mountain bike pedals have set the benchmark for reliability for over thirty years, and they recently dropped a new XTR Trail pedal that definitely slots right into the more gravity-oriented space. But on the flat pedal side of things, that crowd hasn’t always had as many premium options from Shimano. That changes today. Shimano is expanding its lineup with the launch of the all-new Saint PD-G8040 and Deore XT PD-M8240 flat pedals, designed for everything you want to get up to on flat pedals.

Are big flat pedals with skid plates the new thing? It might seem so. Both the new Shimano Saint and Crankbrothers Stamp Evo now use a skid plate to increase longevity and reduce hang-ups from pedal strikes. 

SAINT PD-G8040

Sitting at the top of the tier, the new Saint pedals lean hard into their gravity-focused heritage. These are built for the technical, steep terrain where you need an aggressive pedal with lots of bite and a large platform.

As we saw with the new Crankbrothers Stamp Evo, the Saint pedals have a resin-composite skid plate integrated into the forged-alloy body. Instead of catching on a jagged rock or a stubborn root, these pedals are designed to skid off obstacles, keeping your momentum forward. Where they really differ from the Stamp Evo is the size. But they aren’t that much smaller and still provide a massive platform. While the Stamp Evo pedals were almost too big, the Saints are a nice size that is likely much more usable on the trail.

• Platform: Extra-wide, dual-concave (121 mm x 110 mm).
• Grip: 10 traction pins per side with 4 optional inner positions.
• Maintenance: Fully rebuildable with replacement axles, pins, and resin skid plates.
• Ground Clearance: A thin pedal profile maximizes usable contact area without sacrificing clearance.

DEORE XT PD-M8240

If you want that same performance DNA without the top-tier price tag, the DEORE XT PD-M8240 is the answer. You get the same massive 121 mm x 110 mm dual-concave platform and the same thin profile that keeps the axle from protruding.

The primary difference? You lose the resin skid plate. However, these are still built like tanks, with forged-alloy bodies, impact-resistant pins, and a robust axle/bushing construction. Like their SAINT siblings, they are fully serviceable and reliable over the long term.

Technical Specs

Initial Take

Shimano’s focus on durability and rebuildability has always been a breath of fresh air, but in today’s market, most pedals check this box, and consumers now demand the right to repair (as they should).

Both models ship with 6 mm and 3 mm pins, so you can tune your traction to your shoe preference. If you’re someone who regularly smashes rocks, the Saint’s skid plate might be worth the premium. For everyone else, the XT offers a huge platform and legendary Shimano reliability for $50 less. Those pins do look a little slick, but the overall aesthetic certainly harkens back to the look of early-2000s pedals that won me over back when I started riding bikes.

Looking to test your skills and switch from flat to clips, or vice versa? I recommend it, and with a ton of options out there for both systems, now is a great time to see if you have what it takes to change things up. You never know what you might discover.