While the M520 lacks the flash of premium options it does basically the same thing for a small weight penalty in a package that'll take years of abuse.

They use a common SPD-style two-bolt cleat and feature ... narrow 54mm Q-factor for the Pro MX-2. By comparison, a Shimano XTR M9100 pedal (with a regular spindle length) has a Q-factor of 55mm.

Against other XC and gravel clipless pedals, the Shimano XTR M9100s stand out as no-nonsense, durable, even boring. That they manage to be amongst the lightest, most widely adopted and the best value ...