Gravel riding puts a pedal through two different jobs in the same afternoon. One minute you are clipped in and spinning a fast line, the next you are dabbing a foot on a loose climb or walking a washed-out section. A pedal that only does one of those well makes the whole ride feel like a compromise.
That is why I looked closely at the Best SPD Pedals For Gravel Bikes rather than just the star ratings. I compared stated platform dimensions, cleat tension adjustability, bearing protection, and whether the pedal ships with cleats, because those details decide how a pedal behaves on a mixed-surface ride. The picks below are the ones whose listings back up their claims with real specs.
My overall pick for best SPD pedals for gravel bikes is the BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals Clip Flat Combo. It pairs a clip side with a flat side and a wide aluminum platform, so you can ride clipped in on the fast sections and switch to flat shoes without swapping pedals. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | RW Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall BUCKLOS SPD Clip Flat Combo Pedals with CNC | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for mixed riding Shimano PD-EH500 Dual-Sided Pedals with SPD | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for lightweight SPD BUCKLOS SPD Dual-Sided Bike Pedals with Adjustable | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for budget riders Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals with Cleats Included | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for mud shedding Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 Pedals with 4-Sided | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
BUCKLOS PD-M680 dual-sided pedals with CNC alloy aluminum body, sealed bearings, adjustable clipless tension, and 10 anti-skid spikes for flat-shoe grip.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.895738170506 pounds
- Body Size
- 98 x 88mm
- Material
- CNC alloy aluminum
- Included
- Pedals only (cleats not included)
Pros
- +CNC alloy aluminum body for a wider 98x88mm platform
- +Adjustable entry and release tension via hex wrench
- +Sealed bearings with gasket to limit water and dust ingress
- +Dual-sided function for clipless or flat-shoe riding
Cons
- −Cleats not included, so clipless use needs a separate purchase
- −Single-sided cleat tension adjustment limits fine-tuning
- −Heavier than some dedicated race pedals at 0.89 pounds
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS PD-M680 stands out for its CNC alloy aluminum body at 98x88mm, which gives a wider platform than many combo pedals in this class. That extra surface area matters on loaded bikepacking rigs where foot stability over rough ground keeps you in control. The dual-sided design means you can clip in with SPD cleats or ride flat in regular shoes, and the ten anti-skid spikes add grip when you are not clipped in.
I see this working best for riders who want one pedal for mixed duty, such as a gravel bike that doubles as a commuter or an ebike used on and off pavement. The adjustable clamp tension via hex wrench lets you tune entry and release feel, and the sealed bearings with gasket are a sensible touch for wet or dusty routes. Worth knowing before you buy, the cleats are not included, so factor that into your setup cost.
The main trade-off is that cleat tension adjusts on a single side, which may feel limiting if you want different release feel per foot. For my money, this suits riders who value platform width and dual function over ultralight race numbers.
Shimano PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal with SPD clip-in on one side and a grippy flat platform on the other, weighing 1.15 pounds and including cleats.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 1.15 Pounds
- Type
- Dual-sided SPD and flat
- Cleats
- SPD / 2-hole cleats included
- Color
- Black
Pros
- +Dual-sided platform adds versatility for mixed riding
- +Adjustable cleat tension allows personalized entry feel
- +SPD cleats included for immediate setup
- +Durable construction aimed at minimal maintenance
Cons
- −Heavier than dedicated race pedals at 1.15 pounds per pair
- −Flat side lacks pins for aggressive grip on rough terrain
- −Single color option in black only
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal that pairs an SPD clip-in mechanism on one side with a flat platform on the other. That layout means I can clip in with 2-hole shoes for a commute, then flip to the flat side in sneakers for a quick errand without changing pedals. The adjustable cleat tension is a useful touch for dialing in entry and release feel, and SPD cleats come in the box.
At 1.15 pounds, it is not a featherweight race pedal, but that mass buys the second platform and a build aimed at minimal maintenance. I see this working best for urban riders and indoor cycling setups where footwear changes often.
Worth knowing before you buy, the flat side has no pins, so grip is modest on loose or wet surfaces. For my money, this suits mixed-use riding over dedicated trail abuse.
Dual-sided SPD-compatible clipless pedals in CNC aluminum alloy with sealed bearings and adjustable entry/release tension, weighing 0.75 pounds.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.75 Pounds
- Material
- CNC Aluminum Alloy
- Thread
- 9/16 inch
- Included
- 6mm Wrench, 2 Cleats
Pros
- +Dual-sided SPD entry for quick clip-in on varied terrain
- +CNC aluminum alloy body with sealed bearing construction
- +Adjustable tension screw tailors entry and release feel
- +Clear L/R markings speed up installation
Cons
- −Limited to SPD cleats, not compatible with other systems
- −Single black color option restricts aesthetic matching
- −No stated waterproof or dustproof rating despite claims
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS dual-sided pedals use a CNC aluminum alloy body with sealed bearings, and the 9/16-inch thread fits most cranks. At 0.75 pounds for the pair, they sit in a reasonable weight class for a metal-bodied SPD pedal. The dual-sided design means you can clip in on either face without looking down, which suits gravel and mountain bike rides where you are frequently unclipping.
The adjustable tension screw on the side lets you tune entry and release stiffness, a useful feature for newer clipless riders or for spin bikes where you want a lighter hold. I see this working best for riders who want a straightforward SPD-compatible pedal for a hybrid, indoor trainer, or folding bike. The included 6mm wrench and two cleats mean you can install them without hunting for extra parts.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing claims waterproof and dustproof performance but states no specific IP rating, so I would not treat that as a guarantee for wet or gritty conditions. The single black color and SPD-only compatibility also limit your options if you run a different cleat system.
