Deore XT M8020 vs GRX ME700 SPD Pedals

One of the most durable SPD pedals you can find is the Deore XT SPD pedals, where it is tough and literally unbreakable, unless you are involved in a heavy crash where the pedal is the least of your concerns.

It is not as expensive as the XTR version, but is probably more durable as it is not as lightweight as the XTR version. That said, it may still be a bit too costly for some, so there is a cheaper version, the newly launched GRX ME700 pedals.

These ME700 pedals are loosely associated with the GRX gravel series, although it is not tagged as part of the GRX groupset. It is basically a non-series dual-sided SPD pedal that looks very similar to the PD-M530 pedals.

PD-ME700 with a bold edgy appearance.

Weighs 240 grams on one side, giving a weight of 480 grams for a pair. The claimed 540 grams on the website is wrong.

Deore XT PD-M8020 is lighter at 200 grams per side, giving a weight of 400 grams per pair. Quite a significant difference. XTR PD-M9020 is even lighter at 372 grams per pair.

Side by side comparison. The platform on the ME700 is bigger, but this also means higher weight.

Usable platform width on the ME700 is wider, due to the larger platform and also the different axle design.

The Deore XT pedal has a sleek pedal axle design which I value very much, compared to the cheaper design which tends to collect dirt easily.

Platform on the ME700 is wider, and note the difference in axle design.

Finally, the ME700 uses a smaller Size 6 Allen key, while the Deore XT axle takes a Size 8 Allen key instead.

The Deore XT pedal can ONLY be installed with the Size 8 Allen key, while the ME700 pedal can either be installed with a Size 6 Allen key or the standard 15 mm pedal wrench. I prefer installing pedals with the size 15 pedal wrench, as it is easier to tighten and loosen the pedals, compared to using an Allen key.

However, in this case the aesthetics of the higher end pedal axle wins out for me, as I much prefer the slim and clean looking axle on the Deore XT and XTR pedals, instead of the other axle design.

Given a choice, I would choose the Deore XT or XTR pedals every time, just because of the axle design, unless there are other factors involved. Function wise, I think the ME700 pedals would be just as good as the Deore XT version, just with a less premium appearance.