SHIMANO's new SAINT PD-G8040 and DEORE XT PD-M8240 flat pedals are designed for aggressive mountain biking, with wide dual-concave platforms, tunable traction pins, thin pedal profiles, and serviceable construction built for repeated trail use.
Both models share the same core design philosophy, but the SAINT PD-G8040 is positioned for riders who want the most robust gravity-focused option, while the DEORE XT PD-M8240 delivers many of the same performance traits in a more accessible trail-focused package.
Quick comparison:
- SAINT PD-G8040: Gravity-focused flat pedal with a reinforced alloy body, composite skid plate, and four optional inner pin positions.
- DEORE XT PD-M8240: Trail-focused flat pedal with a similar wide platform and two optional inner pin positions.
- Both: 10 traction pins per side, dual-concave platform shape, thin profile, serviceable construction, and replaceable parts.
- Best choice: SAINT for more aggressive gravity use, DEORE XT for versatile trail riding.
What Makes the New SHIMANO Flat Pedals Different?
SHIMANO applied many of the durability and serviceability principles that define its mountain bike pedal lineup to a new generation of flat pedals.
The SAINT PD-G8040 and DEORE XT PD-M8240 are both designed around a wide contact area, tunable grip, a thin pedal profile, and components that can be serviced or replaced over time.
Rather than focusing on a single feature, the goal is to create a stable and predictable shoe-to-pedal interface for technical riding.
What Is a Dual-Concave Flat Pedal Platform?
Both new flat pedals use an extra-wide, dual-concave platform.
The shape is designed so the rider's shoe can settle naturally into the pedal, helping create a stable and connected feel across the full platform.
The broad front-to-back and side-to-side contact area also gives riders room to reposition their feet when needed, which is especially useful during technical riding.
SHIMANO also maintains a consistent pedal body height around the axle to maximize usable contact area between the shoe and pedal.
Why Does Flat Pedal Thickness Matter?
A thinner pedal profile can improve ground clearance on rocky and uneven terrain.
Reducing pedal thickness helps limit how far the pedal extends below the rider's foot, which can reduce the chance of contacting rocks, roots, or trail obstacles.
At the same time, the pedal still needs enough structure to handle repeated impacts, which is why both models use reinforced construction around the axle and pedal body.
How Do the Traction Pins Work?
Both the SAINT PD-G8040 and DEORE XT PD-M8240 use 10 traction pins per side to interface with the rubber sole of a flat-pedal mountain bike shoe.
SHIMANO also includes additional 6 mm and 3 mm pins so riders can adjust the amount of grip based on their footwear, terrain, and personal preference.
A dedicated E5 socket wrench pin tool is included to make those adjustments easier.
The SAINT model adds four optional inner pin positions, while the DEORE XT pedal uses two, giving the SAINT more potential grip customization.
SAINT PD-G8040: Built for Gravity Riding
Best for: Downhill, bike parks, aggressive trail riding, and riders who prioritize durability and tunable grip.
The SAINT PD-G8040 sits at the top of SHIMANO's flat pedal lineup and draws from the gravity-focused character of the SAINT family.
- Platform: 121 mm x 110 mm.
- Shape: Extra-wide, dual-concave.
- Pins: 10 per side plus four optional inner positions.
- Body: Reinforced alloy.
- Protection: Composite skid plate.
- Serviceability: Replaceable skid plates, pins, axles, and other service parts.
The wide platform gives riders substantial support across the shoe, while the concave shape and adjustable pins are designed to create a secure interface during steep, rough, and high-impact riding.
A composite skid plate helps protect the pedal body from rock strikes, while impact-resistant pins and a robust axle and bushing system are designed for repeated gravity use.
The pedal is also serviceable, so high-wear or damaged components can be replaced instead of requiring an entirely new pedal.
DEORE XT PD-M8240: Built for Trail Riding
Best for: Trail riding, technical singletrack, all-day adventures, and riders who want a durable flat pedal with tunable grip.
The DEORE XT PD-M8240 shares much of the SAINT pedal's design approach in a package aimed at versatile mountain bike use.
- Platform: 121 mm x 109 mm.
- Shape: Extra-wide, dual-concave.
- Pins: 10 per side plus two optional inner positions.
- Construction: Reinforced pedal body with impact-resistant pins.
- Serviceability: Replaceable components for long-term maintenance.
Like the SAINT pedal, the PD-M8240 combines a wide platform with a relatively thin profile to balance shoe support and ground clearance.
Riders can also choose between the included 6 mm and 3 mm pins to adjust grip based on terrain and shoe preference.
The axle and bushing construction is designed for repeated trail use, and replacement parts allow riders to service the pedals as components wear.
SAINT vs. DEORE XT Flat Pedals: What's the Difference?
The two pedals share a very similar foundation, but they're intended for slightly different riding priorities.
Choose SAINT PD-G8040 if you prioritize:
- Gravity and downhill riding.
- Additional impact protection.
- More pin-placement customization.
- Maximum durability for aggressive terrain.
Choose DEORE XT PD-M8240 if you prioritize:
- Everyday trail riding.
- Technical singletrack.
- Wide platform support and tunable grip.
- Durable performance in a more versatile package.
Both models use a similarly sized platform and the same basic 10-pin-per-side layout, so the biggest distinction comes down to the SAINT pedal's more gravity-focused construction and additional grip customization.
Can SHIMANO Flat Pedals Be Serviced?
Yes. Serviceability is an important part of both designs.
Components such as traction pins and axle-related parts can be replaced as they wear, while the SAINT PD-G8040 also uses a replaceable skid plate.
That means riders can maintain and refresh individual components over time instead of automatically replacing the entire pedal after normal wear or minor damage.
Which SHIMANO Flat Pedal Is Right for You?
- You ride downhill, bike parks, or aggressive gravity terrain: SAINT PD-G8040.
- You want maximum pin-placement adjustability: SAINT PD-G8040.
- You ride technical trails and all-day singletrack: DEORE XT PD-M8240.
- You want a durable, versatile flat pedal for everyday MTB riding: DEORE XT PD-M8240.
Flat pedal performance depends on more than just grip. Platform shape, contact area, pedal thickness, pin layout, durability, and the shoe-pedal interface all influence how connected the bike feels beneath you.
The SAINT PD-G8040 and DEORE XT PD-M8240 take those same core priorities and tune them for different types of mountain biking, giving riders a choice between a gravity-focused SAINT platform and a versatile DEORE XT trail pedal.
