Halfway through a gravel ride, the last thing you want is a pedal that refuses to release when you dab a foot on a loose corner. SPD pedals for gravel bikes have to do two jobs at once: hold a cleat securely on rough washboard, and let you get out fast when the line goes wrong. The mechanism matters more than the spec sheet suggests.
I looked at the Best SPD Pedals For Gravel Bikes to find the ones that state a real spindle standard, use sealed bearings, and offer adjustable tension. My overall pick for best SPD pedals for gravel bikes is the ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals Dual Function Clipless. Its dual-sided design lets you clip in on one side and ride flat on the other, which suits gravel riders who mix fast sections with casual spinning. My top picks are just below.
Best SPD Pedals For Gravel Bikes at a Glance
| Product | NT Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals with Dual Clipless | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Commuters BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Dual Sided Pedals with Nylon | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for wet weather MZYRH MTB Bike Pedals with Dual SPD and Flat | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for wide feet BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Pedals Clip Flat Combo | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Gravel Riders BUCKLOS SPD Clipless Bike Pedals with Dual-Sided | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for sneaker commutes Shimano PD-EH500 Dual-Sided SPD & Flat Pedals | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for trail visibility Shimano PD-M520 SPD Clipless Pedals with Cleats | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
In-Depth Reviews
Dual-sided MTB pedals with SPD clipless on one side and a flat platform with eight non-slip screws on the other, weighing about 0.93 pounds.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.93 lbs
- Spindle Size
- 9/16 in
- Material
- Nylon
- Included
- Gasket x2
Pros
- +Dual-sided design fits both clipless and flat riding
- +Sealed bearings shield internals from dust and water
- +Wide platform increases shoe contact for pedaling stability
- +Eight non-slip screws add grip on the flat side
Cons
- −Nylon body cannot withstand severe impacts
- −Tension screw requires careful adjustment to set correctly
- −Screws may loosen or fall out over time
Detailed Review
ROCKBROS builds these MTB pedals around a dual-sided format: an SPD clipless mechanism on one face and a flat platform with eight non-slip screws on the other. The pair weighs about 0.93 pounds, and the 9/16 inch spindle fits standard MTB cranks. For a rider who commutes clipped in during the week and wants flat shoes for a quick trail spin, that single pedal covers both without a swap.
The sealed bearings are the detail I keep coming back to for wet shoulder-season rides, since grit and water are what kill cheap pedal internals. The widened platform is meant to spread shoe contact for more stable power transfer on climbs and chunky descents.
Worth knowing before you buy: the body is nylon, so hard rock strikes are a real risk, and the tension screw needs a careful hand. I see these suiting mixed-surface riders who want one pedal for clipless and flat days.
Dual-sided pedals with an SPD-compatible clipless mechanism and a flat platform side, built on a nylon fiber composite body at 0.98 pounds per pair.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.98 Pounds
- Body Material
- Nylon Fiber Composite
- Spindle Size
- 9/16 in
- Included
- Hex Wrench
Pros
- +Dual-sided format covers clipless and flat-shoe riding
- +Nylon fiber composite body trims weight versus alloy pedals
- +Sealed bearings with gaskets for wet, gritty rides
- +Adjustable clamp tension using the included hex wrench
Cons
- −Cleats sold separately, adding cost for new clipless riders
- −Nylon composite body may wear faster than metal under rock strikes
Detailed Review
What sets the BUCKLOS dual-sided pedal apart is the format: an SPD-compatible clipless mechanism on one face and a flat platform on the other, so one pedal covers both a clipped-in gravel ride and a flat-shoe commute. The nylon fiber composite body keeps the pair at 0.98 pounds, which matters on a long climb or when you are counting grams on a bikepacking build.
Sealed bearings and protective gaskets are the detail I care about most for wet, gritty conditions, since mud and water are what usually shorten pedal life. The 9/16-inch spindle fits most adult cranks, and the included hex wrench handles both installation and clamp tension adjustment.
Worth knowing before you buy: SPD cleats are not included, so budget for those if you are new to clipless. I'd consider this a reasonable pick for commuters and mixed-surface riders who want one pedal to do two jobs.
