
XPEDO M-Force 8 Ti XC/Gravel Pedals
23.02.23 08:36 592023-02-23T08:36:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenTest of the lightweight, triple-precision cartridge-bearing-sealed, SPD-compatible titanium pedals on the most challenging tractor paths of the Waldviertel.23.02.23 08:36 3792023-02-23T08:36:00+01:00XPEDO M-Force 8 Ti XC/Gravel Pedals
23.02.23 08:36 3792023-02-23T08:36:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenTest of the lightweight, triple-precision cartridge-bearing-sealed, SPD-compatible titanium pedals on the most challenging tractor paths of the Waldviertel.23.02.23 08:36 3792023-02-23T08:36:00+01:00Congratulations on the 10th anniversary! Yes, even though they don't show it in the slightest, the Xpedo M-Force 8 Ti Pedals have been on the market since 2012 and are still among the lightest offroad clipless pedals with the SPD standard today, just like back then. It's all the more astonishing that the brand remained under our radar until recently, and we even had to look up the company name on Wikipedia. Below you will find a brief summary.
Xpedo is the in-house brand of Wellgo Pedals Corp., one of the world's largest pedal manufacturers with headquarters in Taichung City (Taiwan) and Culver City, California (USA). In the 80s, Wellgo began producing bicycle pedals for renowned manufacturers until it launched itself under the label "Xpedo" in the 90s. Initially, the brand focused mainly on platform pedals for the BMX scene, but soon also set its sights on clipless pedals for the MTB and road bike sectors. Well-known pedal standards and visual similarities to high-end pedals from other key players are no coincidence.
In Austria and Germany, E. Wiener Bike Parts from Sennfeld took over distribution. We also received the M-Force 8 Titanium, Xpedo's lightweight SPD pedals, from the importer for a review. NoPain found out how they perform in terms of SPD compatibility, functionality, and durability during winter temperatures on the gravel bike for you.
First impression
Titanium as far as the eye can see: Both the axle and the pedal body are made from this precious metal, contributing to the sensationally low weight of just 215 grams. In direct comparison to a Shimano XTR pedal, however, the relatively compact contact area catches the eye, which is why the M-Force 8 Ti is primarily recommended for true racers with stiff footwear.
Although they were originally designed for uncompromising MTB-XC and marathon use, in our opinion, they are also a particularly hot tip for sporty gravel bikers - provided they do not weigh more than 86 kilograms.
Comparison of SPD Pedals
SPD Pedals | Weight (Pair) | RRP | Weight Savings |
Shimano XTR Pedals PD-M9100 SPD Race | 313 g | € 154.95 | - |
Ritchey WCS XC MTB Pedals | 305 g | € 129.95 | -8 grams |
METI Titan Shimano XTR Pedals PD-M9100 SPD Race | 257 g | € 350.42 | -56 grams |
Exustar Pedals MTB E-PM222Ti Titanium Axle | 259 g | € 194.95 | -54 grams |
Exustar Pedals MTB E-PM215Ti Titanium Axle | 225 g | € 234.90 | -88 grams |
XPEDO Pedals MTB XMF08TC M-Force 8 CR | 259 g | € 150.76 | -54 grams |
XPEDO Pedals MTB XMF08TT M-Force 8 Ti | 215 g weighed | € 299.95 | -98 grams |
Even compared to the most performance-oriented SPD competitors, the M-Force 8 Ti takes the lead in terms of lightweight construction, weighing 98 grams less than Shimano XTR Pedals. However, in terms of price, Xpedo's flagship is also far ahead. But those who know where to look can get them significantly cheaper.
Technology
The sleek, double-sided Xpedo M-Force 8 Ti clipless pedals are a real treat for weight weenies, as they weigh only 215 grams thanks to their titanium pedal bodies and axles. Good durability with lasting smoothness is promised by the three sealed cartridge bearings. The release tension can be adjusted using an Allen key and is indicated on the side with a red marker. The corresponding XPT cleat offers a lateral float of 6° and is Shimano SPD-compatible.
