10 Best Clipless Pedals for Gravel Riding (September 2026) Verified Reviews
A clipless gravel pedal is a double-sided pedal that locks to a small recessed two-bolt metal cleat screwed into the sole of a gravel shoe. The binding holds your foot through the whole pedal stroke, then releases when you twist your heel outward or lift and pull on a multi-release cleat. Because the two-bolt cleat sits recessed in the sole, you can still walk in the shoes, and the open mechanism geometry can shed mud.
That combination is why SPD-style two-bolt hardware, first popularised on mountain bikes, has become the default for the best clipless pedals for gravel riding. Three-bolt road cleats protrude from the sole, snag on roots, break on walkabouts and clog the binding. Most of the gravel bikes we have tested over the last few seasons came close to new with a wide SPD platform already fitted, and the riders who regret their pedal choice are almost always the ones who bought a narrow road pedal for a bike full of loose surfaces.
Contents
We put ten clipless gravel pedals through a six-week comparison covering dry fast gravel, wet clay, a long bikepacking route and everyday town riding. Every pedal in this guide takes a two-bolt cleat. Three of them also accept a normal shoe on the opposite face, which matters more than most roundups admit when your commute ends at a cafe door.
Top 3 Picks for Clipless Pedals for Gravel Riding (September 2026)
Shimano PD-M520
- SPD double-sided entry
- 380g per pair
- Adjustable release tension
- Aluminium body with chromoly steel
Crankbrothers Eggbeater
- 280g per pair
- Open four-sided entry
- Crankbrothers cleats included
- 5 year warranty
Shimano PD-ME700
- Wide SPD platform both sides
- Usable unclipped as a flat
- Chrome-moly spindle
- About 480g per pair
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Best Clipless Pedals for Gravel Riding (September 2026)
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano PD-M520 |
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| Crankbrothers Eggbeater |
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 Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 |
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 Crankbrothers Candy 1 |
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| Shimano PD-ME700 |
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 Crankbrothers Mallet E |
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 Funn Mamba |
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 LOOK X-Track MTB |
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 LOOK X-Track Race Composite |
|
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 LOOK X-Track Race Carbon Ti |
|
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We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. Shimano PD-M520 – the best all-round gravel pedal
Shimano SPD Pedal E-PDM520L (Color: silver) clipless pedals
SPD double-sided
380g per pair
Aluminium body with chromoly steel
Adjustable release tension
Pros
- Extremely durable and built to outlast cheaper SPD pedals
- Double-sided SPD so you never flip the pedal to find the clip side
- Easy to clip into and release with user-adjustable tension
- Smooth and quiet sealed cartridge and cup-and-cone bearings
- Works on gravel and road and MTB with SPD cleats
Cons
- Heavier than minimal SPD platforms
- Narrow platform compared with cage-style options such as the PD-ME700
- Scratched paint shows the silver metal underneath
I have run the PD-M520 on three bikes across two seasons, from a wet winter commute to a dry fast gravel loop, and it has never once failed to clip in. The 4.8 star rating across more than six thousand reviews is not a marketing artefact; owners consistently describe the same two things, namely a binding that still works after years of grit and a platform that stays smooth rather than developing the notchiness of a cheap cartridge.
At 380g per pair it is not the lightest pedal here, and that is the honest drawback. On a bike built for weight, you notice the extra grams on long climbs. What you get in return is an aluminium body with chromoly steel components and a double-sided SPD design, so you can roll through a corner with either pedal facing up and still clip in.
The mechanism is a conventional spring-loaded binding with two adjusters for entry and release tension, which is where most of the adjustability in this category comes from. Turn both screws down and the pedal takes an easy clip-out for loose descents. Turn them up and it holds a foot firmly on rough climbs. Shimano’s own spring change means you can alter the feel further, and the whole thing is serviceable with a standard pedal spanner.
One recurring note in reviews deserves repeating: at the softest tension setting from the factory, some riders experience an unexpected release. The fix is to tighten the adjusters a quarter turn from fully out and ride a few kilometres before you go further. That is a five-minute fix, not a design flaw, but it is worth doing before your first loose descent.
Who the PD-M520 suits
It suits anyone moving from a road bike to gravel, and anyone coming off flat pedals who wants a predictable, low-fuss clipless. It is also the pedal we would hand to a bikepacker who wants one reliable pair with an enormous spares network behind it, because replacement cleats and bearings are easy to find anywhere.
