Gravel riding means riding off-road, or mixing on and off-road riding together. This and the increased chance of having to walk at times create some different requirements and demands when it comes to the pedals we use.
Cyclists generally choose off-road pedals and shoes for gravel riding. The best gravel shoes provide grip and stability in a comfortable package, and the recessed two-bolt SPD-style pedal cleats they use make it infinitely easier to walk in off-road conditions and also deal with mud and dirt a lot better underfoot.
Quick list: Best gravel bike pedals
Shimano XTR pedals are the cream of the crop, combining the lightest SPD system with silky-smooth bearings and a Teflon coating for easier clip-in/out.
The Shimano M520 pedals are a budget-friendly SPD pedal that prioritises durability and reliability. These are great pedals offering years of maintenance-free performance.
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater pedals offer a four-sided, mud-shedding clip-in design for cyclocross racing or if you want to make your gravel bike as light as possible.
The Hope RC Union pedals are beautifully made and anodised to pop far more than other clipless pedals, though they do use a proprietary cleat.
The X-Track Power pedal from Look is available in single - or dual-sided versions, with swappable pedal bodies for Keo road platforms.
The F22 flat pedal from Hope is a classically shaped option, but machined and anodised so well that it feels more premium than a 'normal' pedal. The pins also provide great grip with a flat shoe.
Last updated on January 1st 2026
We have checked that products are still current and available, updated specs for newer models and more detail has been added throughout the guide. The buyer's guide layout has also been changed, and we have added helpful 'buy if' or 'dont buy if ' information boxes.
Best Gravel Bike Pedals available today
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Best overall gravel bike pedals
✅ You want the lightest SPD system available: This is the lightest SPD pedal Shimano makes.
✅ You want a reliable set of pedals: These are very good, long-lasting and serviceable pedals with great foot retention.
❌ You want a cheaper set of pedals: They do have a higher RRP versus very good Shimano midrange options. This is a top fuel option that is used by the best.
❌ You often ride in muddy conditions: These pedals struggle in mud but are capable of resisting a lot of abuse and weather conditions.
For many of us, Shimano's SPD system is essentially synonymous with "off-road clipless pedals". The cream of the crop is the XTR pedal, from the Japanese giant's top-end MTB groupset.
A set isn't as light as a set of Eggbeaters, but it's the lightest Shimano SPD system, with silky smooth bearings and a Teflon coating for easier clip-in/out. They are lighter than the more basic M540 and M520 options, but also less durable. That being said, they've been faultless in all the time I've used them, with only second-hand reports of them ever failing, and like most of Shimano's SPD range, they're highly serviceable.
They do have a high RRP versus very good Shimano midrange options, but the XTR M9100 undercuts almost every one of their competitors and is frequently available at a discount.
For more details, read our Shimano XTR M9100 pedal review
Best budget gravel bike pedals
✅ You want a durable set of pedals: These are bombproof even without maintenance.
✅ You want good value for money: The M520s have a low RRP and are often discounted, and share much of the design of the more expensive models.
❌ You want the lightest pedals available: There is a slight weight penalty compared to more premium options.
❌ You want silent operation: Without a Teflon coating, they are more prone to getting squeaky over time.
The M520 is the most budget SPD pedal from Shimano, and for my money, there's little point opting for the more expensive M540. They share much of the design of the more expensive models, like the Shimano XTR M9100.
I've had a set of these since I started racing cyclocross in 2016, and they are still going strong despite never having a service. The bearings are servicable, but from my experience, and that of everyone I've ever met who uses these, you won't need to.
For the Weight Weenies, they are heavier, with my home scales showing 381g, compared with 312g for the top-end XTR M9100 pedals (measured).
Also, without the Teflon coating of the XTR, they are more prone to getting squeaky over time, but it's nothing some wax or a spray of GT85 won't fix.
For more details, read our Shimano M520 pedal review
Best gravel bike pedals for mud
✅ You're racing cyclocross: Great mud clearance, and you can clip in on four sides when racing through the slop.
✅ You want to make your gravel bike as light as possible: It's about as pared back as a pedal can be, simply opting for the cleat interface.
❌ You want low-maintenance pedals: These will need you to stay on top of bearing services.
❌ You want more foot support: They can feel less stable initially due to the minimalist, platform-free design.
The very first Eggbeaters were released in the early 2000s, and the pedals have remained largely unchanged. If you're racing cyclocross, or you want to make your gravel bike as light as possible, then the Eggbeater from Crankbrothers is the pedal for you.