Shimano PD-M520 SPD pedals are a dual-sided clipless mountain bike pedal that ships with cleats and weighs about 0.84 pounds per pair.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 0.8377565956 Pounds
- Dimensions
- 6.3 x 4.72 x 0.0393700787 Inches
- Color
- Black, Silver
- Included
- Cleats
Pros
- +Cleats included in the box, ready to mount
- +Dual-sided SPD design speeds up entry
- +Pair weight around 0.84 pounds
- +Compact footprint reduces pedal strikes
Cons
- −Single size and color option limits fit choices
- −Import product may carry separate warranty terms
- −No stated service rating or sealed-bearing specification
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-M520 is a dual-sided SPD pedal that ships with cleats in the box, which matters if you are building up a bikepacking rig and do not want to chase down hardware separately. At roughly 0.84 pounds for the pair, it sits in a reasonable weight class for loaded touring where every gram on the cranks counts.
The 6.3-inch profile keeps the body compact enough to reduce rock strikes on rough fire roads, and the black and silver finish is neutral enough to disappear on most builds. I see this working best for riders who want a simple, serviceable SPD platform for mixed-surface trips rather than a race-day pedal.
Worth knowing before you buy, the listing offers only one size and color, and it is flagged as an international product with separate terms, so check local warranty and labeling expectations. Route conditions and your own judgment matter more than any single component choice.
Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 mountain bike pedals with a cast stainless steel body, 280g per pair, and four-sided entry for reliable mud shedding.
Key Facts
- Weight
- 280g per pair
- Material
- Cast stainless steel body
- Q-Factor
- 52mm
- Included
- Brass cleats with shims
Pros
- +Lightweight 280g per pair for XC and trail riding
- +Four-sided entry simplifies clip-in on technical terrain
- +Customizable float and release angle with included shims
- +Fully serviceable with separately sold refresh kit
Cons
- −No platform for riders who unclip on technical descents
- −Brass cleats wear faster than steel in gritty conditions
Detailed Review
The Crankbrothers Eggbeater 3 pedals use a cast stainless steel body and a four-sided entry mechanism that sheds mud well. At 280g per pair, they sit in a competitive weight class for cross-country and light trail riding. The 52mm q-factor is narrower than many flat pedals, which I'd consider for riders wanting a tucked-in stance.
Brass cleats and shims are included, so you can tune float and release angle to your preference. The pedals are fully serviceable with a refresh kit, which matters if you ride in wet, gritty conditions. The trade-off is that the minimal body offers no platform for unclipped foot placement, so riders who dab on descents may prefer a pedal with a cage.
I see these working best for XC racers and gravel riders who prioritize mud clearance and low weight over a broad support surface. Route conditions and rider judgment still matter more than any pedal choice.
Why You Should Trust Me
I do not ride every product I write about. Instead, I work from the listings: stated materials, platform dimensions, cleat compatibility, bearing construction, and the tension adjustment system. Where a brand publishes a rating or a spec, I cross-reference it against the build description to see whether the two line up. That research becomes the RW Score, a 100-point rating that weights build quality, fit and compatibility, and how well the listing matches what a gravel rider actually needs.
This article is for informational purposes. Pedal choice depends on your shoes, your bike’s crank thread, and the terrain you ride most, so check current product details and use your own judgment before buying. For remote routes or unfamiliar terrain, local advice and current conditions matter more than any single component.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing with gravel pedals is not weight or brand name. It is whether the clip tension can be tuned to your shoes and whether the flat side, if there is one, gives you real grip when you are not clipped in. Get those two right and the rest of the pedal is just bearing maintenance.
For most riders, the BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals Clip Flat Combo is the best overall choice. The dual-sided design means you can clip in for a fast gravel loop or ride flat shoes on a casual spin, and the adjustable clamp tension lets you dial in entry and release to your preference. It suits riders who want one pedal to cover both clipped and flat riding without a second bike setup.
If budget is the deciding factor, the BUCKLOS Bike Clip Pedals MTB Mountain Bike is the value pick. It is a dual-sided SPD-compatible pedal with sealed bearings and adjustable tension, and it ships with cleats and a wrench, so you are not buying extras to get started. It fits riders building up a first gravel bike or adding a second set of pedals for a commuter.
The right pedal removes the guesswork about whether your shoes will work on a given ride. Once the tension is set and the platform matches your shoe, you stop thinking about the pedal and start thinking about the route.
FAQs
Can you use SPD pedals on a gravel bike?
SPD pedals work well on gravel bikes because the two-bolt cleat sits recessed in the shoe, so you can walk short sections without damaging the cleat. The main thing to check is that your shoes accept two-bolt SPD cleats, since three-bolt road cleats will not fit. For long remote routes, carry a spare cleat bolt and check tension before you leave.
Is it better to have a dual-sided pedal or a single-sided SPD pedal?
A dual-sided pedal gives you a flat platform on one side and a clip on the other, which suits riders who sometimes wear regular shoes. A single-sided SPD pedal is lighter and simpler but forces you to ride clipped in or balance on a small mechanism. For gravel riding with mixed surfaces and occasional hike-a-bike, the dual-sided design is usually more practical.
How do you adjust clip tension on SPD pedals?
Clip tension is adjusted with a hex wrench on a screw located on the pedal body, usually at the rear of the mechanism. Turning it changes how firmly the cleat is held, which affects how easy it is to clip in and out. Start loose, test on a grassy area, and tighten gradually until the release feels predictable for your shoe and riding style.
Do SPD pedals come with cleats?
Some SPD pedals ship with cleats and some do not, so check the package contents before ordering. The BUCKLOS dual-sided models and the Shimano PD-EH500 include cleats, while the Shimano PDM520 listing notes cleats are included as well. If cleats are not included, budget for a set that matches your shoes and check the bolt pattern.