MZYRH's dual-sided pedal combines an SPD-compatible clipless mechanism with a 113 x 98mm aluminum flat platform, sealed three-bearing spindle, and stainless steel traction pins.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 1.1 lbs
- Platform Size
- 113 x 98 mm
- Material
- CNC Aluminum Alloy
- Thread Size
- 9/16 inch
Pros
- +Dual SPD and flat platform design suits mixed riding styles
- +Sealed three-bearing spindle resists water and dust ingress
- +113 x 98mm aluminum platform provides a stable pedaling base
- +Stainless steel pins add grip on the flat side
Cons
- −Weighs 1.1 lbs per pair, heavier than many race-oriented pedals
- −Cleat tension adjustment not mentioned in the listing details
Detailed Review
The MZYRH MTB Pedals pair a clipless SPD-compatible mechanism on one side with a 113 x 98mm aluminum flat platform on the other, so the same pedal works for a clipped-in climb and a flat-pedal descent. Stainless steel pins on the flat side add bite when conditions turn wet or loose.
Inside, a sealed three-bearing spindle and gasket design shield the internals from water, dust, and sand, which matters on muddy singletrack or gritty gravel roads. The standard 9/16-inch thread fits most mountain, road, and trekking bikes, and the body is CNC-machined aluminum alloy.
The main trade-off is weight: at 1.1 lbs per pair, these sit heavier than many race-oriented pedals. I'd consider this a reasonable pick for riders who want one pedal for both clipless and flat-footed riding.
Dual-sided platform pedals with adjustable clipless mechanism and 10 anti-skid spikes, weighing 0.9 lb per pair.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.9 lb per pair
- Material
- CNC Alloy Aluminum
- Spindle Size
- 9/16 in
- Platform Dimensions
- 98 x 88 mm
Pros
- +Dual-sided platform accepts regular or clipless shoes
- +CNC alloy body with sealed bearings and gasket
- +Wider 98x88mm platform adds stability on rough trails
- +Adjustable tension suits different shoe sizes and preferences
Cons
- −Cleats not included, so clipless use requires extra purchase
- −At 0.9 lb per pair, heavier than some dedicated race pedals
- −Single-sided tension adjustment may limit fine-tuning options
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS PD-M680 pedals pack a dual-sided design into a 98x88mm CNC alloy platform that weighs 0.9 lb per pair. That width gives flat-shoe riders a stable base on rocky descents, and the 10 anti-skid spikes add grip when I'd rather not clip in. For clipless days, the adjustable tension screw lets me set entry and release force to match my shoes.
Sealed bearings and a gasket keep water, dust, and sand out, which matters on muddy gravel rides or wet commutes. The 9/16-inch spindle fits most mountain, road, and e-bike cranks. I see this working best for riders who switch between flat and clipless depending on the trail.
Worth knowing before you buy: cleats are sold separately, so budget for those if you plan to clip in. The single-sided tension screw is also less precise than dual-sided adjusters on pricier pedals. I rate this a reasonable pick for mixed-surface riders who want one pedal for both styles.
The BUCKLOS PD-M780 is a dual-sided aluminum clipless pedal compatible with Shimano SPD cleats, weighing 1.37 pounds per pair.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 1.37 Pounds
- Cleat Compatibility
- Shimano SPD
- Thread Size
- 9/16 in
- Included
- 2 Cleats + 6mm Wrench
Pros
- +Dual-sided SPD-compatible engagement simplifies muddy trail re-entry
- +Sealed bearing cartridge resists grit on wet gravel rides
- +Adjustable tension screw tunes release force to preference
- +9/16-inch thread fits most standard bike cranks
Cons
- −1.37-pound pair adds rotating mass on long climbs
- −No stated waterproof or IP rating despite listing claims
- −Cleat compatibility limited to Shimano SPD system only
Detailed Review
The BUCKLOS PD-M780 is a dual-sided clipless pedal built around the Shimano SPD system, with a CNC aluminum body and sealed bearings. At 1.37 pounds per pair, I would not call it a featherweight option for a hill-climb-focused build, but the weight is reasonable for a trail or gravel bike where durability matters more than grams.
The adjustable entry and release tension screw is the feature I rate as most useful here. Set it light for a spin bike or a first clipless setup, then tighten it once you are clipping in and out without thinking. The 9/16-inch thread covers most cranks, and the L and R markings remove the guesswork at install.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing claims the bearings are waterproof and dustproof, but no IP or water-resistance rating is actually stated. I would treat them as sealed and weather-resistant rather than submersible. For a commuter, gravel rider, or indoor spin setup, this is a sensible pick.