It's about as pared back as a pedal can be, eschewing any platform and simply opting for the cleat interface. I never really found it to cause any hot spots from increased pressure, but it certainly feels a little less stable initially. The release angle is adjustable, and the cleats come with a choice of 0° or 6° float.
The fact that mud can't jam it up and you can clip in on four sides is a real boon, though, when racing through the slop. Whichever tier you get, just stay on top of bearing services, though, as this is the only pedal I've had real issues with.
Best gravel bike pedals for adjustability
✅ You want to customise your bike: These are beautifully made, and anodised to pop far more than any other clipless pedal.
✅ You want different float cleats in the box: Two pairs of cleats come in the box offering different floats and release angles.
❌ You're on a budget: These do come at a high price, considering they are heavier than the cheaper XTR option.
Hope is famous for its manufacturing and machining, and the Union RC pedals don't disappoint on that front. Available in six different colours, they are beautifully made and anodised to pop far more than any other clipless pedal.
They do resemble normal Shimano SPD options, and the pedals are dual-sided, but they use a proprietary cleat. Two pairs of cleats come in the box, offering different floats and release angles - 4 or 5 degrees of float and 12 or 13 degrees of release angle. Adjusting the release tension is also easier than any other pedal I've tried.
The downside is that they do come at a high price, especially considering they are heavier than the cheaper XTR option, though they are a highly serviceable choice.
Best power meter gravel pedals
✅ You want a power meter pedal with low stack height: The stack height is the same as the standard Look X-Track pedal.
✅ You want attractive aesthetics and design: The pedal body is aluminium, the axle is steel, and the platform material is stainless steel.
❌ You want budget-friendly power meter pedals: They represent a serious investment for the rider looking for accurate and dependable dual-sided power data.
❌ You want lightweight pedals with power: All the electronics are enclosed in the stainless steel spindle which adds some weight.
Look's power meter pedals include the X-Track Power, an SPD-compatible option. Look sells single-sided and dual-measuring power meters and the bodies, as with Garmin, are swappable to Keo road platforms.
Look quotes an accuracy of + / - 1% and in testing, the X Track's power recording was consistent and accurate. The battery is rechargeable and lasts around 60 hours.
The stack height is the same as the standard X-Track pedal, and all the electronics are enclosed in the stainless steel spindle, though this does add some weight.
These pedals also come with Look cleats included, but are compatible with regular Shimano SPD cleats, which makes life easier.
For more details, read our Look X-Track Power review
Best flat pedals
✅ You want a premium feel flat pedal: It's a classically shaped option, but machined and anodised so well that it feels more premium than a 'normal' pedal.
✅ You want tunable grip: The pins are tunable with included washers, so you can make the grip they provide more or less aggressive.
❌ You want hassle-free installation: You do have to install all the pins yourself initially, which can be a pain.
The F22 flat pedal from Hope is a classically shaped option, but machined and anodised so well that it feels more premium than a 'normal' pedal. They come in seven different colours, and it's fun to choose the right pair for your bike.
They're not as large as the Stamp pedals from Crankbrothers down below, and definitely not as large as the Catalyst, but if you want an extremely well-built, serviceable option, then it's hard to overlook the F22.
The pins are tunable with included washers, so you can make the grip more or less aggressive, but you do have to install all the pins yourself initially, which is a pain and will take you half an hour. My advice: sit down with a drink and enjoy the job.
Also tested
✅ You want a lighter feel: A well thought-out design and despite their larger pedal structure and platform, these weigh in very respectably.
✅ You want better mud performance: These offer a freer pedal feel and improved mud performance over SPD options.
❌ You want easy serviceability: They are harder to service than many others, requiring a myriad of tools.
❌ You want durability: Shimano’s relatively robust and easier-to-service offerings may have them beat here.
The Candy is roughly the same size as the XTR or M520 options above, but if you want a bit more colour, or prefer the feel of a Crankbrothers clip-in, then these are likely going to be your best bet if you find the thought of the Eggbeater a little too skeletal. There's a little more platform to support the sole of your shoe, so a lower chance of any hotspots or pressure, and a lot of the same resistance to clogging with mud.
There are no pins, unlike the Mallet Trail, meaning the pedals favour the harder soles of dedicated gravel shoes.
For more details, read our Crankbrothers Candy 7 pedal review
✅ You want multi-purpose pedals: One side is an SPD clip, and one side is a flat platform, giving you the option to run clipless and flat.
✅ You want a relatively inexpensive option: They’re well priced and good value, as you get two options in one.
❌ If low weight is a priority: They are heavier than full clipless pedals if you mostly ride clipped in.
❌ You want dual-sided entry: Due to one side being flat and one clipless, you do lose the dual-sided entry.