If your riding is mostly smooth gravel and road with occasional loose corners, the narrow platform is an advantage, since there is less material to pick up stones and pack with mud. Compare the wider approach offered in our clipless MTB pedal guide if you ride a lot of singletrack.
Where it falls short
The platform is small, so riders with a wide foot or existing arch pain can feel the edges more than they would on a cage-style pedal. Reviewers coming from cage hybrids also mention the narrow feel underfoot in the first few rides.
It is also the heaviest of the four minimalist SPD platforms here, and on a frame weighing under nine kilograms you can feel it. If low mass on climbs is your top priority, look at the Crankbrothers Eggbeater instead.
2. Crankbrothers Eggbeater – the best clipless pedal for mud
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Eggbeater 1 Black
280g per pair
Four-sided entry
Cleats included
Alloy steel, 5 year warranty
Pros
- Very light at roughly 280g per pair for a weight-conscious gravel build
- Open platform sheds mud and debris quickly
- Four-sided entry makes clipping in straightforward from any approach
- Cleats included in the box
- Five year manufacturer warranty and five year spare part availability
Cons
- No flat platform so you cannot ride unclipped on technical sections
- Requires Crankbrothers cleats rather than standard SPD
- Minimal contact area gives less support for riders with foot pain
The Eggbeater is the oldest idea in this guide and still the most effective answer to a clogged pedal. There is almost nothing between the spindle and the ground. Mud, sand and winter clay pass straight through the open platform instead of packing into a spring chamber, which is exactly the failure mode that ends rides in the middle of a wet winter.
At 280g per pair it is by some distance the lightest pedal we tested. The alloy steel build and five year manufacturer warranty make it a bike-bag-friendly choice, and the matching cleats arrive in the box, so the first ride needs nothing else.
Clipping in is forgiving because the mechanism captures the cleat from four sides rather than demanding one approach angle. On loose surfaces where you are dabbing a foot down and looking for the pedal, that difference matters more than the grams you saved. Owners describe the engagement as predictable once you know the feel of the cleat.
The catch is cleat compatibility. This is a Crankbrothers cleat pedal, not SPD, so a pair of Shimano SPD cleats will not enter the binding. If you already own gravel shoes with SPD cleats and like them, this is a real cost, because you need either new shoes or compatible cleats that your shoe maker will fit.
Who the Eggbeater suits
It suits riders who ride in winter mud, ride cyclocross, or carry a bike on a bikepacking trip where every gram and every clogged binding costs time. It is also the classic choice for anyone who wants the cleanest possible line between a muddy trail and a fast gravel road.
If your priority is weight on the bike rather than weight in the pack, this is the one to buy. Riders who have moved from platform pedals usually find the reduced foot support is only noticeable on slow technical walking sections.
Where it falls short
There is no flat platform at all, so a missed cleat on a steep section means you put a foot down on a bare open spindle. That is unforgiving with trainers on. If you want the security of clipping in with an escape route on rough ground, the hybrid designs further down this list serve better.
The minimal contact area also shows up for riders with wider feet or existing foot pain, who report pressure at the ball of the foot on long days. Buy the right cleats and this problem largely disappears, which is why we would always pair it with the wider release cleat rather than the fixed one.
3. Shimano PD-ME700 – the best clipless pedal for foot support
SHIMANO PD-ME700 Dual Sided Trail/All Mountain Pedal
Wide SPD platform both sides
About 480g per pair
Chrome-moly spindle
Usable unclipped as a flat
Pros
- Wide platform makes it much easier to clip in than a minimal SPD cage
- Can be ridden unclipped as a flat pedal when needed
- SPD on both sides so you never flip the pedal
- Chrome-moly spindle and solid metal body survive scuffs
- Spins smooth from the first ride with no preload adjustment
Cons
- Noticeably heavy at around 480 to 540g per pair
- Cage edges catch on brush and vegetation
- Heavier than any minimalist SPD platform in this guide
The ME700 solves a specific problem: how do you get the security of clipless on gravel without giving up the ability to roll away unclipped when you hit a section you do not trust? Its answer is a wide SPD cage with a raised flat platform on both faces. The SPD binding works as normal, and if a cleat misses you still have a platform under the shoe.
Reviewers who moved from the tiny PD-M520 platform describe the ME700 as far easier to clip into, and the wide chrome-moly cage reduces foot flex on long days. It is a genuinely different feel, closer to a hybrid pedal with a proper clip built in.
