8 DEGREE PEDAL X8-2 REVIEW

October 7, 2026

Flat pedals come in many shapes and sizes, but few totally change how your foot interacts with the pedal. The 8 Degree X8-2 floating pedal does exactly that, allowing the pedal body to move independently on the spindle to mimic the float found in a clip pedal.

Could this be the ultimate solution: the float of a clipless pedal, with the freedom of a flat? I have been testing a pair of 8 Degree X8-2’s for a little while, and now it’s time to report back.

ABOUT THE 8 DEGREE PEDAL X8-2 FLAT PEDAL

8 Degree Pedal is a small brand manufacturing only two pedals: the X8-3 and larger X8-2. The “8 Degree” name refers to the pedal’s novel design, which allows the pedal body to “float” on the axle. Clip pedals usually have a degree of float between the cleat and the pedal, allowing your knee to be more in line while pedaling. The 8 Degree Pedal system aims to mimic that float of a clip pedal for riders with knee pain that ride flat pedals. By using two springs at the pedal axle, they are able to achieve eight degrees of float on a flat pedal design.

The intended benefit isn’t just a different pedaling experience. 8 Degree says the movement can also reduce the need to reposition your foot, and potentially extend the life of your shoe soles.

The floating mechanism uses interchangeable springs to control how easily the pedal body moves relative to the spindle. A medium spring comes installed, with lighter and heavier options included in the box. This system is designed to show zero fatigue during 8 Degree’s 1,036,800 test cycles.

The larger X8-2 pedal has a 111 x 108mm platform, while the smaller X8-3 has a 100 x 100mm platform. They both feature a compact sealed bearing to reduce Q-factor and keep your foot positioned closer to the crank. Each pedal has 12 reversible pins per side, allowing you to tune your grip level, and comes in eight unique colors to choose from. Retail price comes in at a decidedly premium $215.

THE DIRT

First off, I don’t often ride flat pedals on my mountain bike, but I have my moments. And with such an interesting pedal to put to the test, I didn’t need much convincing. I paired the 8 Degree Pedal X8-2s with a pair of Bontrager Flatline shoes that are medium stiff and super comfortable.

I went into this test completely blind, with no research or background knowledge. It took until actually hitting the trails for me to discover that there was the float in the pedals, which came with equal surprise and intrigue.

Most importantly as an aggressive rider, the grip the 8 Degree Pedal X8-2 provided was superb. The reversible pins were pretty nifty, as the unscrew method works for some pedals, but I find it harder to get the height even across the pedal’s platform. The platform felt well-built, and the bearings span smoothly throughout testing.

As for the floating mechanism, I was a little torn. It does what it says on the tin, but the effectiveness was a little lost on me. I tried all three spring rates, and the medium and heavy springs were difficult to move with my foot while riding. The light spring was marginally better, but still led me to question its effectiveness and need for my riding. When riding flat pedals, I never feel like I am so stuck to the pedals that I can’t move my foot slightly if I have knee discomfort: perhaps I have a particularly well-aligned pedal stroke.

As for other riders – especially those suffering with knee pain – the 8 Degree Pedal could be a game changer. And whether you need the float or not, I didn’t find many drawbacks from a pure performance perspective.

While 8 Degree claims a reduced Q-factor, I found my shoe sitting farther inboard on the platform than I would have liked. Given the mechanism they’re fitting inside the spindle, some of that compromise is understandable, but I think the pedal could have offered more usable platform toward the inside.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The X8-2 is a well-made, grippy, quality flat pedal. I didn’t personally get much benefit from the floating mechanism, but that’s largely because I’m not experiencing the knee problems 8 Degree Pedal is trying to address. For riders looking for additional float from a flat pedal, the X8-2 offers a very different approach.

Price: $215 (currently on sale at $170)
Website: 8degreepedal.com