The right pedals can make a gravel bike feel more stable, efficient, and predictable when the route shifts from pavement to dirt. Your ideal choice depends on whether you prioritize easy foot placement, secure clipless power transfer, or versatility for changing terrain.
We compared 10 popular flat, clipless, and combination pedals to help you find a practical match for your riding style, footwear, and budget.
Best 10 Bike Pedals for Gravel Bikes Picks for 2026
Best Budget Flat Pedal
- Eight anti-skid nails per pedal
- Sealed bearings resist dirt and moisture
- Includes hex key and 9/16-inch threads
Best For: Casual gravel riding with regular shoes
Best Dual-Sided Pedal
- SPD clip-in side and grippy flat side
- Adjustable cleat tension
- SPD cleats included
Best For: Mixed riding with cycling shoes or sneakers
Best Wide Flat Pedal
- Wide, slightly concave platform
- Eight grip pins per side
- Sealed cartridge bearings and Cr-Mo axle
Best For: Stable flat-pedal gravel riding
Best Combo Pedal
Adjustable SPD-Compatible Platform
- Flat and SPD clip-in functionality
- Ten anti-skid platform spikes
- Adjustable clip tension and sealed bearings
Best For: Riders alternating between SPD shoes and regular shoes
Best Lightweight Pick
ROCKBROS Nylon Fiber Platform Pedals
- Wide 4.1-inch platform
- Lightweight nylon-fiber body
- Grip pins and sealed bearings
Best For: Flat-pedal gravel and cyclocross riders
Best Clipless Option
- SPD clipless design
- Cleats included
- Aluminum construction with 9/16-inch thread
Best For: SPD-equipped gravel and road riders
Best Durable Flat Pedals
- Wide 101 mm aluminum platform
- Stainless-steel anti-skid pins
- Sealed bearings and Cr-Mo spindle
Best For: Gravel riders wanting durable, grippy flat pedals
Large-Platform Pick
Crankbrothers Stamp Flat Pedals
- 114 x 114mm platform supports larger shoes
- Replaceable traction pins for adjustable grip
- Serviceable bearings and five-year warranty
Best For: Large-footed riders seeking a durable, serviceable flat pedal
Ultra-Thin Grip Pick
FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Pedals
- 0.7-inch-thick profile helps reduce strikes
- 106 x 104mm platform with nine pins per side
- 351g pair with sealed bearings and 9/16-inch spindle
Best For: Gravel riders wanting low clearance and aggressive flat-pedal grip
All-Round Value Pick
- Aluminum body with high-strength Cr-Mo spindle
- Wide platform with six pins per side
- Includes pedal wrench and two sealed bearings per pedal
Best For: Versatile gravel, road, commuting, and folding-bike use
Best Budget Flat Pedal – Lightweight Nylon Grip
For riders seeking bike pedals for gravel bikes without clip-in shoes, these JETCAT flat pedals offer a lightweight nylon platform, eight anti-skid nails per pedal, and sealed bearings for everyday road and trail use.
Best For: Gravel riders who prefer flat pedals and a straightforward installation.
Pros:
- Flat, clipless design works with regular cycling shoes.
- Eight anti-skid nails help provide a secure foothold.
- Three sealed bearings help keep dirt and moisture out.
- Standard 9/16-inch threads, left/right markings, and included hex key simplify installation.
Cons:
- Nylon construction may be less robust than an aluminum pedal body.
- Flat pedals do not provide the pedaling engagement of clip-in systems.
With a 341-gram weight and adult-oriented design, this is a practical option for casual gravel riding, commuting, and riders who value easy foot release.
Best Dual-Sided Pedal – Shimano SPD & Flat
SHIMANO PD-EH500 SPD & Flat Dual Sided Bike Pedal for Indoor Cycling & Urban Riding
Check Price On AmazonThe Shimano PD-EH500 is a versatile choice among bike pedals for gravel bikes, pairing an SPD-compatible clip-in side with a grippy flat side. It lets riders switch between cycling shoes and ordinary sneakers.
Best For: Gravel and urban riders who want one pedal for both clip-in and flat-shoe riding.
Pros:
- Dual-sided design accommodates SPD/2-hole cleats and flat-soled shoes.
- Adjustable cleat tension supports personalized entry and release.
- SPD/2-hole cleats are included.
- Durable construction is designed for minimal maintenance.
Cons:
- Only one side is clip-in, so positioning may take practice.
- Its listed road-bike fit may not suit every gravel-bike setup without confirming compatibility.
This pedal is especially useful for mixed-surface riders who alternate between dedicated cycling shoes and everyday footwear, with the added convenience of adjustable tension.
Best Wide Flat Pedal – Aluminum Trail Platform
These CXWXC aluminum pedals are a solid flat-pedal option for bike pedals for gravel bikes, combining a wide platform with eight pins per side and a slightly concave surface for confident foot placement.
Best For: Gravel and road riders who want a broad, stable platform without fixed bindings.
Pros:
- Wide 4.13-by-4.09-inch platform provides substantial foot support.
- Eight pins per side improve grip on uneven terrain.
- CNC aluminum body and hardened Cr-Mo axle are built for durability.