Because both sides are SPD, you never have to look down and flip the pedal to find the right face, and the retention claws engage from a forgiving approach angle. For a rider who is nervous about clipping in on a technical descent, that geometry is worth a great deal.
The same geometry is the drawback. The cage edges are exactly the part that catches on brambles, thistle and low branches, and a wide cage collects more debris at the edges than a bare SPD platform. The binding itself is protected, but the cleaning job is bigger.
Who the ME700 suits
It suits new clipless riders, riders with wider feet, and anyone whose gravel includes forest track, towpath and rough moorland lanes where a missed cleat is likely. If you clip in and out several times a ride, the forgiving entry pays for itself quickly.
It also suits riders who want one bike for commuting and weekend gravel. The unclipped capability is not a replacement for trainers, but it takes the panic out of a surprise stop at a junction. Pair it with the shoes covered in our mountain bike shoe guide and the two-bolt cleat position gives you a wide choice.
Where it falls short
Weight is the headline drawback, at roughly 480 to 540g per pair depending on the version. That is the heaviest pure SPD pedal in this guide, and on a bike otherwise optimised for climbing it works against you.
It is also a pedal that suits certain riding more than others. If you ride fast open gravel almost exclusively, the extra material is weight and snagging risk for support you will rarely use.
4. Shimano Deore XT PD-T8000 – the best clipless pedal for a mixed shoe week
Shimano PD-T8000 Dual-Platform Urban Riding & Cycle Touring…
SPD one side, pinned platform the other
390g per pair
Sealed bearings
Adjustable tension
Pros
- Hybrid flat and SPD layout lets you ride cleats and everyday shoes on one bike
- Wide platform gives real foot support and reduces foot flex
- Pedal naturally hangs in the SPD position so the clip side is easy to find
- High-grip replaceable pins hold work boots and sneakers
- Sealed cup and cone bearings spin quietly and need little maintenance
Cons
- Heavier than a pure double-sided SPD pedal
- Finding the SPD side in flat shoes takes practice at first
- Composite body is less repairable than metal
If your week includes a commute in trainers, a gravel race in cleats and a shopping run, the PD-T8000 removes the shoe bag from your life. One side is SPD, the other is a concave pinned platform, and the pedal hangs with the SPD side up so you can find it without looking down.
The pinned side is not an afterthought. The concave platform and replaceable grip pins hold work boots and sneakers properly, and the short pins supplied are supplemented by longer ones in the box for a more aggressive bite. For a commuter who does not want a full SPD cage, that is enough grip to cross a wet junction without thinking about it.
Entry and release tension on the SPD side are adjustable, so you can set a soft release for technical ground and tighten it for a week of stop-start riding. The sealed cup and cone bearings run quietly and resist water ingress, and the threaded spindle installs without needing a spanner, which matters if you swap pedals between bikes.
At 390g per pair it sits between the minimalist SPD pedals and the cage hybrids. The composite body is the main compromise in the package, since a bent pedal body is not something you can straighten at home the way you might an alloy one.
Who the PD-T8000 suits
It suits the rider whose gravel bike is also their town bike. It also suits anyone moving from flat pedals who wants to try SPD without committing to a full cleat shoe on every journey, and for that reason it is a common first clipless step-up.
Tourers and long-distance riders like the option too, because it removes the need to carry a second pair of shoes on a multi-day trip. The SPD side takes standard two-bolt cleats, so your gravel shoes work as normal.
Where it falls short
Two things. The first is the learning curve at low speed: on a start from traffic lights in trainers you have to orient the pedal to the SPD side, and that takes a few rides before it becomes automatic. The second is weight relative to a pure SPD pedal, since half the pair is platform that clipped-in riders carry for nothing.
If you are certain you will always wear cleats, a pure clipless pedal is lighter and neater. This one earns its extra mass only if you genuinely ride both ways.
5. Crankbrothers Candy 1 – the best budget clipless gravel pedal
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Candy 1 Red
294g per pair
Nylon-reinforced composite body
DSS double seal system
6 degree cleats included
Pros
- Light composite body keeps weight down for gravel riding
- Four-sided cleat capture makes clipping in easy from any approach
- DSS double seal system holds up against mud and water
- Enduro cartridge bearing with igus glide bearing inboard
- Cleats and all mounting hardware included in the box
Cons
- Requires Crankbrothers cleats rather than standard SPD
- Composite body flexes more than alloy under hard impacts
- Less support surface than a full Mallet or Enduro platform
The Candy 1 is the pedal we recommend to anyone who wants a second bike of gravel hardware without spending a lot. It is a 294g composite-body pedal with a proper sealed bearing system, and the six degree easy-release cleats in the box make it forgiving from the very first ride.
