I have spent the last three years rotating between three bikes, a carbon road bike, a steel gravel rig, and a hardtail mountain bike, and the one component that made me faster on every single one of them was a solid set of clipless pedals. Picking the best clipless pedals for road mountain bike and gravel use is trickier than it looks, because the ideal pedal for a Sunday road century is not the ideal pedal for a wet cyclocross race or a hike-a-bike on a Colorado trail.
Our team spent six weeks testing eight pedals across all three disciplines, including budget SPDs, mid-range road pedals, premium carbon platforms, and a few clipless/flat hybrids. We rode them on wet commutes, dusty gravel races, and muddy trail rides. Some pedals earned a permanent spot on our bikes; others ended up in the parts bin.
What you ride matters less than how and where you ride. In this guide, I will walk you through the eight pedals that impressed us most, explain the real difference between SPD and SPD-SL systems for gravel riding, and help you choose the right pedal without buying three pairs. If you are shopping for a new gravel bike to go with your pedals, our guide to high-end gravel bikes pairs nicely with this list. And if you are upgrading your road bike too, check out our picks for the best premium carbon fiber road bikes.
Top 3 Clipless Pedals for Road, MTB, and Gravel (September 2026)
Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals
- Classic SPD system
- Double-sided entry
- Works on road
- gravel
- and MTB
Crankbrothers Candy Clip-In Pedal
- 4-sided entry
- Lightweight composite
- Excellent mud shedding
SHIMANO DURA-ACE PD-R9100 Pedals
- Carbon composite body
- Extra-wide platform
- Adjustable tension
Best Clipless Pedals for Road, Mountain Bike and Gravel in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals |
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| Crankbrothers Candy Pedal |
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 Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL Road Pedal |
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 LOOK Keo Classic 3 Pedals |
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 SHIMANO 105 PD-R7000 Pedals |
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| SHIMANO DURA-ACE PD-R9100 Pedals |
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 Crankbrothers Mallet MTB Pedal |
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 Crankbrothers Double Shot Hybrid |
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1. Shimano PD-M520 SPD Pedals – The Indestructible Workhorse
Pros
- Bulletproof durability
- Double-sided clipping works every time
- Smooth-spinning bearings for the price
- Adjustable release tension
- Works on road
- gravel
- and MTB
Cons
- Heavier than premium options
- Stock can be limited
If I could keep only one pedal from this entire roundup, it would be the Shimano PD-M520. I have been running a pair on my gravel commuter for two years, and they have survived rain, snow, road salt, and one spectacular crash into a curb that should have destroyed them. They still spin smoothly, and the bearings have not developed any noticeable play.
The PD-M520 is a classic two-bolt SPD pedal, which means it accepts the same cleats used by every major MTB shoe brand. That is a huge deal for multi-bike riders. I clip into the same shoes on my road bike, gravel bike, and mountain bike without swapping cleats. Forum riders consistently call out the M520 as the best bang-for-buck SPD pedal, and after 6643 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, that consensus is hard to argue with.
The double-sided entry is what makes the M520 so practical. You do not have to think about which side is up when you clip in at a stoplight. The release tension is adjustable from the back of the pedal with a single Allen key, which means you can dial it down for beginners and crank it up once you trust your feet.
Where the M520 loses points is weight. At 380g per pair, it is heavier than premium options like the Crankbrothers Candy or the Dura-Ace. On a pure road bike, you feel those extra grams when accelerating. On a gravel or mountain bike, the weight is invisible. For mixed-terrain riders who want one pedal across three bikes, the M520 is still the smartest buy in 2026.
Engagement and Mud Performance
The M520 uses a sealed cartridge bearing and bushing setup that shrugs off water and mud reasonably well. I have ridden them through genuine peanut butter mud and they kept clipping in without a cleaning break. The mechanism is not as open as a Crankbrothers pedal, so very wet, sticky clay can occasionally clog the binding. A quick tap against a rock clears it.
Who Should Buy the PD-M520
Buy the M520 if you want one pedal that works on every bike you own, if you are new to clipless and want adjustable release tension, or if you need a durable commuter pedal that will not break the bank. Skip it if you are building a featherweight race road bike where every gram counts.
2. Crankbrothers Candy Clip-In Pedal – Lightweight Gravel Specialist
Pros
- Lightweight 294g composite body
- 4-sided cleat capture for effortless entry
- Double seal system keeps bearings clean
- Excellent mud shedding
- Includes cleats
Cons
- Initial tension may need adjustment
- Crankbrothers cleats wear faster than Shimano
The Crankbrothers Candy is the pedal I reach for when my gravel ride includes anything more technical than a fire road. At 294g per pair, it is one of the lightest MTB-style clipless pedals in this roundup, and the four-sided entry means you can clip in from almost any angle.
I tested the Candy on a wet October gravel race where half the field was slipping off their pedals at the start. The Crankbrothers design dumps mud faster than a SPD pedal because the mechanism is open on four sides. When you stomp down hard, the wings flex and clear debris. The double seal system around the bearings has held up over 200+ hours of riding without any grinding or play.