Many people purchase a gravel bike as they can do more than one thing. On-road, off-road, and commuting. If you use your gravel bike around town, to go to the pub, the shops, or the office, it can be a pain to have to carry normal shoes with you or use normal shoes on clipless pedals.
The PD-EH500 from Shimano features one side with an SPD clip and one side with a flat platform. You lose the dual-sided entry, and the platform isn't as good as any dedicated flat pedal, but you do get the advantage of being able to wear whatever shoes are most convenient; in short, you can use a regular trainer or shoe easily with these clipless pedals, adding versatility.
If you tend to ride mostly using clipless shoes, and weight is a concern, there is a weight penalty over full clipless options, but that isn't really what this model is about.
✅ You want rechargeable power meter pedals: The updated XC210 pedals move to a rechargeable battery design.
✅ You want interchangeable pedal bodies: Garmin’s interchangeable pedal bodies let you switch between road and SPD setups while keeping the same power meter axle.
❌ You want low weight power meter pedals: These are heavier than some of the primary competitors.
We previously reviewed the Garmin Rally XC200 power meter pedals, which have now been updated to the XC210.
One of the key changes is that the pedals are now rechargeable instead of using a pair of slightly more obscure CR1/3N batteries that were a drawback previously. Garmin has also introduced a new sensing spindle, which it claims delivers accuracy within 1%.
The Garmin Rally pedal system offers both Look and Shimano-compatible road pedal power meters as well as this dual-sided SPD power meter, with both single and dual-sided meters. The good news is that you can swap formats, although the bodies are pricey and it's a little time-consuming.
✅ You want a good value power meter pedal: Compared to the competition, Favero's SPD-compatible pedal is low priced and perform well.
✅ You want rechargeabe batteries: All of the circuitry and battery are housed within the spindle and they are rechargeable.
❌ You want secure cleat connection: The cleat mechanism isn't as secure as some of the main competitors.
The Assioma Pro MX is a Shimano SPD-compatible system, made up of a choice of single- and dual-sided power measurement.
They feature measurement to within 1% – the same as Garmin's Rally and SRM's X-Power – with a maximum capability of 3000 watts.
The Pro MX houses the electronics in the axle, rather than having an external pod as with the brand's road pedal power meters. The stack height is low at 11.2mm, there are a slew of metrics, and the internal battery has a 60-hour claimed runtime.
Compared to the competition, Favero’s SPD-compatible pedal offers some of the best value on the market.
✅ You want a lightweight and accurate power meter pedal: The brand has built a strong reputation around accuracy, and they are lightweight considering the application.
✅ You want Zwift compatibility: For eRacers, the pedals feature a ‘Zwift compatibility’ mode that communicates directly with Zwift.
❌ You want a budget option: It's an incredibly pricey piece of equipment but the SRM brand cachet is synonymous with quality and reliability.
SRM was the original power meter brand, collaborated with Look on power pedals and has now gone it alone with the X-Power, which is available for road and off-road use. The X-Power is lightweight, rechargeable and, again, available in dual or single-sided versions.
SRM is a lower volume brand than its competitors, which is reflected in the price, but the SRM brand cachet is synonymous with quality and reliability.
There is both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure that the X-Power pedals are compatible with all head units, indoor cycling apps and ‘Zwift compatibility’ mode.
✅ You want great value flat pedals: At this price point, the HT PA03A pedals are difficult to overlook as a flat pedal option.
✅ You want flat pedals with loads of grip: They are extremely grippy and the pins are replaceable too.
❌ You want durability: The nylon body picks up gouges more readily than metal options.
Considering the price, the HT PA03A pedals are hard to overlook if you're after a set of flat pedals. They may not be as bling as options from the likes of Hope or Crank Brothers, but they are extremely grippy, come in 12 different colours, and while the nylon body picks up gouges more readily than metal options, they have been super reliable in my experience.
Unlike some similarly priced flat pedals, the pins are replaceable too, should you ever lose them, which I never have. The bearings on mine, too, have been faultless after a year or so of use.
✅ You have a low bottom bracket: This is a low-profile offering, so it works great with gravel bikes with low bottom bracket heights or long crank arms in off-road situations where ground clearance is tight.
✅ You want a large platform: They feature a large, supportive platform with plenty of grip.
❌ Budget is a priority: They’re relatively expensive with cheaper flat pedal options out there.
The Stamp from Crankbrothers, like the majority of its pedal options, comes in various tiers, though the platform is the same across the board. It's larger than the Hope F22, giving a slightly more assured feeling. All models come in two sizes (small and large) to suit different shoe sizes.
