In this article I’m going to give you my overview of the very best clipless pedals for gravel riding. To do so I’ve taken a number of things into consideration.
The first thing has to do with what type of pedals are most suitable for gravel riding. Obviously, any pedal will theoretically suffice, but I’ve seen reputable sites recommending clipless pedals meant for trail riding, and that’s just plain wrong advice in my book.
In general, gravel riding focuses on combining the speed of a road bike geometry with the off road capabilities of a mountain bike. This means you’d want a lightweight pedal with mud-shedding capabilities. This is because unlike traditional road racing, you might not always be riding on tarmac and muddy conditions can indeed be encountered.
On the other hand, the bigger platforms normally associated with trail, enduro, and downhill riding, which are mountain bike disciplines probably won’t be necessary. Unless you’re actually someone who wants to hit the trails with your gravel bike, and would like the added grip and support of a platform with pins.
On this list of the best clipless pedals for gravel riding I’m featuring really high-quality premium offerings alongside pedals I deem great value for money. The pedals are chosen from a range of brands that offer distinctive ride characteristics, mostly in the area of float or how much the pedal allows you to move around.
So whatever your budget, you’re bound to find the right pedal for you here.
Shimano XTR PD-M9100
There is no best of list without Shimano XTR, and the Shimano XTR PD-M9100 is the best, most minimalistic clipless pedal in their lineup.
Where every other manufacturer offers versions with titanium axles to reduce weight, Shimano does not, which means these pedals are light enough at 310 grams, but not the lightest. Third-party titanium axles are available that enable you to get these pedals below 300 grams, but it’ll cost you multiple dollars per gram to do so.
At 15.1 mm the XTR pedals have one of the lowest stack height of all clipless pedals, which means a very low risk of pedal strikes.
The rear part of the mechanism is spring-loaded, which means you engage the pedals toe first. This takes a bit getting used to, especially when you’ve never used clipless pedals before. When attached they offer a snug feel with minimal float of 4 degrees, and reasonable release tension at 13 degrees. This is good for those people who want a super consistent pedal feeling and maximum energy transfer.
The pedal comes in two different axle lengths, 52 and 55 mm, and are the only pedals that offer a dual cup and cone bearing setup. Such a bearing setup enables the pedal to enable a higher load.
The SPD system is outstanding with definite clicks to let you know you’ve either engaged or disengaged the pedal. There are multi-release cleats available, of which I’m not a fan, that allow you to disengage both ways and upwards.
Mud shedding is excellent with a minimal round machined body where debris has little change to pack. The platform is rather small, which means that I’d opt for the larger M9120 or other more trail-oriented pedals when moving away from XC or gravel riding.
The XTR pedals have been the benchmark against which all other pedals are measured, and these pedals ensure they keep that status.
- The benchmark clipless XC pedals ticking all necessary boxes
- Minimal float offers tight feel. Small platform less suitable for trail riding
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100
XTR and Deore XT are always very closely related to each other in terms of functionality, but of all Shimano’s products I feel their pedals are the closest.
The Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 differs only slightly from its XTR counterpart. And the difference is a few grams, 32 to be exact, and 6 mm of stack height. It does mean the XTR is better, but ever so slightly.
I don’t need to repeat everything I’ve already mentioned with the XTR PD-M9100 because in terms of ride quality these are exactly the same. And nobody’s going to convince me that they can possibly discern the weight and stack height difference while riding.
- Offering Shimano reliability almost similar to the XTR version
- Minimal float offers tight feel. Small platform less suitable for trail riding
Shimano PD M520
Besides the top-of-the-line XTR and XT versions, the Shimano PD M520 is the last-in-line of the XC and gravel-oriented clipless pedals.
That doesn’t mean these clipless pedals lack in quality. On the contrary, considering its quality, it’s really difficult to justify some of the prices associated with more premium offerings.
There’s a bit more weight to deal with, 380 grams to be exact, which is the least important sacrifice if you ask me.
The biggest thing with these pedals is that the cleat mechanism is similar to both XTR and XT for a fraction of the price. Obviously, there is a bit less polish to these pedals in the material department to keep the price low, but looking from afar, it’s very hard to distinguish these pedals from those costing three to four times as much.
Instead of the dual bearing setup of both XTR and XT, these pedals run a single sealed cartridge bearing, which is easily serviceable if you need to. You will need a fairly cheap proprietary Shimano tool to do so.
