Best Gravel Bike Pedals — Our Top Choices of Best Pedals for Gravel Rides

Gravel biking continues to grow in popularity, with more and more riders finding the appeal of riding off-road at high speed. The best gravel bikes combine the fun of rough terrain with the excitement of lightweight road racing – but to achieve this they require specific parts, such as gravel bike pedals.

The best gravel bike pedals are lightweight, double-sided clipless pedals that work with low-profile MTB-style cleats and allow for fast clipping in and out. However, there are several good platform pedals available for those who prefer to ride without cleats.

Best Gravel Bike Pedals

It’s important to choose the best pedals for gravel bike riding that suit your style, budget, and cycling needs. Here is our list of the top 10 best gravel bike pedals available on the market today, followed by a guide on choosing the right gravel pedals for you.

Crankbrothers Candy 2

• Price: $100
• Weight:  355g
• Type: Clipless, 2-hole platform

The Crankbrothers Candy 2 is a versatile clipless pedal that allows for riding with or without cleats but is not ideal as a long-distance platform pedal. The dual-sided design makes it very easy to clip in and out without having to position the pedal, which is great for riders who are new to clipless pedals.

Notable features include Chromoly steel springs, Enduro Cartridge outer bearings, and Igus LL-Glide inner bearings. Users can also purchase an optional snap-on traction pad that increases the surface area and makes it much easier to pedal with normal shoes.

Made from 6061-T6 aluminum and stamped steel, these Crank Brothers pedals for gravel bike riding are strong, long-lasting, and provide decent value for money. They’re the perfect pedal for a beginner to intermediate cyclist who does light, recreational gravel riding but also uses the bike for short commutes in normal shoes.

Buy from REI

Look X-Track Race Carbon

• Price: $270
• Weight: 350g
• Type: Clipless SPD

These high-performance clipless pedals come with the backing of the well-trusted Look brand. However, at 350g, they aren’t the lightest pedals on the market and are a bit heavy, considering the price.

Lateral contact support helps to guide the cleats into the clips, which is another great feature for less-experienced riders. In addition, you can fine-tune the tension, so it never feels too tight or too loose for your personal riding style. 

Featuring a stiff carbon body, they’re highly durable and long-lasting. The double weather-resistant seal is great at keeping out mud, and Look claims the pedals provide the best power-to-weight ratio in their class – but you’ll need to judge that for yourself! 

Buy from Jenson USA

OneUp Components Composite Gravel Bike Pedals

• Price: $59.50
• Weight: 355g
• Type: Platform

For recreational riders who prefer to avoid the hassle of clipping in and out, these gravel bike flat pedals from OneUp Components offer excellent grip and a wide contact surface without the need to wear shoes with cleats.

The 10 rear-loading steel pins provide a solid grip on both sides of the pedals in dry or wet riding conditions and are easy to replace when worn.

With a 115x105mm nylon composite platform and Chromoly steel axle, these pedals are strong enough for rough, off-roading cycling but could sustain damage if subjected to a high-pressure impact.

Considering the low price and tough design, OneUp Components Composite is one of the best flat pedals for gravel bike riding and comes in a choice of six unique colors.

They’re also highly versatile and work just as well for recreational mountain biking, cross country, or bikepacking and bicycle touring, but I would avoid using them for any competitive racing or downhill riding.

Buy from evo.com

Garmin Rally XC 200 Dual-Sensing Power Meter Pedals

• Price: $700 (Single)/$1,200 (Dual)
• Weight: 455g (Single)/448g (Dual)
• Type: SPD Clipless

The Rally XC200 dual-sensing power meter pedals are the next evolution in bicycle pedal technology, comprising two integrated sensors that measure power, cadence, platform center offset, power phase, and stability.

The data syncs directly with your smartphone or Garmin and Wahoo devices for post-ride analysis, giving you valuable insights into your cycling ability and helping you improve your pedaling. Additionally, export the data to any compatible cycling app of your choice, including Strava, TrainingPeaks, Tacx, and TrainerRoad.

The XC200 is an off-road pedal designed to fit Shimano SPD-style cleats and can be swapped out with Rally RK or RS pedal body kits when the season changes.