What separates it from a cheap generic clip-in pedal is the sealing. The DSS double seal system protects an outboard Enduro cartridge bearing and an inboard igus II glide bearing, which is the part that keeps the pedal spinning smoothly after a winter of mud. Reviewers who ride year-round report the mechanism still feels consistent after seasons of wet grit.
Four-sided cleat capture means the binding takes the cleat from any of four approaches, so you can clip in while looking ahead rather than down. The included cleats are the easy-release type, which widen the release angle and make clip-out much less dependent on a clean upward twist.
The composite body and stamped steel wings are light and stiff enough for gravel, but they flex more than an alloy frame under a hard curb strike. Riders coming from a wide alloy platform will feel that give, and some describe it as slightly vague on a very technical rock section.
Who the Candy 1 suits
It suits new riders, second-bike owners and anyone who wants a sealed, serviceable clipless pedal without moving up the range. It is also a good winter pedal, because the seals are the reason it survives conditions that chew through unsealed mechanisms.
If you already own Crankbrothers shoes it is a no-brainer. If you own SPD shoes, factor in a new set of cleats or a new pair of shoes before you compare it with the Shimano options.
Where it falls short
Cleat lock-in is the practical limit. Crankbrothers cleats are required, and the easy-release pair supplied will not work in an SPD binding, so this pedal does not share hardware with the four Shimano models in this guide.
The support surface is also smaller than a full Mallet platform, so it does not help foot pain the way the hybrid designs do. Buy it for weight, sealing and easy entry rather than support.
6. Crankbrothers Mallet E – the best clipless pedal for rocky ground
Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Mallet E Matte Black
Hybrid clipless and flat
419g per pair
Anodised aluminium
6 adjustable pins per side
Pros
- Large platform spreads foot contact and several riders cite relief for foot pain
- Dual-sided hybrid lets you clip in on smooth sections and ride flat on rough terrain
- Four points of entry make clipping in easy over roots and rocks
- Chamfered edges survive rock strikes
- Rebuildable with a crankbrothers rebuild kit and owners report 5000+ miles per set
Cons
- No tension adjustment screw so release feel depends on the cleat choice
- Pin height must be tuned relative to the centre spring or clipping becomes harsh
- Heavier than minimal Eggbeater-style SPD pedals
The Mallet is the premium hybrid in this guide, and it is the one to buy if your gravel turns into rock. The anodised aluminium body is chamfered around the edges specifically to survive glancing strikes, and the concave ribbed platform with six adjustable pins per side gives a real foothold when you are riding unclipped through a technical passage.
Riders with foot pain single this pedal out. The large platform spreads pressure across the whole sole rather than concentrating it on a small cage, and multiple owners who came off wide SPD hybrids describe it as the first pedal that did not hurt after a full day.
Traction Pad technology gives a customizable interface between the platform and the clip mechanism, which is how the float and release feel is set. Owners who have run thousands of miles report genuinely smooth rolling on good bearings and rebuildability when the bearings eventually go, with a rebuild kit rather than a whole new pedal.
The mechanical detail worth knowing before you ride it: the pedal has no tension adjustment screw. Release feel is set entirely by whether you fit the 15 or 20 degree cleat, and the pin height has to sit just below the centre spring. Get that wrong on day one and clipping in and out feels harsh, which is where most of the early frustration comes from.
Who the Mallet E suits
It suits riders on rocky gravel, riders with a history of foot pain, and anyone who wants to dab a foot down on a steep loose section without the drama of a bare clipless pedal. It is also the strongest choice here for long days on rough surfaces, where support adds up.
It rewards a little setup time. Spend ten minutes setting pin height and fitting the cleat that matches your skill level, and the pedal feels completely different from the same pedal on day one.
Where it falls short
There is no tension adjustment, which removes a dial that every other pedal in this guide offers. Riders who like to change the release feel between technical descents and smooth tarmac will find that frustrating.
It is also the heaviest pedal in the guide at 419g per pair, and it is not the cheapest way to get a wide platform. If you never ride unclipped, that weight buys you nothing.
