Shimano Drops New Saint and XT Flat Pedals

Flat pedals never really left – but they’re having a moment again. From downhill race runs to progressive trail riding, riders continue to prove that medals aren’t reserved for clipless systems alone. With that in mind, Shimano has unveiled updated Saint and Deore XT flat pedals, bringing its race-proven pedal engineering to riders who prefer flats underfoot.

Long dominant in the clipless space, Shimano says this latest launch transfers decades of drivetrain and pedal expertise into purpose-built platforms designed for gravity and trail riders alike.

Read AMB’s flat pedal group test here.

Shimano Saint

Sitting at the top of the range are the new Shimano Saint PD-G8040 pedals – and with the Saint badge comes expectation. Built for downhill abuse, these pedals draw heavily from race environments where durability and control matter most.

The headline feature is an extra-wide, dual-concave platform (121mm x 110mm), designed to let riders sit in the pedal rather than perched on top. The result is a more planted feel, particularly on steep or technical terrain where stability is everything.

A notable addition is the resin skid plate construction, allowing the pedal to glance off rocks and trail obstacles rather than catching an edge – a practical touch for riders spending time between the tape or smashing through rough terrain at speed.

Compared to previous Shimano flat pedals, the new Saints are noticeably slimmer. Shimano has prioritised a low-profile body to improve ground clearance while maintaining consistent pedal height across the platform. Reinforced alloy construction, impact-resistant pins, and a robust axle and bushing system aim to ensure longevity, while full serviceability keeps them running long after the initial install.

Shimano Saint PD-G8040

• Extra-wide dual-concave platform: 121mm x 110mm
• 10 traction pins per side with 4 optional inner pin positions
• Supplied with 6mm and 3mm pins plus dedicated E5 pin tool
• Flat platform design with no axle protrusion
• Thin pedal body for improved clearance
• Forged alloy body with composite skid plate
• Impact-resistant traction pins
• Durable axle and bushing construction
• Fully serviceable with replacement parts available
• Weight: 393g
• RRP: $299.95 AUD

Shimano Deore XT

The Shimano Deore XT PD-M8240 pedals bring much of the Saint performance DNA to a more accessible price point.

Sharing the same extra-wide, dual-concave platform concept, the XT pedals aim to deliver a stable, planted feel while retaining Shimano’s thin body profile for improved clearance and consistent foot support. The platform design eliminates axle protrusion, maximising usable contact area and maintaining predictable pedal feel.

Where XT differs is in construction. Rather than the resin skid plate seen on the Saint, the XT uses a reinforced alloy pedal body, prioritising durability and reliability for aggressive trail and enduro riding without the full downhill focus.

Shimano Deore XT PD-M8240

• Extra-wide dual-concave platform: 121mm x 110mm
• 10 traction pins per side with 2 optional inner pin positions
• Supplied with 6mm and 3mm pins plus dedicated E5 pin tool
• Flat platform design with no axle protrusion
• Thin pedal body for improved ground clearance
• Forged alloy pedal body
• Impact-resistant traction pins
• Durable axle and bushing construction
• Fully serviceable with replacement parts available
• Weight: 423g

Whether flats truly win medals is almost beside the point, but it makes for a catchy intro every single time we have some flat pedal bling across the desk. What Shimano’s latest Saint and XT pedals show is a clear acknowledgement that flat pedal riding remains a performance choice. With wider platforms, slimmer profiles and gravity-focused durability, both pedals are at home on trails, at your local enduro event or at the Downhill World Cup where confidence, bike movement and control matter as much as outright efficiency. For flat pedal Freddies who prefer freedom of movement, Shimano’s flat pedal game just got a facelift.