XPEDO M-Force 8 Ti XC/Gravel Pedals

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

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.

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.

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.

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.