I’ve already said anything I want to say about the tried-and-true SPD mechanism.
- Best value clipless XC and gravel pedals with SPD technology
- None
Hope Union Clip Pedal - RC
Hope’s approach to bicycle parts manufacturing is straightforward and refreshing. The UK brand designs what it feels is the best approach to a certain part, and brings it to life with stellar craftsmanship.
You can clearly see that approach reflected in the Hope Union Clip Pedal – RC pedal. It’s a very expensive pedal indeed, but if it’s the quality you want you absolutely get what you pay for.
For starters, it offers a standard titanium spindle with the best bearing setup of all mountain bike brands. Not only are there 3 cartridge bearings and a IGUS bushing enabling a tremendous amount of load, but the pedal is assembled in such a way that its tight rotation isn’t diminished after prolonged use and shows zero play.
The wonderfully machined aluminum body with stainless steel clips and cleats are built to last and are dual spring-loaded, ensuring easy entry from multiple angles, with a tad more float than the Shimano XTR pedals. And there are multiple anodized options to choose from.
2 sets of stainless steel cleats offer minimal configuration between 4 and 5 degrees of float, and a release angle of either 12 or 13 degrees. I wonder if you can actually feel the difference, which would mean you get a free set of cleats to be used as spares or for different shoes.
There are a number of lighter options available, yet at 323 grams this is still a light enough pedal. And taking into consideration it’s the heaviest clipless mountain bike pedal with titanium axles, it says something about the build quality as well.
I’m sure you could fault these pedals from a certain perspective, especially if you’re used to other brands offering significantly more float. But if you do, you move into the area of rider preference instead of trying to attain a certain amount of subjectivity necessary when reviewing products.
The Eggbeater 11 may steal the crown in the weight department, and the Shimano XTR pedals set the standard, but from a manufacturing perspective these are the best pedals you can find.
- Best build quality of any clipless race pedal
- None
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 is one of the lightest mountain bike pedals on the market at a claimed weight of 280 grams.
The minimalistic design of these clipless mountain bike pedals is known for its mud-shedding ability, because there’s hardly anything to cling to, and the single glide bearing and cartridge bearing ensures smooth action, with the proper care. Its body and wing are both made from stainless steel, with a chromoly axle.
It’s recommended to use Crankbrothers cleats, which are a tad bit more expensive than the standard Shimano ones.
They offer an industry standard float of 6°, and a release between 15° or 20°. The 4-point engage system, versus the traditional 2 takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, getting in or out of the pedals will feel natural and easy.
The pedal doesn’t have any platform at all, so it’s recommended you use them with carbon shoes.
- Lightweight XC or gravel pedals
- Minimal design requires carbon shoes
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 2
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 2 is almost similar to the Eggbeater 3, with the same axle, and body. Except the wings are made from stamped steel instead of stainless. And it offers a standard enduro bearing instead of the MAX version of both the 3 and 11.
Naturally pedal manufacturers try to differentiate products in their lineup, and with the Eggbeater 2 they’ve done so in such a way that I would favor the more expensive 3 or cheaper 1 over this pedal. That’s because I deem the better Enduro Max bearing of the 3 worth paying the price for it. Yet opting for the fully stamped steel body of the 1 and just having a stamped steel body instead of a stainless steel one doesn’t really make much difference at all
- Lightweight XC or gravel pedals
- Minimal design requires carbon shoes. Not distinctive enough compared to the Eggbeater 3 or 1
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 lowers the cost even more by replacing the stainless steel body with a stamped steel version. They are the entry level version of these types of pedals.
Considering the fact that the ride quality is very similar to each other pedal in the Eggbeater lineup, they offer the best value-for-money by far, for a pedal still below 300 grams (at 290).
- Best value-for-money Eggbeater pedals
- Minimal design requires carbon shoes
Crankbrothers Candy 7
The Crankbrothers Candy 7 is the non-titanium version of the Candy 11, swapping the wings and axle for respectively stainless steel and chromoly.
The jump from this pedal to its titanium version is too big if you ask me. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a 70 gram reduction in weight, because that’s the difference. And it doesn’t mean these are not very expensive pedals, for they are similar in price to the Shimano XTR PD-M9100.
When compared to the next in line, the Candy 3, the Candy 7 get’s a more machined body with chamfered edges, and a bash cover for the lock nut.
So if you want the ride characteristics from the Candy 11, yet still want to be able to put food on the table at the end of the month, consider buying these pedals instead.