It’s pricey equipment that most recreational cyclists would find little benefit from, but if you want to seriously boost your game and shave critical seconds off your race time, these next-gen pedals may be the answer. Battery life lasts up to 120 hours.

If you want to pay less but still get all the benefits of riding with power meter pedals, consider buying the single-sensing model for almost half the price.

Buy from REI Buy the Single-Sensing Model

Shimano XTR PD-M9100 Pedals

• Price: $180
• Weight:  310g – 314g
• Type: Clipless, dual SPD

Shimano’s XTR M9100 is one of the best gravel bike SPD pedals available, featuring dual-sided clips and weighing in at just over 150g each.

Although a bit pricier than the average $100 set of SPD clips, it’s easy to see the added value in these pedals. The advanced mud-shedding profile features wide bearing placement for added rigidity and uniform load distribution, while the axle is slimmer than other models to help reduce weight.

With the wider contact area and a 1mm cleat spacer included, the XTR M9100 is compatible with a wider range of shoes and provides added stability and more confidence when clipping in and out.

Cyclists can choose between the standard 55mm model or the shorter 52mm axle, which matches the Q-factor of Shimano’s SPD-SL road pedal. This also shaves 4 grams of weight off and puts you in a tighter, more aerodynamic position.

Buy from Jenson USA

Bontrager Comp Gravel Bike Pedals

• Price: $110
• Weight: 316g
• Type: Clipless, dual-sided SPD

These dual-sided SPD pedals from Bontrager are a decent pair of entry-level clipless pedals for intermediate MTB or gravel biking.

Despite the high-quality Chromoly steel spindles, some riders have found the aluminum pedals struggle to hold up to the rigors of hardcore off-road biking and are likely to get damaged by heavy impacts. However, for recreational riders, they are lightweight and offer a versatile and cost-effective clipless pedaling experience. 

Compatible with all SPD-style shoes, the Bontrager Comps include a fully adjustable tension release system that lets you fine-tune them to the exact fit that feels right for you. 

Although the dual-sided compatibility makes it easy to clip in and out with cleats, the awkward design makes it difficult to cycle even a short distance with normal shoes. This could be a downside for some cyclists who don’t always want to go out with their cleated shoes on.

Buy from REI

Shimano M520 Pedals

• Price: Check on Amazon
• Weight: 450g
• Type: Clipless, SPD

These low-cost, entry-level pedals from Shimano are dual-sided, making it easier to clip in and out of, but are quite tight once in. Some riders might find it takes a bit of getting used to the amount of twisting force needed to clip out – but at least you know you won’t slip out mid-ride!

The rotation is smooth and the pedal feels very solid on the foot but at 452g, these pedals are definitely on the heavier side of the scale. While the low price makes them attractive to newer riders, the weight may deter more experienced cyclists with a penchant for shaving off grams wherever possible.

While the alloy steel spindles are more than robust enough, some of the surrounding aluminum components feel a bit weaker, with a few users reporting damage from heavy impacts. If you’re looking for decent, low-cost pedals for gravel bikes, these are a good option, but I wouldn’t put them through too much heavy abuse on intense off-road rides.

Buy on Amazon

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1

• Price: $59.99
• Weight: 256g
• Type: Clipless, egg beater

Crankbrothers Eggbeater has long been a favorite pedal of cyclists the world over, offering one of the simplest and most lightweight designs found on clipless pedals. The simplicity also makes it one of the cheapest pedals available, but don’t let the low price fool you – this is a quality pedal that delivers the goods.

Forged almost entirely from a mixture of Chromoly, stamped, and stainless steel, it’s a tough pedal that can handle rough, off-road conditions and features excellent mud-shedding capabilities.

On the downside, it lacks compatibility with varied cleat styles and is near impossible to ride with normal shoes. However, as a long-running and trusted pedal, the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 receives consistently good reviews and is often rated as one of the best clip pedals for gravel bikes.

Buy from Jenson USA

Shimano M540 Gravel Bike SPD Pedals

• Price: Check on Amazon
• Weight: 352g
• Type: Clipless, dual-sided

The M540 is a minor upgrade to the Shimano M520 and although it’s lighter in weight, it’s heavier on the wallet. This pedal is aimed at the more professional rider, one who may plan on taking part in competitive events or longer, endurance-focused rides.

