The 6 Best Gravel Bike Pedals to Buy (Clipless, Flat, and Hybrid)

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These are the best pedals for gravel bikers. I selected them after consulting with gravel bikers and reading dozens of forum threads and discussions. Then, I evaluated them based on my gravel bike pedal scoring system. I also included MTB clipless pedals because they don’t differ much from gravel-specific pedals.

Your riding style can also influence the type of pedals most suitable for your gravel bike. So, continue reading to learn their pros and cons and much more.

What Are the Best Gravel Bike Pedals?

Based on the experiences of gravel bikers worldwide, MTB and gravel clipless pedals are the best for gravel biking. They allow you to clip into them from both sides, shed mud easily, and last you for years, thanks to their high durability.

Feel free to read the buyer’s guide section first if you don’t know whether or not to buy MTB and gravel clipless, MTB flat, or road bike pedals for your gravel bike.

Skip to the comparison table…

Shimano M520 SPD (Best Gravel Bike Pedals Overall)

Ease of Clip-in 5/5 | Ease of Clip-out 4/5 | Adjustability 5/5 | Mud Shedding 4/5 | Weight 1/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5

If you are looking for pedals that offer good value for money, then the Shimano M520 SPD pedals are for you. They are well-known in mountain biking but also perfect for gravel biking.

Their installation is simple, and they don’t require much maintenance, thanks to their robust and durable bearings.

They are made from sturdy aluminum and stainless steel, so they will last you for years and still deliver the same performance.

Of course, you can set their release tension based on your preferences. I recommend lower tension for beginners for easier release. You avoid crashes caused by an inability to unclip on time.

Finally, they come with durable recessed cleats compatible with a 2-hole cleat configuration.

Their biggest downside is their weight, which is much higher than the weight of Crankbrothers Candy, for example.

These features and their affordable price make them the perfect option for most beginner and advanced gravel riders.

Also available at jensonusa.com, rei.com, performancebike.com, and tredz.co.uk

You might also be interested in this selection of the best clipless mountain bike pedals.

Crankbrothers Candy

Ease of Clip-in 3/5 | Ease of Clip-out 5/5 | Adjustability 3/5 | Mud Shedding 4/5 | Weight 5/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.0/5

Crankbrothers’ Candy 1 pedals offer one of the best price-weight ratios of all pedals in this selection. As a result, they will be perfect for you if you are looking for lightweight pedals for a limited budget.

At only 0.65lb (294g), they are much lighter than Shimano M520. Yet, they are not the lightest pedals on the market (e.g., Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 pedals weigh only 179g). So, they are perfect for long, all-day adventures.

While they may not appear as sturdy as the Shimano M520 pedals, they will still hold up well, thanks to the one-piece plastic composite. In addition, they come with a Chromoly steel spindle and stainless steel spring for better durability.

They have platforms that may offer your feet support if you miss clipping in on time. The spring-clip provides a minimal surface for mud to occupy. As a result, they allow you to clip in easily in any weather.

These pedals have an extended warranty period of five years, so if they break, you can contact the seller and issue a refund.

Cranbrothers Candy pedals are available in multiple options made of premium materials (steel, titanium, etc.). These include Candy 2, Candy 3, Candy 7, or Candy 11. They mainly differ in their price, weight, and other small details.

Their main disadvantage is that you can’t adjust their release tension.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, rei.com, performancebike.com, and tredz.co.uk

PRO TIP: Combine Crankbrothers or Time ATAC pedals with Crankbrothers shoe shields. They will protect your shoe insoles so your shoes will last you longer while maintaining the same level of cleat adjustability.

Shimano PD-EH500

Ease of Clip-in 3/5 | Ease of Clip-out 4/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Mud Shedding 2/5 | Weight 2/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5

Shimano PD-EH500 are hybrid pedals perfect for demanding riders who need adjustable pedals. Not only that, but you can adjust their spring tension and their pins to get a better grip.

