Gravel riding means riding off-road, or a mix of riding surfaces. This, and the increased chance of having to walk at times, creates some different requirements and demands when it comes to choosing the best gravel bike pedals.
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.
Gravel or off-road-specific pedals are hard-wearing and deal with extra mud and dirt very well, meaning you can still clip in and use them when they are covered in mud, something dedicated road pedals struggle with.
For more relaxed gravel and off-road riding, you don't need the best clipless pedals. Instead, you might even want to choose a mountain bike flat pedal. An option I like to go for at times. Flat pedals provide a large surface area, which adds stability and opens up a wider range of shoe options.
If you are gravel racing, or riding on flatter courses where the chance of walking or putting a foot down is minimised, you may still want to choose one of the best road bike pedals and best cycling shoes, a move that is popular with gravel racers.
I have tested a wide range of the best gravel pedals on the market in putting this guide together, from SPD clipless style pedals to power meter options and grippy flat pedals. My top overall pick is the mighty Shimano XTR SPD pedal, and there should be an option here to suit any kind of gravel cycling.
For more buying advice and our how-to section, head to the bottom of the page.
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.
Since we reviewed the M9100, Shimano has released the updated XTR M9200, fine-tuning the pedal to focus on long-term durability and improved weather resistance. The M9200 features improved bearing seals and slight tweaks to the binding mechanism to enhance mud shedding. Darker anodised accents and a flatter, more rounded profile are small tweaks, all of which result in a slight increase in overall weight.
A set isn't as light as Crankbrothers 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, the M9100s have 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 have a high RRP compared with very good Shimano midrange options, but the XTR M9200 undercuts almost every competitor. The M9100s are still available too and will almost certainly be discounted.
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 Shimano's most budget SPD pedal, and for my money, there's little point in opting for the more expensive M540. They share much of the design of more expensive models, like the Shimano XTR M9100, though since my review, Shimano has released the new MT520. The new model features improved weather sealing and sealed bearings and the contact platform is slightly larger for better stability.
I've had a set of the M520s since I started racing cyclocross in 2016, and they are still going strong despite never having a service. The bearings are serviceable, 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), with the new MT520 weighing in at a claimed weight of 373g, which makes them lighter than the previous model tested.
Also, without the Teflon coating of the XTR, they are more prone to getting squeaky over time, but it's nothing that some wax or a spray of GT85 won't fix. The M520 are a great option and available online at discounted prices.
For more details, read our Shimano M520 pedal review
Best gravel bike pedals for mud
✅ 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're racing cyclocross: Great mud clearance, and you can clip in on four sides when racing through the slop.
❌ 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 hybrid gravel bike pedals
✅ 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.
Best flat gravel bike 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.
The platform is not the biggest you'll find on flat pedals (check out the Crankbrothers Stamp Evo Large if you want a super long platform), but if you want an extremely well-built, fully serviceable option (though you'll need to buy a specific tool from Hope unless you have a very long 8mm socket), 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.
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 fine to use 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 and offer a looser feel, especially on technical descents.
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, so I 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.