They’re tough, durable gravel bike pedals that have long been a firm favorite amongst off-road cyclists. Standout features include excellent mud repelling for year-round use and tension adjustable clips to accommodate a wider range of cyclists.

With a Chromoly steel forged spindle and low maintenance sealed bearing cartridge axle, these dual-sided pedals fit all types of SPD cleats and weigh in at only 176g each. While you may find some lighter pedals, it’ll be hard to find something equally as strong, versatile, and cost-effective.

Installation and removal can be a bit clunky, with some users reporting threading issues, but overall this is the perfect everyday gravel bike SPD pedal.

Buy on Amazon

Time Atac XC 4 Pedals

• Price: $75
• Weight: 294g
• Type: Clipless, egg-beater style

At only 147g each and with a lower than average price, the Time ATAC XC 4 could easily be one of the best gravel bike pedals available today for beginner to intermediate riders.

Featuring both a hollow steel axle and glass-filled shell, Time has managed to keep weight to a minimum without sacrificing rigidity and durability. Not only does the popular ATAC engagement system offer an excellent clip-in and clip-out experience, but includes a self-cleaning mechanism that clears mud out the pedals with each mounting.

Although the ATAC XC 4 pedals lack adjustable tension, they do come with a free set of 10-degree release cleats, which is the most popular neutral option to suit most cyclists.

Both the spindle and bearings are forged from solid steel, promising smooth and hassle-free pedaling for several years without the need for maintenance. Time may not have the brand popularity of Shimano but you’ll struggle to find better pedals in this price range.

Buy from Jenson USA

How to Choose the Best Gravel Bike Pedals

Our list includes some of the best gravel bike pedals available today, but to decide which one is best for you, consider the following factors:

Gravel Riding Style

The first thing you want to assess is your personal style of riding and the various ways in which you will use your bike. The pedals for best gravel bikes are typically clipless pedals, which require shoes with cleats attached to the bottom.

These make it far less likely that you will slip off the pedals in wet or rough conditions, and provide additional power on your upstroke for more speed. However, if you only do infrequent recreational riding in fair weather and use your bike for general commuting around town, you might prefer to use platform pedals that don’t require special shoes.

Gravel bike pedals come in a few different styles, including the basic platform pedal, Shimano SPD style, the minimalist eggbeater style, and the versatile platform style with clips. Almost all gravel pedals use SPD cleats but some are easier to use than others.

If you want to cycle with normal shoes as well as cleats, you’ll need to choose a pair that combines a platform with cleats. If you’re new to cleats, you should test a few different styles to find one that you feel comfortable clipping in and out of.

Price

Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing the best gravel bike pedals for your bicycle. When it comes to pedals for a gravel bike, it’s not a good idea to go cheap – especially if you intend to compete in tough, competitive races over rough terrain. That $50 set of pedals won’t seem like such a good idea when you have to buy another pair in six months’ time!

Ideally, you want a highly-rated, good-quality pedal that fits your riding style and is within your budget. However, don’t go for unnecessarily expensive pedals just because you can afford them—if they’re designed for riders with a higher skill set, you might find them difficult to use.

On average, gravel pedals will fit into these price ranges based on competency and usage:

• Amateur (light use): $50 – $100
• Intermediate (frequent use): $100 – $200
• Expert (heavy use): $200 and above

Durability

Gravel bike pedals can take a lot of abuse, so unlike pedals for road bikes, you’ll want to get something stronger and more durable. This usually requires heavier materials like steel which add extra weight, but it’ll be worth it when you smash your pedal into a rock at high speed!

However, if your style of gravel bike riding is more focused on leisurely rides through countryside lanes or down simple dirt tracks, you may not need something so durable.

In addition to the pricey robust pedals, we’ve also included a few lightweight but reliable pedals in our list that are perfect for mild, recreational gravel biking.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

Mark is a cycling enthusiast and freelance writer specializing in travel and technology. He has traveled to 56 countries worldwide, cycling through Africa and Europe. You can contact him on Twitter @splshrollstmble. Mark is behind most of the current bicycle reviews in Bikexchange today. You can check his journeys @splashrollstumble. Specializes in best-of reviews, bike brand reviews, bicycle reviews.