Where they differ most is that the Stamp is a more low-profile offering. Gravel bikes can have relatively low bottom bracket heights, so these would be a great option if yours does, or if you're using long crank arms, as it'll reduce the risk of pedal strike.
How to choose the best gravel bike pedals
Still not sure what you want? Maybe the below FAQs will help you out. The first thing to do in any eventuality is to decide whether you want to clip into your pedals or not, and from there, it's finding the system that works best for your needs. As always, it helps to be honest with the type of riding you'll be doing; There's no point fitting race pedals to a bike that's going to be used mostly as a commuter, and vice versa.
- Clipless or flat pedals? Clipless pedals are the most common option for gravel riding, and if that means some on-road riding too, they are the best option. However, flat pedals can be good for commuting and casual riding, along with more technical off-road riding.
- Do I want single or double-sided entry? Double-sided pedals make clipping in much easier, especially when racing or commuting.
- Do I ride in muddy conditions? Pedals that shed mud easily, like the Crankbrothers Eggbeaters, are better for wet and muddy gravel rides and don't tend to get clogged as easily, though it takes a lot.
- How much do I want to pay? More expensive pedals are generally lighter and have better quality finishes
Everything you need to know about the best gravel bike pedals
What kind of pedals do you use on a gravel bike?
Essentially, you can use any mountain bike pedal system of your choosing, either clipless or flat. You can technically use road pedals, but I wouldn't advise it as the cleats are much harder to walk in, easier to damage, and the pedals will clog up with muck far more readily. If you want clipless, the 'standard' choice is a Shimano SPD system, and you can't go too far wrong whichever tier you opt for. Flat pedals come in various sizes and are more suited to bikepacking and MTB-lite gravel riding. Other clipless systems have other advantages, be that weight, adjustability, or mud clearance.
Do I need clip in pedals for a gravel bike?
Not at all. If you're coming to gravel from the road, then you'll likely be used to clipping in, and may well prefer it, in which case there are plenty of pedal options to choose from. However, if you're coming to gravel completely fresh, or from a mountain bike background where you're not used to clipping into your bike then there's no reason you can't use flat pedals. Some riders prefer to use flats for comfort, and the ability to wear normal shoes comes in handy if you have to get off and walk, or if you're using your gravel bike as a commuter and don't want to bring spare shoes with you.
Are gravel bike pedals OK on a road bike?
Yes, absolutely. Many riders, especially on their winter bikes, thanks to the increased durability, prefer the dual-sided entry of MTB clipless systems. Anyone who says you can't use MTB pedals on a road bike is almost invariably being a snob; I've got a set on my around-town road bike so I can walk about more easily. Basically, there are a ton of reasons to use gravelly options on a road bike, so don't let tradition get in your way.
Are flat pedals just as fast as clipless?
The received wisdom is that clipping into your pedals results in a 30% efficiency saving as you can apply power through more of the pedal stroke, and pull up on the pedals too. This isn't something that's been borne out by science, but there is definitely some performance advantage from clipping in, particularly at higher power outputs (think sprinting). If you're aiming to go fast, then clipping in will help, but otherwise flat pedals won't hold you back in any real sense.
How much should I spend on gravel bike pedals?
Gravel bike pedals range from tens of pounds up to just shy of £500 for superlight versions of the Eggbeaters (no, really!). Unless you're chasing very small performance gains, then there's very little need to spend more than £50-70. XTR pedals, for example, are my favourite and are excellent, but they aren't a huge amount better than a mid-range option in the grand scheme of things, considering the price difference.
Do I need a power meter?
For a similar price to the top spec Eggbeaters, you could buy an SPD-compatible, dual-sided pedal power meter. For many gravel bikers, the terrain is more likely to limit their progress than their power output, but if you're into gravel racing, a power meter can be a useful addition to gauge your effort level. It's also really useful for training to assess your fitness level. Metrics such as pedalling smoothness and platform offset can also help you improve your efficiency.
Gravel bike pedal power meters are built robustly, so they should be able to withstand grotty conditions and the occasional rock bash, but in a serious wipe-out, pedals tend to hit the ground first, so you need to be happy with the risk of destroying a pricey power meter and the cost involved in replacing it. Fortunately, you can buy spares for all the power meters above.
How we test the best gravel bike pedals?
Well, mostly by riding them all on gravel. Unlike my coworkers, I don't use a turbo trainer and ride outside all year round. This means muck, slop, dust, grit, and a lot of hike-a-bike thanks to a bit of strategic underbiking. I get to know which pedals work and which don't, and the pedals in this guide are just a snapshot of all the options I've tried.
Testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews, and how we test is taken seriously, so read on to find out more.