They have a slightly smaller platform than the Crankbrothers Double Shot 2, but you will be fine if you don’t have elephant feet.

Thanks to the SPD mechanism, you can shed mud easily, so you don’t have to fear riding in mud or snow.

Remember, you won’t get any float with Shimano pedals. You can only choose from 2 types of cleats with different exit modes (learn more).

PD-EH500 are perfect for good for enduro, cross-country-like terrain, gravel bikes… Simply for anyone who wants high-quality hybrid pedals for their mountain bike.

Also available at jensonusa.com and tredz.co.uk

Look X-Track Race

Ease of Clip-in 4/5 | Ease of Clip-out 4/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Mud Shedding 4/5 | Weight 2/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.8/5

Are your cycling shoes still okay, but are you looking for a replacement for your current pedals? The SPD-compatible Look X-Track Race pedals may be an excellent alternative.

A bigger surface than the Shimano M520 pedals is a significant advantage of the Look X-Track Race pedals. Hence, they provide a larger contact area with your shoe, so you will feel more confident.

They are pretty easy to clip in and out, and of course, you can adjust the release tension to suit your riding style.

Look X-Track Race pedals have a sturdy construction and sealed bearings. So, they need little maintenance and last for years.

The cleat engagement is good but not as great as the Shimano pedals. It is fairly rigid and doesn’t flick as freely as the Shimano pedals. However, this is nothing that will likely affect you while riding.

Also available at competitivecyclist.com, performancebike.com, and tredz.co.uk

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1

Ease of Clip-in 3/5 | Ease of Clip-out 5/5 | Adjustability 2/5 | Mud Shedding 5/5 | Weight 5/5 | Price 5/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5

Crankbrother’s Eggbeater is a collection of clipless pedals with several options based on your budget and demands. 

The Eggbeater 1 is one of the top picks if you want the best affordable gravel bike pedals that are super light at the same time.

Their minimal size, the tiniest in this selection, is quite a cool feature. Also, thanks to their design, they are exceptionally great at mud-shedding. So, they are perfect for riding in any weather condition and terrain.

An advantage of their rotating spring design is the ability to clip in easily from any side. But, if you fail to clip in, their zero-platform design won’t provide your foot with any support.

The good news is that Eggbeater 1 pedals don’t have a rider’s weight limit. So, they are suitable for all gravel bikers.

If you decide to spend a little bit more on Eggbeater 2, 3, or even 11, you can also take advantage of traction pads, more premium materials, and lower weight.

Also available at jensonusa.com and performancebike.com

Time ATAC XC8

Ease of Clip-in 3/5 | Ease of Clip-out 2/5 | Adjustability 4/5 | Mud Shedding 4/5 | Weight 5/5 | Price 4/5 | WEIGHTED OVERALL SCORE 3.4/5

Time ATAC XC8 pedals function like the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 pedals, besides a few differences.

They have an angular float of +/-5° and a lateral float of 6 mm to ease the pressure on your knees. As a result, entry and exit into them are quite a cinch. They also come with two release angles of 13 and 17 degrees, allowing you to set an angle that suits you best.

At 286g, they are a convenient selection for anyone looking to cover large distances. While they may be slightly challenging to grasp when switching from SPD pedals, they are still a good choice for gravel bikes.

Owners praise especially their durability and reliability. These two features are very important if you are tens of miles away from home. You can rely on XC8 at any time.

Also available at performancebike.com and tredz.co.uk

My Verdict

The best gravel bike pedals overall are Shimano M520 SPD (also available at jensonusa.com).

They are relatively budget-friendly and very durable.

Despite lacking a platform, they are slightly broader than pedals like the Crankbrothers Eggbeater, offering more support as you clip into them.

They are popular for MTB, but many people use them for their gravel bikes.

Their excellent mud-shedding makes them perfect even for riders not afraid of riding in demanding conditions and technical terrain.

Overall, they offer the best combination of price, durability, and functionality.

To learn more about choosing gravel bike pedals, feel free to read the following section, where I explain bike pedals in detail.