- Everything the Candy 11 offers with an added 70 grams. Chamfered edges, and bash cover.
- Finicky to set up.
Crankbrothers Candy 3
The Crankbrothers Candy 3 is probably the best value clipless pedal in the Candy lineup.
It offers the same bearing setup as the most expensive Candy 11, adds an extra 20 grams over the the Candy 7, but still sits at a respectable 340 grams.
It has the same stainless steel and aluminum body, this time without chamfered edges and bash guard. And it’s the cheapest pedal which offers the best ride characteristics that the Candy pedals are all about.
A quality clipless mountain bike pedal which can be used in diverse conditions from XC, gravel and trail riding.
- Best value-for-money Candy pedals
- None
Crankbrothers Candy 1
The Crankbrothers Candy 1 is their most budget-friendly offering with a composite platform.
This actually makes it lighter at 294 grams than the 7, 3 and 2, and in general makes for a pretty lightweight pedal.
Feeling the target audience of these kinds of pedals are beginners, the accompanying cleats have a lower release angle; 10 degrees instead of 15 or 20. This makes these pedals easier to get out of. If you’re not looking for such an easy release, be aware of the fact you’ll need to buy another pair of cleats to increase the angle of release. An investment which might warrant a different purchase.
They look really nice, as does the entire Candy lineup. But unlike composite flat pedals, clipless pedals damage more easily due to the cleats, especially these small platformed composite ones.
Another small issue is that indeed they come in a number of bright and appealing colors, but these colors get dull pretty quickly as the pedal gets dirty.
- Entry-level, budget-friendly pedals with good mud-shedding capabilities.
- Damage and get dirty easily. Low release angle might not suit everyone. Takes time getting used to.
Time XC 8
The Time XC 8 is the more budget-friendly version of the titanium XC 12, offering the same carbon body, but with a hollow chromoly axle instead.
With a price less than half that of the XC 12, it’s hard to not opt for these pedals, considering the fact the chromoly axle only adds 40 grams to the overall weight of 286 grams.
It offers exactly the same pedal characteristics and is still a very lightweight pedal for XC, gravel, and trail riding, with its floaty feel, and excellent mud-shedding ability.
- Fantastic mud-shedding abilities and extremely lightweight. Large amount of float enables natural riding position more easily.
- Largest stack height of all clipless MTB pedals. Large amount of float feels disconcerting and might produce inconsistent pedal disengagement.
Time XC 2
The Time XC 2 is the cheapest way to obtain the benefits offered from this lineup.
A composite body is used with a single sealed cartridge bearing on a chromoly axle, with the same 5 degrees of float and release angle between 10 and 20 degrees.
At 302 grams they are still pretty light, and definitely not much heavier than the more premium versions.
The ATAC mechanism is known for its above-average mud-shedding capabilities, so if you like cheap pedals for muddy XC or gravel riding, these are one of your best options
- Budget-friendly. Fantastic mud-shedding abilities and extremely lightweight. Large amount of float enables natural riding position more easily.
- Largest stack height of all clipless MTB pedals. Large amount of float feels disconcerting and might produce inconsistent pedal disengagement.
Look X-Track Race Carbon
The Look X-Track Race Carbon is the non-titanium version offering the same functionality as their more premium counterpart.
I’ve stated for the Look X-Track Race Carbon Ti that it’s the pedal that offers the most reasonable upgrade price for its axle. Yet it’s still very much debatable whether or not the 60 grams reduction in weight is worth the premium.
- Standard SPD interface, with a bit more float versus Shimano pedals. If you don't mind the added 60 more grams versus the titanium version.
- None
Look X-Track
The Look X-Track is their entry-level model using an aluminum body instead of a carbon one.
At 400 grams per pair, these are some of the heaviest XC and gravel pedals out there, yet the functionality compared to the more expensive X-Track pedals comes at a fraction of the cost.
They are also some of the best-looking pedals for its price, indistinguishable from the more expensive versions.
The entire X-Track lineup uses 2 sealed cartridge bearings, with only the most expensive one having a titanium axle. This one has a chromoly one, which needs a proprietary tool to get to if you ever plan on servicing it.
The Look X-Track uses the SPD system with 6 degrees of float and two different sets of cleats to offer different ways of disengagement. The pedal design hasn’t changed for years, which is a solid indicator of its popularity and quality.