- Sealed cartridge bearings help support smooth, long-lasting use.
Cons:
- Flat design does not offer clip-in efficiency.
- The larger platform may feel bulky to riders accustomed to narrow pedals.
At a stated 0.4 pound per pedal, this pair balances a spacious stance with relatively low weight, making it a practical choice for riders who prioritize control and easy foot removal.
Best Combo Pedal – Adjustable SPD-Compatible Platform
The BUCKLOS combo pedal suits riders comparing bike pedals for gravel bikes who want both clip-in efficiency and a usable flat side. Its aluminum platform has ten anti-skid spikes and adjustable clip tension.
Best For: Gravel riders who switch between SPD-compatible shoes and regular footwear.
Pros:
- Supports regular shoes and SPD-compatible clipless shoes.
- Ten anti-skid spikes provide grip on the platform side.
- Adjustable entry and release tension accommodates different preferences.
- Sealed bearings and a gasket design help limit water, dust, and sand entry.
Cons:
- SPD-compatible cleats are not included.
- Clip-in use requires adjusting tension to achieve the preferred release feel.
- The 14.4-ounce pair is heavier than some minimalist flat-pedal options.
Its 3.86-by-3.46-inch aluminum platform offers a stable surface, while the adjustable single-sided clip mechanism gives riders flexibility across gravel, road, spinning, and everyday cycling.
Best Lightweight Pick – ROCKBROS Nylon Fiber Platform Pedals
For riders seeking bike pedals for gravel bikes with a broad, stable platform, these ROCKBROS pedals combine a lightweight nylon-fiber body with a Cr-Mo spindle. Their anti-skid pins and sealed bearings are designed for secure footing and smoother riding in varied conditions.
Best For: Gravel, cyclocross, hybrid, and commuter riders who prefer flat pedals with a lightweight composite body.
Pros:
- Wide 4.1-inch platform supports the foot comfortably.
- Anti-skid nails help maintain grip, including on muddy rides.
- Lightweight 0.8-pound pair with sealed bearings.
- Standard 9/16-inch spindle fits many bike types.
Cons:
- Nylon construction may not offer the same feel as aluminum pedals.
- Flat-pedal design does not provide clipless engagement.
This is a practical choice when low weight, a generous platform, and straightforward compatibility matter more than clipless performance.
Best Clipless Option – Shimano PDM520 SPD Pedals
The Shimano PDM520 is a clipless SPD pedal option for riders who want a secured shoe connection rather than a flat platform. It is supplied with cleats and uses a 9/16-inch thread, making it a relevant option when comparing bike pedals for gravel bikes.
Best For: Gravel and road-oriented riders who already use, or want to switch to, Shimano SPD-style clipless shoes.
Pros:
- Clipless SPD design supports a connected pedaling setup.
- Cleats are included.
- Aluminum construction provides a durable pedal body.
- Standard 9/16-inch thread.
Cons:
- Requires compatible cycling shoes and cleats.
- Less convenient than flat pedals for frequent foot-down stops.
- Supplied details identify it primarily as a road-bike pedal.
Choose this model if efficient shoe engagement is your priority and your gravel setup is already built around SPD-compatible footwear.
Best Durable Flat Pedals – ROCKBROS Aluminum MTB Pedals
These ROCKBROS aluminum flat pedals are built for riders who want a sturdy, wide platform for bike pedals for gravel bikes. CNC-machined aluminum, stainless-steel grip pins, and sealed bearings provide a durable setup for rough terrain and changing riding conditions.
Best For: Gravel, mountain, road-touring, and commuter riders who want a grippy aluminum flat pedal.
Pros:
- 101 mm-wide platform distributes foot pressure evenly.
- Stainless-steel pins provide strong shoe traction.
- Sealed bearings and a Cr-Mo spindle help protect against dust and water.
- Lightweight pair weighs about 0.66 pounds.
Cons:
- Grip pins may be more aggressive on footwear than smooth platforms.
- Flat design does not offer clipless engagement.
- The supplied details list a one-year warranty, while the product notes also mention a lifetime warranty; verify the current terms.
This model is a strong fit for gravel riders who value a stable, grippy platform and aluminum durability without moving to clipless pedals.
Large-Platform Pick – Crankbrothers Stamp Flat Pedals
For riders comparing bike pedals for gravel bikes, the Crankbrothers Stamp Flat MTB Pedals offer a generously sized 114 x 114mm platform, replaceable traction pins, and serviceable bearings. Their reinforced composite body keeps the claimed weight to 384g per pair while providing a durable, straightforward flat-pedal setup.
Best For: Riders who want a large, supportive platform and adjustable grip for rough gravel or mixed-terrain riding.
Pros:
- Large 114 x 114mm platform suits larger shoes, especially US 10–15.
- Replaceable one-piece traction pins provide grip and simplify maintenance.
- Serviceable IGUS bearings and seals support long-term use.
- Includes a five-year warranty and five-year EU spare-part availability.
Cons:
- The 384g weight is not the lightest option in this group.
- The supplied bike-type listing identifies it primarily as a mountain-bike pedal.
