Shimano has launched two new flat pedals, the SAINT PD-G8040 and the DEORE XT PD-M8240, giving aggressive trail, enduro and downhill riders two fresh platform options from one of the biggest component brands in mountain biking. The launch, detailed on Shimano’s Thin for the Win page, puts the focus on grip, stability, low-profile pedal bodies and serviceability, but there is another reason this release stands out. For many riders, the return of the SAINT name to a new Shimano component will be just as interesting as the pedals themselves.
Flat pedals remain a popular choice for riders who want quick foot placement, easy dabs in technical terrain and a more planted, confidence-led feel on steep descents. That is just as relevant on electric mountain bikes, where extra weight and momentum can put even more emphasis on secure contact points. For riders already thinking about upgrades for the season ahead, this launch fits neatly alongside broader setup considerations such as tyres, suspension and protective kit. It also arrives at a time when Shimano is pushing hard in other performance areas too, as seen in our recent look at the latest Shimano XT Di2 eMTB drivetrain developments.
SAINT returns with a more gravity-focused flat pedal
The more eye-catching of the two new models is the SAINT PD-G8040. Shimano is positioning this pedal squarely at gravity riders, with a shape and construction designed to handle repeated impacts and hard descending. The most distinctive feature is a resin bumper built into the pedal body, which is intended to help the pedal glance off rocks and trail furniture more smoothly. It is a small detail, but one that makes sense for riders who regularly clip pedals in rough terrain or spend time on downhill tracks and enduro stages.
Shimano is also talking up the flush axle design and concave platform, both of which are intended to improve shoe contact and keep feet feeling settled when the trail gets choppy. The SAINT’s low profile and broad support area should appeal to riders who prefer a substantial platform under softer gravity shoes, especially when they are pushing into fast, rough terrain where stability matters more than outright pedalling efficiency.
DEORE XT targets all-round trail and enduro use
Alongside the SAINT sits the new DEORE XT PD-M8240, which looks set to be the more versatile and more widely relevant option for everyday trail and all-mountain use. It follows a similar design brief, with a wide platform, concave shape and replaceable pins, but without quite the same gravity-first identity as the SAINT. For many riders, that will probably make it the easier pedal to justify, especially if their riding mixes trail centres, natural singletrack, technical climbs and the occasional uplift day.
Shimano is also making a clear point that both pedals are fully serviceable, with replaceable parts designed to extend their lifespan rather than forcing riders into a throwaway upgrade cycle. In UK riding conditions, where wet grit, mud and repeated rock strikes can take a real toll on contact points, that practical angle may matter just as much as any headline weight or thickness figure.
Why this matters for eMTB riders
For Electric MTB UK readers, these pedals are relevant because they speak directly to the kind of riding many modern eMTBs are built for. Whether you are riding steep woodland descents, bike park laps or technical mountain routes, secure foot placement can shape how confident a bike feels underneath you. A good flat pedal is not just a finishing touch. It is part of the overall setup, much like tyre choice or fork tuning.
If this launch has you thinking about a wider refresh for your bike, it is worth checking our guides to the best eMTB trail tyres for UK riding in 2026, the best full-face MTB helmets and the latest UK eMTB enduro 2026 dates. Shimano’s new pedals may not reinvent the flat-pedal category overnight, but the return of SAINT and the more serious push into premium flat pedals make this a launch that should get attention from trail, enduro and downhill riders alike.