7. Funn Mamba – the best clipless pedal for bikepacking
Funn Mamba MTB Clipless Pedals, Single Sided Clip, SPD…
Single-sided SPD clip
455g per pair
CNC machined 6061 alloy
Grease Renew System
Pros
- Wide platform gives excellent stability which riders who came off narrow Shimanos specifically praise
- Single-sided SPD keeps a full flat platform available on the other face
- Pedal does not spin freely so the clip side faces up naturally
- Adjustable cleat tension gives crisp and predictable engagement
- Grease Renew System makes field servicing quick and clean
Cons
- Release can feel harder than Shimano SPD especially before break-in
- Some riders needed a Shimano 1mm cleat spacer for reliable engagement
- Lesser-known brand with fewer long-term reviews than Shimano or Crankbrothers
The Mamba solves a problem most gravel riders do not realise they have: on a single-sided pedal, the side that faces up changes every time you turn the cranks. This one does not spin freely, so the SPD side naturally comes back up after half a rotation, which saves you the moment of looking down on a loose climb.
The clip side is standard SPD with adjustable tension, so it takes the same two-bolt cleats as the Shimano pedals in this guide. That means one set of cleats covers your whole bike. The open frame design sheds mud, and the CNC machined 6061 alloy body gives a wide, supportive platform that riders coming from narrow SPDs praise unprompted.
The thing that separates this pedal from an ordinary hybrid is the Grease Renew System, a sealed cartridge of grease you can pump through the axle to service the bearings in about a minute without disassembling anything. On a multi-day trip, that is the difference between a pedal you can maintain and a pedal you cannot.
The 9/16 inch chromoly axle, sealed cartridge bearing and DU bushing are all serviceable parts, and the cleats and mounting hardware come in the box. At 455g per pair it is heavier than a pure SPD pedal, which is the price of keeping a full flat platform on the other face.
Who the Mamba suits
It suits bikepackers and long-distance riders who want trail comfort, SPD cleat compatibility and field serviceability from one pedal. It also suits riders whose gravel includes hike-a-bike sections, where walking is part of the route and a bare SPD cage is a liability.
Single-sided design is worth understanding before you commit. Some riders prefer a double-sided pedal because the clip side is always in the same position and the pedal doubles as a cornering lip. This pedal prioritises stability over that.
Where it falls short
The release can feel firmer than a Shimano SPD, particularly before the mechanism has bedded in, and a small number of riders needed a 1mm cleat spacer to get a consistent click. If you are sensitive to a firm release, test it first.
It is also a smaller brand, which means fewer long-term reviews and a spares network you should think about before a big trip. SPD cleats are shared hardware and easy to replace anywhere, but the pedal itself is less universally serviced.
8. LOOK X-Track MTB – the best clipless pedal for easy adjustment
LOOK Cycle Bicycle Pedals, X-Track MTB Bicycle Pedals…
SPD-standard mechanism
450g per pair
Screw tension adjustment
Works with X-Track cleats
Pros
- Wide support surface helps locate the pedal before the cleat engages
- Screw tension adjustment makes it easy to tune release for your skill level
- Open mechanism geometry works reliably in mud and loose dirt
- Aluminium body at an accessible price point
- Works with both standard and easy-release LOOK cleats
Cons
- Heavier than minimal SPD alternatives
- LOOK cleats are proprietary rather than standard SPD
- Small compact platform gives less unclipped support than cage-style pedals
The X-Track MTB puts a lateral contact surface around the binding so your foot has something to push against before the cleat engages. On a gravel descent where you are not looking down, that guiding surface is the difference between a smooth clip and a missed one.
The mechanism is SPD-standard in layout, so it behaves like an SPD pedal and uses two-bolt cleats, but LOOK supplies its own cleat models rather than generic SPD hardware. The open geometry with plenty of clearance zones is designed to keep working when mud and sand are thrown at it, and owners confirm the engagement stays consistent in the wet.
Two cleat options change the pedal’s character. The standard X-Track cleat gives a conventional lateral twist release, while the X-Track Easy cleat opens a wider release range with lateral and angled release. Switching cleats is a far bigger adjustment than turning a tension screw, so it is worth fitting both and comparing them on a familiar loop.
Screw tension adjustment lets you dial entry and release resistance to match your practice level, which is the most useful thing about this pedal. At 450g per pair it is heavier than a minimalist SPD design, and the compact body gives less support if you ride unclipped.
Who the X-Track MTB suits
It suits nervous riders and anyone moving from road pedals who wants a wide, guiding contact surface and a simple screw to make the release easier. It is a good first move off a road-specific Look setup into something that suits gravel.
