SHIMANOSM-SH51 PD-M9120 XTR SPD Pedal, Black

I have a dear friend who is a diehard SPD-hater after having experienced a pretty terrible accident during which his "egg-beater" style pedal (=non-adjustable) failed to release. That anecdote kept me away from this tech for a long while, but there are simply too many people who I see riding with these for me not to finally check them out. I decided that I was going to get the absolute highest quality SPD pedal I could find - and I'm pretty sure these are it. (I obviously cannot compare them to any other SPD option...) I shipped other options, but the quality vs. cost vs. history is what sold me on these. I haven't regretted yet (300+ miles and gaining).The install went easy on my bike, though the cleat arrangement was a little less intuitive, probably because I'm an engineer and rather particular about my knees. Once I got them on and adjusted, I had my first, surreal, clicked-in experience and, let me tell you, the hype is legit. At this point I have been cycling/mountain biking for long enough that a day of 20+miles of single track doesn't really make me all that sore. However, a single, fairly tentative paced, 10-mile day in these was enough to make sore in unusual ways for the following couple of days. Being connected to pedals like this obviously permits access to a set of muscles that were previously underutilized. I am substantially faster climbing, more confident about my lines - particularly with my rear wheel placement, and I absolutely rip going down (though that's not all that unusual for me). For trail/Enduro style riding these are awesome. If I'm riding a park (eg. scaring myself on huge jumps and obstacles), or running serious downhill stuff, I am on flats. That is because my brain lacks the capacity to crash and unclip simultaneously.Sure, I have had the "oh cr@p, I'm stuck" slow-motion falling over experience like everyone does but, because these are adjustable, at higher speeds I have had zero problems this far getting free of my bike to crash with grace, style, and unusual amounts of charisma. Perhaps my favorite thing is that the extra connection seems to allow me a higher probability of recovering from (frequent) stupid mistakes instead of being launched instantly over the bars. Better - even if I do get bucked out of the pedals (they're setup very loose) and can hang on, they function as a decent flat pedal until I can get the situation under control - and often just pop right back in while I'm frantically flailing/unintentionally making awesome aerobatic history.Now, I should point out that I do believe that a rider who is just starting out in the glorious sport of mountain biking should really consider sticking with flat pedals until they are a confident and competent rider. SPD pedals can easily mask bad technique and limit your progression. Once having progressed a little, this upgrade is actually rather cheap when one considers the capability they enable. I, for one, am very unlikely to willingly equip a XC hardtail or trail bike with a flat pedal again.Hope this helps you make a decision. See you on the trail/mountain/hospital!

I used these for 3+ years on my MTB before deciding I like them so much I bought another pair for my gravel bike. They've taken a real beating but other than superficial damage, work as well as when I first installed them.

second set. ran my first set of XTR for 15 years, beat them to death and I'm sticking with what works. the platform is the right size, clip in / out action is familiar and perfect every time. durability is tops. and they are serviceable. zero complaints. god willing I'll buying another set 15 years from now.

I have been running shimano spd pedals for 30 year, can’t go wrong with xtr or XT version.

They clip on and stay on. Light weight too!