XTR Pedals: M9100 Race vs M9120 Trail

Here is another comparison post, where I will compare different XTR SPD pedals. Previously, I had compared two different generations of XTR Trail pedals, PD-M9020 vs the newer PD-M9120. This time, I will compare two pedals from the same generation, but of different types.

There are two types of XTR SPD pedals, the Race type and the Trail type. The main difference is the presence of a pedal cage around the SPD mechanism on the Trail type pedal. From what I understand, the pedal cage is to help support the shoe and the foot in case the rider did not clip in successfully, or if the rider is using a non-SPD shoe for short or casual riding.

On the Specialized Aethos, I installed the Race type XTR PD-M9100 SPD pedal, which is a minimalist SPD pedal with no pedal cage. With that information available, I can do a detailed comparison between the Race type (PD-M9100) and the Trail type (PD-M9120).

XTR level packaging! The Trail pedal needs a bigger box due to the larger pedal size.

Trail PD-M9120 vs Race PD-M9100. Make sure you get the correct type for your usage.

PD-M9120 Trail pedals on the left, PD-M9100 Race pedals on the right.

The central SPD mechanism looks similar, while there is an extra pedal cage on the Trail pedal for a larger pedaling platform.

There are many machined surfaces on the Trail pedal cage for a premium look.

Both have a smooth pedal axle, which also means that you cannot use a Size 15 pedal wrench to tighten or loosen it. 

The Trail pedal is taller and thus also wider when mounted onto the crank arms.

Overall pedal thickness looks similar, although it is hard to compare visually.

Pedal thickness is about 17 mm for PD-M9120, giving a pedal stack height of roughly 8.5 mm.

Race type PD-M9100 pedals are slightly thinner at 16.5 mm, giving a pedal stack height of about 8.2 mm.

Weight of PD-M9120 Trail pedals is 393 grams. This is heavier than the previous PD-M9020 version which is 372 grams.

Race type PD-M9100 pedals are quite a lot lighter, at just 312 grams per pair.

In short, changing from the Trail type to the Race type pedals will save about 80 grams. This is probably less than 1% of the entire bike weight (8 kg bike), and 0.1% of the bike + rider (assume 80 kg). If you think of it this way, it is not significant at all.

However, I still want to make the change as a little bit here and there adds up, especially for the Specialized Aethos which has lightweight as a priority.