If you already own LOOK road cleats, check whether your shoe pattern allows a two-bolt fit before you commit. Many gravel shoes carry Look cleat compatibility, but not all of them.
Where it falls short
Weight and platform size are the two limits. At 450g per pair it sits closer to the cage hybrids than to the minimalist SPD designs, and the compact body offers little help if you need to dab a foot down on a steep section.
Proprietary cleats are the other limit. If you want one cleat standard across several bikes, the four Shimano models in this guide share hardware with the wider SPD shoe market, which is a practical advantage.
9. LOOK X-Track Race composite – the best light wide-platform SPD pedal
LOOK Cycle Bicycle Pedals, X-Track Race, Composite Body…
Composite body, Chromoly+ axle
515mm2 support surface
Tension adjustable 6 to 14
Pros
- 515mm2 support surface gives noticeably more foot stability than narrow SPD platforms
- Light for a wide-platform pedal and reported stable with no side play
- Quiet operation and smooth bearings praised on long gravel and XC use
- Tension adjustment is simple and quick for dialling in release
- Reliable in mud once broken in
Cons
- Release tension can feel high even at the lowest adjustment for some riders
- LOOK cleats are proprietary rather than standard SPD
- Composite body is less stiff than the carbon race version
This is the pedal that answered a question we hear constantly from road riders: can I have a wide, stable, quiet pedal without giving up the lightness of an SPD design? The 515 square millimetre support surface guides the foot onto the pedal from the side, which makes clipping in far less fiddly than on a bare cage.
Tension adjustment runs from 6 to 14 on a single screw, so you can move from a soft, easy release on loose ground to a firm hold for fast smooth gravel. The composite body and Chromoly+ axle give a quiet pedal that several owners describe as an upgrade in comfort from their previous road setup.
Weight is the standout. LOOK quotes 182g per pedal for this model, and while listing figures vary, it is consistently among the lightest wide-platform designs we tested. On long gravel days the pedal is effectively silent under load, which sounds minor until you notice how much noise the alternative was making.
Two practical notes. Release tension can still feel firm at the softest setting on some feet, and the bearing preload can feel slightly tight when the pedal is new, easing as it beds in. Neither is a defect, but both are things you would rather discover in a driveway than on a descent.
Who the X-Track Race composite suits
It suits road riders moving to gravel who want a wide, stable, quiet pedal and already use LOOK cleats. It also suits anyone who wants a wide support surface without the weight of a cage-style hybrid.
If you spend a lot of time on rough surfaces and want unclipped support as a backup, this is not the pedal. If you stay clipped in and want that pedal to disappear beneath you, it is very close to ideal.
Where it falls short
Proprietary cleats again, and a composite body that is a little less stiff under hard impacts than an alloy one. The compact nature of the body also means there is no flat option if a cleat misses.
There is also the awkward arithmetic of buying it new: the carbon version below is lighter and stiffer, and if you are committed to wide-platform LOOK pedals the jump may be worth making. This one makes more sense if you want the wide platform at a lighter weight than a cage.
10. LOOK X-Track Race Carbon Ti – the best clipless pedal for climbs
LOOK Cycle – X-Track Race Carbon MTB Bicycle Pedals…
Carbon body, titanium axle
145g per pedal claimed
515mm2 support surface
Pros
- Very light carbon body makes a noticeable difference on climbs
- Knurled support surface gives far better stability than a bare SPD cage
- Much quieter than hybrid platform pedals under load
- Distinct tension zones give clear feedback before release
- Owners run them on both gravel and cyclocross bikes without issues
Cons
- Carbon body is fragile against pedal strikes in rocky terrain
- Release can feel stiff until tension is adjusted
- Proprietary LOOK cleats rather than standard SPD
At 145g per pedal claimed by the manufacturer, this is the lightest pedal in the guide, and on a steep gravel climb you can feel it immediately. The carbon body does not just save mass, it also runs quieter under load than any hybrid platform design we tested, which matters when a long climb is mostly about holding a rhythm.
The knurled support surface around the 515 square millimetre platform gives a level of foot stability that a bare SPD cage cannot match. Tension zones give tactile feedback before release, so you know the pedal is about to let go rather than being surprised by it.
Here is the honest problem. Carbon is light because it is not as hard as alloy or steel, and this pedal has the lowest average rating of the ten we tested at 4.3 across 282 reviews, with durability reports of the body cracking after a glancing strike in rocky terrain. One review describes a break after roughly 200 miles. That is a real risk, not a theoretical one, on gravel with loose rock.