How to Choose the Best Gravel Bike Pedals?

This section will help you orient yourself in the bike pedals. I explain what you should look for when choosing the best pedals for a gravel bike to help you make a wise and educated decision.

Clipless, Hybrid, or Flats?

Choosing the correct type of pedals for your riding style is essential. Gravel bikes are highly versatile, so you can use them for short commuting, maintaining your fitness, all-day trips, bike packing, etc.

So, which type is right for you? 

Clipless Pedals

Clipless pedals allow you to take full advantage of pedaling in circles technique. You will feel like you are one with the bike. It takes some time to get used to clipping in and off, but there is a high chance you will enjoy clipless pedals right during your first ride.

Watch the following video to find out more about the proper pedaling technique.

Clipless pedals (like Shimano SPD) allow you to adjust the spring’s tension. Racers prefer stiffer tension to avoid unintentional cleat release. However, beginners and casual riders benefit from lower tension. Learn more about the release tension.

Here are a few words about using road bike pedals on a gravel bike.
Some riders prefer using road clipless pedals on their gravel bike. They are great for larger distances thanks to their large platform that provides your feet with better support. Road bike pedals are fine if you ride routes that don’t require getting off your bike. Their main downside is that you can clip into them from one side only. Furthermore, road bike shoes are not suitable for walking due to the raised cleats and stiff soles.

Flat Pedals

Flat pedals, sometimes also called platforms, are not popular only on hybrid or mountain bikes, but some riders use them on their gravel bikes.

Their main advantage is that they allow you to take your feet off the pedals quickly. So, if you need to stop often, you don’t have to be afraid of forgetting to clip off. In other words, they are very beginner-friendly. 

But, due to the lack of an attachment mechanism, your feet may slip off the pedals in some situations. Therefore, go for flat pedals with pins that improve the traction and your overall grip. 

You may be interested in this selection of the best gravel bike shoes.

Hybrid Pedals

Hybrid pedals combine the features of clipless and flat pedals. They allow you to clip in from one side of the pedal. The other part is flat. This means you can use them with flat shoes or with clipless shoes.

They are perfect for people who combine gravel biking with walking or hiking or commuters who often need to stop at traffic lights, intersections, etc.

The following table shows the pros and cons of different types of bike pedals.

Material and Weight

Clipless pedals are usually made of metal (aluminum, steel, titanium) or composite (carbon). Either way, they have to be durable to withstand the force you put into them and efficiently transfer it to the forward movement of your bike. 

Some gravel bike pedals like Crankbrothers Egg Beater 11 come with titanium axles, reducing the overall pedal weight. However, they are limited by the rider’s weight limit, so keep that in mind. 

More expensive pedals are usually lighter and are made of higher-quality materials than cheaper entry-level ones. For example, one of the lightest clipless pedals on the market are the Crankbrothers Egg Beater 11, which weighs only 179g (pair). 

In the table below, you can see the average weight of different types of pedals. 

Note: I calculated the average weights based on this list of pedals.

Release Tension

On the other hand, Crankbrothers pedals won’t allow you to adjust the release tension. This is one of their main disadvantages compared to the pedals of the above-mentioned manufacturers.

Cleats Release Angle & Float

Cleats’ release angle and float are sometimes mixed up together. But these two features differ.

The cleat release angle is the angle at which the shoe releases from the pedal. But there are also release modes.

Release mode means that you can release your feet from the pedals with an outward movement only or by twisting your heel in any direction.

For example, Shimano SM-SH51 cleats allow outward release only, while SM-SH56 release in any direction. This means that SM-SH56 cleats are better for beginners who are not as used to clipless pedals. 

Crankbrothers offers several types of cleats. Check the following table.

Cleat float allows you to move your heels sideways when clipped into the pedal. Riders with knee problems benefit from cleats with larger float because they allow your heels to rotate and prevent injuries.

Gravel Bike Pedals FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.

The preview picture was kindly provided by Look.