Dual-sided bike pedals with SPD clip-in on one side and a grippy flat platform on the other, weighing 1.15 pounds and including 2-hole cleats.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 1.15 Pounds
- Pedal Type
- Dual-Sided SPD & Flat
- Cleat Compatibility
- SPD / 2-Hole
- Included
- SPD Cleats
Pros
- +Dual-sided design swaps between SPD shoes and flats
- +Adjustable cleat tension suits different release preferences
- +Included SPD cleats save a separate purchase
- +Flat platform grip works with everyday sneakers
Cons
- −Heavier than dedicated race or ultralight pedals
- −Flat side lacks pins for aggressive off-road grip
- −Cleat tension must be set before first ride
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-EH500 is a dual-sided pedal: one side takes a standard 2-hole SPD cleat, the other is a flat platform for sneakers. At 1.15 pounds for the pair, it sits in the commuter and indoor-cycling bracket rather than the race bracket. The included SPD cleats mean the setup is ready once they are mounted.
Adjustable cleat tension lets me tune how firmly the shoe engages, which matters for riders who want a lighter release on stop-and-go city routes. The flat side has a textured surface that holds a rubber sole reasonably well on a short spin or trainer session. The main trade-off is weight: gram-counting riders will notice it.
I see this working best for mixed-use riders who alternate between SPD shoes and street sneakers.
Shimano PD-M520 SPD clipless pedals with cleats, a dual-sided mountain bike pedal weighing 0.84 pounds per pair.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.8377565956 Pounds
- Pedal Type
- SPD Clipless
- Included
- Cleats
- Dimensions
- 6.3 x 4.72 x 0.0393700787 Inches
Pros
- +Dual-sided SPD entry works without looking down on trail
- +0.84 lb per pair is light enough for gravel and cross-country
- +Cleats included so the pedals are ready to mount
- +Compact body clears rocks and roots on tight singletrack
Cons
- −No tension adjustment on the retention mechanism
- −International listing terms may differ from local warranty and returns
Detailed Review
The Shimano PD-M520 is a dual-sided SPD pedal that ships with cleats and weighs 0.84 pounds per pair. The compact 6.3 x 4.72 inch body sits close to the crank, which I'd consider useful on rocky singletrack where a wider platform tends to catch roots and ledges.
The included cleats matter for anyone moving from flat pedals, since the box covers the first install. What I see as the main trade-off is the retention mechanism: it lacks the adjustable tension found on Shimano's higher-tier SPD models, so entry and release feel fixed rather than tunable to preference.
For my money, this suits gravel riders, commuters, and cross-country mountain bikers who want a no-fuss SPD setup and don't need tension tuning. The listing also notes international terms, so check local warranty and return policy before ordering.
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 on loose dirt when you stop. The smaller platform than a road pedal is not a drawback on gravel, where you are often unclipping at gates or hike-a-bike sections. Look for adjustable tension so you can tune release force to your preference.
Do you need dual-sided pedals for gravel riding?
Dual-sided pedals help when you want to ride in regular shoes for a short commute or a casual spin, since one side takes a cleat and the other is a flat platform. If you always wear clipless shoes, a standard double-sided SPD pedal is lighter and simpler. The trade-off is weight and a slightly bulkier body on the dual-function models.
How do you adjust SPD pedal tension?
Tension is set with a small hex screw on the side of the pedal mechanism, and turning it changes how hard you have to twist to release. Start loose, clip in and out a few times on a grassy area, then tighten until the hold feels secure without fighting the release. Most pedals mark the screw clearly, but check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Are nylon pedal bodies durable enough for gravel?
Nylon composite pedal bodies handle normal gravel riding and commuting, but they are not designed for severe rock strikes or repeated hard impacts. If you ride rocky terrain where pedal strikes are common, an aluminum body will take more abuse. For smooth gravel, rail trails, and mixed-surface routes, nylon keeps weight down and costs less.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an SPD pedal for gravel comes down to three things: how the clip releases under load, whether you need a flat side for casual shoes, and how well the bearings keep out grit on wet rides. The ROCKBROS SPD MTB Pedals Dual Function Clipless covers the widest range of those needs with its dual-sided design, sealed bearings, and adjustable tension. It suits riders who want one pedal for fast gravel loops and relaxed spins in regular shoes.
If you always ride clipped in and want the lightest setup, a standard double-sided SPD pedal is the better call. But for mixed-surface riding where you sometimes wear flat shoes, the ROCKBROS is the one I would start with. Check the current price on Amazon and confirm the 9/16-inch thread fits your cranks before ordering.