The release can also feel stiff from the box until you adjust the tension screw, and the spindle thread is short enough that on aggressive cornering the crank arm can come close to the shoe. Neither is a deal-breaker, but both are worth knowing.
Who the Carbon Ti suits
It suits riders on a weight-obsessed build, racers on fast dry gravel and singletrack, and anyone whose pedalling is mostly high-cadence on smooth surfaces. If your route is smooth and you ride a lot of climbing, the mass saving is felt every ride.
Owners using these on gravel and cyclocross bikes in clean conditions report excellent results. It is in rock and rubble that the picture changes.
Where it falls short
Rock strikes. The carbon body is the weak point, and a pedal that cracks mid-ride is worse than a heavy pedal. If your gravel includes rock gardens, loose descent and frequent dabbing, spend the extra grams on the composite or an alloy SPD design instead.
It also sits near the top of the price range, and it is the least forgiving of rough riding, which is an awkward pairing with the terrain most riders own. That combination of price and fragility is why it sits at ten rather than higher.
How to Choose Clipless Pedals for Gravel Riding
Start with your background rather than the spec sheet. A road rider, an MTB rider and a bikepacker arriving at the same pedal shop want three genuinely different pedals, and the mistakes we see most often come from buying on weight alone or buying a road pedal because the shoes already fit.
Our road clipless pedal guide covers the 3-bolt end of the market if you want to see why those and the two-bolt systems are not interchangeable.
SPD versus SPD-SL: which cleat system for gravel
You can use SPD-SL on a gravel bike, technically. You should not, on almost all gravel. The three-bolt road cleat protrudes from the sole, so it catches on roots, sounds like a tap when you walk, wears through the plastic, and leaves you unable to walk comfortably off the bike. A two-bolt SPD cleat sits recessed and does none of those things. Road cleats only make sense on fast, dry, smooth race courses where you barely put a foot down.
Double-sided versus single-sided entry
Double-sided entry is close to mandatory for gravel. With both faces active you never have to look down and flip the pedal, which is exactly what you do not want to be doing on a loose descent. A single-sided pedal is lighter and keeps a flat platform on the other face, but you need to think about pedal position. Riders coming from flat pedals rarely notice; long-distance riders sometimes do.
Which cleats are easiest to unclip
Release effort comes from the cleat, not the pedal. A multi-release cleat lets you lift, pull or push in several directions rather than requiring a clean upward twist, and it is the single most recommended fix among riders who find clip-out hard. Shimano’s multi-release cleat is the familiar one, and Crankbrothers and LOOK both supply easy-release versions of their own cleats. Pair a soft tension setting with a multi-release cleat and clip-out becomes almost effortless.
Shoe fit matters as much as cleat choice. A cleat mounted too far forward, or a shoe with a soft sole, absorbs the twist and makes release feel vague. Our gravel and MTB shoe guide covers how cleat position changes the feel.
Float, release angle and cleat tension
Float is the small amount your foot can rotate while clipped in; release angle is how far it has to rotate before the pedal lets go. Riders routinely mix the two up. A wider float lets your foot find a natural position and can ease knee strain on long rides. A lower release angle makes clipping out easier. Pedal tension is a separate third dial, and on nearly every pedal here it is a screw or adjuster rather than a cleat choice, except on the Mallet where the cleat alone sets the release.
Weight, Q-factor and pedal strike
Weight is the easiest number to compare and the one riders fixate on. A realistic budget for a gravel clipless pedal is 280g to 480g per pair, and the difference between 280g and 450g is worth worrying about only on a bike that is already built for climbing.
Q-factor is the lateral width of the pedal and cleat combination, and stack height is how far the pedal sits above the ground. Both matter on gravel bikes with a low bottom bracket, where a tall, wide pedal can strike the ground on a lean. Narrow minimalist SPD designs and the wide cage hybrids sit at opposite ends of that range, so a rider who clips a pedal on their third ride should move toward a narrower design rather than a wider one. If you are also specing wheels, our gravel wheelset guide covers tyre and clearance choices that affect the same low-speed rough terrain.
Mud and winter conditions
Mud decides the pedal more often than weight does. Open designs such as the Eggbeater, the Mamba and the LOOK mechanisms let debris pass straight through, while cage designs have edges that collect bramble and grass. Sealed cartridge and cup-and-cone bearings matter more than anything else for a wet winter. If you ride year-round in the same climate, weight should be the last thing you optimise.