The Stamp is a sensible choice when foot support and serviceability matter more than minimizing grams. Its size-specific design is particularly appealing for riders with larger feet.
Ultra-Thin Grip Pick – FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Pedals
These FIFTY-FIFTY pedals are a practical option for riders shopping for bike pedals for gravel bikes who want a wide, low-profile platform. The 106 x 104mm nylon-composite body is only 0.7 inches thick, while nine replaceable steel pins per side help keep shoes planted on uneven terrain.
Best For: Gravel and mixed-terrain riders prioritizing low clearance, strong grip, and modest weight.
Pros:
- Ultra-thin 0.7-inch profile can help reduce pedal strikes.
- Wide 106 x 104mm platform offers substantial foot support.
- Nine replaceable steel pins per side provide dependable traction.
- 351g pair weight, sealed bearings, and a standard 9/16-inch spindle suit varied bikes.
Cons:
- Nylon composite construction may appeal less to riders seeking an aluminum body.
- The one-year warranty is shorter than the coverage listed for the Crankbrothers option.
With its combination of a thin profile, replaceable pins, and sealed bearings, this model is well matched to rough routes where clearance and grip are both priorities.
All-Round Value Pick – Hapleby Premium Flat Pedals
For bike pedals for gravel bikes that can also serve road, commuting, or folding-bike duties, the Hapleby Premium Bike Pedals provide a wide aluminum platform with six pins per side. Two sealed bearings per pedal, a high-strength Cr-Mo spindle, and a supplied pedal wrench make this a practical everyday package.
Best For: Riders seeking versatile, grippy flat pedals for gravel, commuting, and mixed bike use.
Pros:
- Standard 9/16-inch threads fit most compatible bike cranks.
- Aluminum body and Cr-Mo spindle provide a sturdy, corrosion-resistant construction.
- Six anti-skid pins per side and a wide base support confident footing.
- Includes a pedal wrench and clearly marked left and right pedals.
Cons:
- At 14.4 ounces, it is not the lightest listed option.
- The product notes specify a one-year warranty.
- Its six-pin layout offers fewer pins per side than the FIFTY-FIFTY model.
The Hapleby stands out as a versatile, easy-to-install choice for riders who want one flat pedal set for gravel and general cycling. Its aluminum body and included wrench add everyday practicality.
How We Picked the Best Bike Pedals for Gravel Bikes
We focused on the features that matter most on mixed-surface rides: dependable grip, usable platform space, bearing quality, cleat compatibility, durability, and overall versatility. The lineup includes flat pedals for casual and technical riding, clipless SPD models for efficient pedaling, and dual-sided designs for riders who want both options.
We also considered the practical details that affect ownership, including pedal weight, sealed bearings, replaceable traction pins, included cleats, axle standards, and whether a model works well with regular shoes. Product specifications and intended use should always be confirmed before purchase.
Quick Comparison
| Pedal type | Best for | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Flat | Casual, technical, and utility riding | Easy foot placement and walkable footwear |
| Clipless SPD | Experienced gravel riders | Consistent connection and efficient power transfer |
| Dual-sided | Mixed commuting and trail use | Flat-pedal convenience with clipless compatibility |
Key Buying Factors for Bike Pedals for Gravel Bikes
Flat or Clipless Design
Flat pedals are the simplest choice and work with ordinary shoes, making them useful for beginners, stop-and-go routes, and rides where frequent dismounts are likely. Clipless pedals require compatible cycling shoes and practice, but they provide a more consistent connection to the bike. Dual-sided pedals offer a compromise, though they can be heavier or less intuitive to engage than dedicated clipless models.
Grip and Platform Shape
Look for a platform wide enough to support your shoe without creating pressure points. Pins or textured surfaces help maintain control on rough roads, especially when the bike becomes wet or dusty. Extremely aggressive pins can improve grip but may damage ordinary footwear or cause discomfort.
Durability and Serviceability
Aluminum bodies generally offer a sturdy feel, while nylon-composite pedals can reduce weight and cost. Sealed bearings help limit contamination from water and grit, but any pedal benefits from periodic cleaning and inspection. Check whether pins, bearings, and cleats are replaceable before committing to a model.
Fit and Compatibility
Most adult bicycles use a standard 9/16-inch pedal thread, but verify your crank and pedal specifications. For clipless options, confirm the cleat system and shoe compatibility. Consider clearance as well: a broad pedal can improve support, while a slimmer profile may reduce the chance of striking rocks or trail obstacles.
Who Should Buy Which Bike Pedals for Gravel Bikes?
- New gravel riders: Choose a stable flat pedal with a broad platform and dependable pins while you learn your preferred riding style.
- Commuters and casual riders: A dual-sided pedal is useful if you alternate between cycling shoes and everyday footwear.
- Long-distance and performance riders: SPD clipless pedals are a strong choice when efficient power transfer and a secure shoe connection matter most.
- Technical gravel and mixed-terrain riders: Prioritize grip, platform support, sealed bearings, and a durable body that can handle repeated impacts.
- Weight-conscious buyers: Compare stated weights carefully, but do not sacrifice platform stability or bearing quality solely to save a few grams.