- Great alternative to Shimano
- None
Clipless Pedals Weight Rating
Saving weight is an ever important thing to strive for when buying bicycle products, and of course you want the lightest clipless pedals available. Yet there are a couple things to keep in mind. It’s very difficult to make strong yet lightweight products. The lightest pedals are usually also more expensive than heavier ones. And you have to ask yourself how much you’re willing to pay extra to save 50 to a 100 grams or more.
The lightest pedals like the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 and Time XPRO 15 use titanium spindles, and a titanium or carbon body. And in general clipless road bikes, cross country and/or gravel pedals are lighter, simply because they either have a small platform, or no platform at all to add weight.
In the following graph you can find all the pedals mentioned here and their weight ranking. A ranking of 0% means you’re looking at the heaviest pedal. A ranking of 100% means it’s the lightest.
Clipless Pedals Bearing Rating
An important aspect of pedals is their internals and bearing setup. Almost all pedal manufacturers sell bearing kits, and it’s nice that you can rebuild your pedal internals if you need to.
What’s even better is that the quality of the bearings are of such a nature that you either don’t have to rebuild the internals at all, or after years of service. This saves you both time and money, and you simply enjoy your pedals more.
High-end Shimano pedals are known for their longevity and according to my personal experience pedals from Hope are at least just as good if not even better.
In the following graph you can find the bearing ratings in relation to the highest quality setup. The bearing rating is calculated based on the bearing setup and the maximum load it can endure. It’s an approximation of the quality of the setup that does not take into account how well the internals are sealed from outside elements. The setup deemed best receives a 100 percent rating.
Clipless Pedals Adjustability Rating
The better you’re able to tweak and finetune the pedal to your personal preference, the more enjoyment you can get out of your ride.
When looking at pedal adjustment a couple of factors need to be considered, the most important factor is the ability to adjust the spring tension of the retention mechanism. Crankbrothers‘ pedals are notorious for lacking in this respect, hence they score as low as they do in this metric. Shimano pedals feature somewhere in the middle and HT prove to be the most adjustable.
Then there are a number of other factors which all add up to the overall score. These are the ability to adjust float, adjust release tension, and, when applicable, configure the amount of pins. Keep in mind that float and release tension are cleat-dependant. Pedals always come with cleats, but it could be that your specific configuration requires an optional cleat purchase.
Theoretically a score of 0% would be possible. A pin-less flat pedal has no adjustability. With clipless pedals, there’s always some adjustment available, with a score of 100% reserved for those pedals offering the most adjustability you could ask for.
Specifications clipless pedals for gravel riding
Name | Price | Weight | Length | Width | Height | Body | Spindle | Bearings and bushings | Pins | float | release | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shimano XTR PD-M9100 | 179 USD | 310 | 15.1 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | |||
Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 | 130 USD | 342 | 43 mm | 16.5 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 cup and cone bearings, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | ||
Shimano PD M520 | 55 USD | 380 | 17 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 1 sealed cartridge bearing, 1 bushing | none | 4° | 13° | |||
Hope Union Clip Pedal – RC | 190 USD | 323 | aluminium | titanium | 3 cartridge bearings, 1 IGUS bushing | none | 4°or 5° | 12° or 13° | ||||
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 | 149.99 USD | 280 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 2 | 99.99 USD | 285 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | stainless steel / stamped steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 | 59.99 USD | 290 | 32 mm | 75 mm | 15.2 mm | stamped steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 7 | 179.99 USD | 320 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | aluminium / stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 3 | 149.99 USD | 340 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | aluminium / stainless steel | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro MAX cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Crankbrothers Candy 1 | 59.99 USD | 294 | 67 mm | 74 mm | 13.5 mm | composite | Cr-Mo | Igus LL-glide bearing Enduro cartridge bearing | none | 0°or 6° | 10° / 15° / 20° | |
Time XC 8 | 137 USD | 286 | 19 mm | carbon | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | |||
Time XC 2 | 42 USD | 302 | 19 mm | fiberglass / composite | Cr-Mo | 2 cartridge bearings, 1 bushing | none | 5° | 10° / 13° / 17° | |||
Look X-Track Race Carbon | 145 USD | 350 | 60 mm | 16.8 mm | carbon | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings | none | 6° | 13° | ||
Look X-Track | 54 USD | 400 | 57 mm | 16.8 mm | aluminium | Cr-Mo | 2 sealed cartridge bearings | none | 6° | 13° |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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