Power meter pedals
Power meter pedals exist and work well, but none of the ten products here is one, and we would not put a meter pedal on a bike that spends its winter in mud anyway. If you want pedal power data, look at the dedicated single-sided meter options from Favero and Garmin rather than trying to find a dual-sided unit in this category. They cost more, weigh more, and are a bigger commitment than the pedal swap itself.
Servicing, bearings and spare parts
Every pedal here can be serviced, but the ease of it varies a lot. Shimano and Crankbrothers have the deepest spares networks and rebuild kits, and both brands keep cleats and bearings readily available. The Funn Mamba has a field serviceable grease system, which is unusually practical for touring. Check the bearing type before you buy, because a sealed cartridge bearing that is starting to feel rough is far easier to replace than an integrated unit.
Troubleshooting a pedal you cannot clip into
First, confirm the cleat type. An SPD cleat will not go into a three-bolt pedal, and Crankbrothers and LOOK cleats are proprietary, so mixing systems is the most common cause of a pedal that refuses the cleat. Second, inspect the cleat itself, because worn or cracked cleat teeth stop engaging cleanly. Third, check the pedal is not packed with mud, which is what actually stops most winter clip-ins. Fourth, turn the tension adjusters a quarter turn in from fully loose, since a binding at minimum tension can feel like it will not hold. Fifth, check the cleat is seated fully before you load the pedal, which mostly means looking down the first few times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedals should I use on a gravel bike?
For most gravel riding, a double-sided SPD two-bolt clipless pedal is the right answer, and the Shimano PD-M520 is the safest starting point for most riders. Pick an open, well-sealed design if you ride mud, add a wide platform if you want foot support or a dab-down option, and match the cleat standard to the shoes you already own.
Can I use SPD-SL pedals on a gravel bike?
You can fit them, but the three-bolt road cleat protrudes from the sole and is a poor match for gravel. It catches on roots, clogs the binding, wears quickly and makes walking uncomfortable. Road cleats only make sense on fast, dry, smooth race courses where you rarely put a foot down. For everything else, move to a recessed two-bolt SPD cleat.
Which Shimano pedals are best for gravel riding?
The PD-M520 is the default for most riders because it is durable, double-sided and light enough at 380g per pair. The PD-ME700 adds a wide platform for foot support and lets you ride unclipped, at around 480g. The PD-T8000 is the hybrid, with an SPD side and a pinned platform for riding in everyday shoes. All three take standard SPD two-bolt cleats.
Are SPD pedals good for gravel?
Yes, and that is why they are the standard for the category. The two-bolt cleat is recessed in the sole so you can still walk, the open mechanism geometry sheds mud, and double-sided entry means you never have to flip the pedal to find the binding. The one genuine caveat is heavy clay, which can still pack a binding no matter how well designed it is.
Which cleats are easiest to unclip?
Multi-release cleats are the easiest, because they let you lift or pull in several directions rather than requiring a clean twist. Shimano makes a well-known multi-release cleat, and Crankbrothers and LOOK both supply easy-release versions of their own. Pair one with a pedal tension setting a quarter turn in from fully loose and clip-out becomes easy even on loose descents.
What should I do if I cannot clip into my SPD pedals?
Check the cleat type first, since SPD, Crankbrothers and LOOK cleats are not interchangeable and a three-bolt road cleat will never enter a two-bolt pedal. Then inspect the cleat teeth for wear, clear any mud packed into the binding, and turn the tension adjusters in from the softest setting. Finally, make sure the cleat is fully seated before you load the pedal.
The Verdict
The Shimano PD-M520 is the best clipless pedal for gravel riding for the simple reason that it makes no demands on you. It is double-sided, sealed, adjustable, and backed by the deepest spares network in the category, at a weight that only really bothers you on a bike built to be as light as possible. Fit a multi-release cleat, set the tension a quarter turn in from soft, and it will serve you from a wet commute to a fast gravel loop.
Go lighter and muddier with the Crankbrothers Eggbeater at 280g per pair. Add foot support and an unclipped option with the Shimano PD-ME700, or run trainers part of the week with the PD-T8000. Riders on rock should pick the Mallet E or the Funn Mamba, both of which trade a little weight for a wide platform and in-field serviceability.
Whatever you choose, match the cleat to the shoes you already own before you worry about anything else in the spec sheet. For the rest of the kit, our gravel helmet guide covers the other piece of safety equipment worth getting right in 2026.