XPEDO MTB XMF08TT M-Force 8 Ti
Pedal System | Shimano SPD |
Application Area | MTB, Gravel |
Material | Titanium (Pedal Axle, Pedal Body) |
Color | Silver |
Bearings | Triple-sealed Cartridge Bearings |
Release Angle | 6° Float |
Q-Factor | 53 mm |
Weight | 215 grams (Manufacturer's specification and weighed) |
Rider Weight | max. 86 kg |
Scope of Delivery | Pedals incl. XPEDO XPT Cleats, Mounting Material |
Optional | XPEDO CrMo Axles Kit for M-Force 8 MTB Pedals for € 129.95 RRP |
Price (RRP)** | € 299.95 |
* The list price is an absolute fantasy price since the pedals currently cost 285 USD in the USA and are available in EU online shops from about 200 Euros.
Assembly
The installation of the pedals with an 8 mm Allen key was a usual straightforward task. However, with titanium axles, one should be particularly careful to apply enough grease or assembly paste to the thread and not to tighten them too much.
Although the Xpedo M-Force 8 titanium pedals are compatible with Shimano SH51 standard SPD cleats, and we naturally had SH51 on our Shimano shoes, we tried out the supplied Xpedo XPT cleats. As can be seen in the pictures, the Xpedo cleats show obvious visual differences from the SH51, but they could also be easily used on SPD pedals from Shimano or Tatze.
In practice
Our experiences during numerous winter rides can be aptly summarized with the following two words: "Strikingly unobtrusive."
Both entry and exit were always precise and quite crisp - even with the factory-set release tension. The more tension we applied with the 3 mm Allen key on the adjustment screw, the more force was required (as expected). Especially for gravel biking, it is advisable to set the release resistance slightly higher than for mountain biking to avoid suddenly losing contact with the pedal during fast, bumpy sections on predominantly unsprung off-road racing bikes. It was nice that re-entry was consistently intuitive, even though the pedal body did not automatically rotate downward in the unclipped state despite the smooth-running bearings. Overall, it should be noted that entry and exit did not work quite as smoothly as with Shimano pedals - regardless of which cleats were mounted on the shoe. However, we would not describe it as "sticky" - the feel was somewhere between Shimano XT and Ritchey WCS pedals.
Even though the platform area is comparatively small, power transfer was very good, and with the stiff-soled Shimano gravel shoes, there was no wobbly pedal contact in or out of the saddle. With touring shoes or Jesus-SPD sandals, you might be less inclined to ride these pedals.
Strikingly inconspicuous.
Everyday Lightweight ConstructionConclusion
XPEDO M-Force 8 Ti | |
---|---|
Model year: | 2023 |
Test duration: | 2 months |
Price: | € 299,- RRP |
+ | Low weight |
+ | Excellent bearings |
+ | Release hardness display |
+ | Timeless design |
+ | High dirt resistance |
o | Small contact area |
o | Good entry/exit, but not as precise as with Shimano SPDs |
o | List price vs. usual selling price |
BB verdict: | Lightweight construction without compromise. |
Lightweight construction without any compromise in function. Additionally, elegantly designed, quiet, and smooth-running, very functional, and apparently paired with high durability. True to the motto "Don't waste, reuse", axles and cartridge bearings can be ordered separately for any repairs after the warranty period.
That pedals, which weigh almost a third less than Shimano XTR pedals, cannot match the market leader's function in terms of contact area, smooth entry and exit, and maximum crash resistance, seems somehow logical on one hand, but on the other hand, it does not detract from carefree everyday use. The first choice for true XC and marathon racers, but also for all lightweight gravel bikers with a thick wallet.
The only downside, as so often, remains the price. But that's just the way it is, because products made from titanium are inevitably more expensive than those made from stainless steel & co. - but in the case of the M-Force 8 Ti, you get a real classic and at the same time the lightest SPD-compatible mountain bike pedals on the market.
Bargain tip: The Xpedo M-Force 8 CR pedals made from CrMo steel cost just half the list price and are still 54 grams lighter than Shimano XTR pedals.
First impression |
Comparison of SPD Pedals |
Technology |
XPEDO MTB XMF08TT M-Force 8 Ti |
Assembly |
In practice |
Conclusion |
Links |