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1. Dual sided
2. Dual-sided with a platform
3. Flat pedals
4. How to choose
Gravel bikes are a well-established subset of the market, and while we now have the best gravel bike shoes and the best gravel bike tyres to choose from, the best gravel bike pedals are still very much mountain bike pedals by any other name. The default, if such a thing exists, is Shimano's SPD system, though there are other systems available, as well as plenty of flat pedals if you don't want to clip in. Below I've rounded up my favourite options for mixed terrain riding.
Dual Sided pedals
+ Lightweight
+ Reliable
- Cheaper versions more durable
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 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.
+ Bombproof
+ Cheap
- A little hefty
- Prone to squeaking
The M520 is the most budget SPD pedal from Shimano, and for my money there's little point opting for the more expensive M540. 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. They are heavier though, and 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.
+ Lightweight
+ Four-way entry
+ Great mud clearance
- Bearing issues
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 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.
+ Different float cleats in the box
+ Beautiful machining
- Expensive
- Heavier than XTR
Hope is famous for its machining, and the Union RC pedals don't disappoint on that front. Beautifully made, and anodised to pop far more than any other clipless pedal they do resemble normal Shimano SPD options but they do use a proprietary cleat. Two pairs of cleats come in the box offering different floats and release angles, and adjusting the release tension is 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.
Dual sided platform
+ Colourful
+ Good in the mud
- No spring adjustment
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 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, so favours the harder soles of gravel shoes.
+ Colourful
+ Good in the mud
- Pins may not play well with gravel shoes
The Mallet Trail is extremely similar to the Candy above but with an even larger platform. The pins at the front add grip, but they definitely work better with softer-soled mountain bike shoes, rather than road-inspired gravel shoes, so if you are torn between these and the Candy then I'd suggest choosing your shoes first and letting that dictate things. The pins at the front are infinitely adjustable in terms of height, and removable, though if you're taking them out you may as well just get the Candy.
+ Multi-purpose
+ Relatively inexpensive
- Weight penalty over full clipless options
Many people purchase a gravel bike as they can do more than one thing. On-road, off-road, and also commuting. If you use your gravel bike around town, to go to the pub, the shops, or the office it's 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.
+ Multi-purpose
+ Colourful
- More expensive than the Shimano option
All the same positives and negatives of the Shimano PD-EH500 also ring true with the Crankbrothers Doubleshot. The thing about clip-in pedal systems is that they lock you into a system, so if you're using Candy, Mallet, or Eggbeater pedals on your other bikes then the Doubleshot should be your go-to reversible option; this is no bad thing though. They're more expensive than the Shimano option but lighter too, and more colourful.
Flat pedals
+ Beautifully machined
+ Tuneable grip
- Pin installation is a real pain
The F22 flat pedal from Hope is a classicly shaped option but machined and anodised so well that it feels more premium than a 'normal' pedal. They're not so large as the Stamp, 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.
+ Cheap
+ Grippy
- Not so durable
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 a wide range of 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.
+ Narrow profile
+ Large platform
- Pricey
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, but where it differs 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.
+ Mid-foot position can mimic cleat positions
+ Massive platform for grip
- Looks odd
- Hefty
The Catalyst from Pedalling Innovations mixes things up in the flat pedal world by offering an incredibly large pedalling platform. Far larger than anything else out there, with the aim of giving you a mid-foot position over the axle, rather than one where the ball of the foot is transferring the power. It takes a bit of getting used to but offers a hugely stable, comfortable platform. The only real downside, besides getting used to a new foot position, is the size and consequently the weight: at 528g they're not for the weight weenies!
How to choose