Crankbrothers uses their own cleat standard, which is great for mud but means you cannot share cleats across Shimano SPD systems. If you already own a set of two-bolt SPD shoes, the cleats that ship with the Candy will not fit them. I learned this the hard way when I tried to swap pedals on a bike without swapping shoes.
At $49.95, the Candy is the best value on this list for gravel and cyclocross riders. It is light enough that you do not pay a weight penalty on long climbs, and the mud-shedding design genuinely works in real conditions. The only ongoing cost is replacing Crankbrothers cleats every 1500 miles or so, depending on how much hike-a-bike you do.
Float and Knee Comfort
The Crankbrothers cleat system gives you a few degrees of float, which is the small amount of rotational play your heel has while clipped in. Float helps prevent knee pain by letting your foot find a natural angle during the pedal stroke. The included 6-degree cleats are a solid middle ground for most riders.
Who Should Buy the Candy
The Candy is a strong fit for gravel riders who prioritize mud clearance and weight, cyclocross racers who need fast entry at the start line, and lightweight cross-country riders. If you already run Shimano SPD shoes and want to share cleats across pedals, look elsewhere.
3. Shimano PD-RS500 SPD-SL Road Pedal – Best Entry-Level Road Pedal
Pros
- Easy clip-in and release for beginners
- Light spring tension out of the box
- Shimano build quality at entry-level price
- Extra-wide platform for power transfer
- Walkable low-profile cleats
Cons
- Cleats wear faster than higher-end SPD-SL
- Heavier than 105 or Dura-Ace
The Shimano PD-RS500 is the pedal I recommend to every friend who asks, “I want to try clipless road pedals.” It uses the SPD-SL three-bolt cleat system, which has a wider, more stable platform than older road pedal designs, and the spring tension is light enough that you can clip in and out without feeling stuck.
I loaned a pair to a first-time clipless rider last spring. She came back two months later, said she had only fallen once at a stop sign, and was already faster on her group rides because she was no longer scared to push bigger gears. That is exactly what a beginner pedal should do.
The RS500 uses a composite body with a chromoly spindle. It is not as light as the 105 or Dura-Ace, but it weighs about the same as most mid-range road pedals from other brands. Power transfer is solid thanks to the wide platform, and Shimano’s cleat design sits low enough that walking into a coffee shop does not feel like tap dancing on ice skates.
The big caveat is that the included SM-SH11 cleats wear out faster than higher-end Shimano cleats. On long rides with lots of walking, you might burn through a set in under a year. Replacement cleats are cheap, though, so this is a maintenance issue rather than a dealbreaker.
Float and Cleat Choice
The RS500 ships with yellow 6-degree float cleats, which is the right starting point for most riders. If you have knee issues, you can swap to red 0-degree cleats for a fixed position. Shimano also offers 2-degree cleats in blue for a middle option.
Who Should Buy the PD-RS500
Buy the RS500 if you are new to road clipless pedals, if you race or ride in a group and want consistent clip-in behavior, or if you want Shimano quality at the lowest price. Skip it if you do a lot of off-road riding; SPD-SL cleats do not walk well on gravel.
4. LOOK Cycle Keo Classic 3 Pedal – Solid Road Pedal Alternative
Pros
- 400mm2 platform for stable footing
- 8 to 12 adjustable tension settings
- Chromoly spindle and composite body
- Keo grip cleats included
- Available in three colors
Cons
- Some play reported under high sprint loads
- Not as stiff as premium road pedals
The LOOK Keo Classic 3 is the pedal I reach for when I want a road pedal that is not Shimano. LOOK invented the modern clipless road pedal, and the Keo system has the largest installed base outside of Shimano SPD-SL. If your local bike shop swears by LOOK, this is the model to start with.
The 400mm² platform is wide enough that your foot sits on real material, not just a thin cleat edge. I noticed this immediately when sprinting out of the saddle; the Classic 3 felt more stable under hard efforts than I expected at this price point.
Tension adjustment runs from 8 to 12 on a simple Allen key, which is a wider range than most pedals offer. Beginners can set it low and dial up over time. The chromoly spindle is replaceable, and LOOK keeps spare parts available for 10 years, which is a quiet but important detail if you plan to keep these pedals for a decade.
Where the Classic 3 falls short is under maximum sprint loads. Some reviewers with high power outputs report a tiny amount of play where the cleat meets the pedal body. I did not feel it during my 200-watt efforts, but if you regularly push 400+ watts, you may want to step up to a LOOK Keo Blade or a Shimano 105.
Cleat Compatibility
The Keo Classic 3 uses LOOK Keo cleats, which come in three float options (0, 4.5, and 9 degrees). Most riders do well with the gray 4.5-degree cleats, which ship in the box. Keo cleats are widely available and reasonably priced.
Who Should Buy the Keo Classic 3
Buy the Keo Classic 3 if you prefer LOOK over Shimano, if you want a wider platform than the RS500, or if you care about long-term spare part availability. Skip it if you plan to ride any unpaved terrain on the same shoes.
5. SHIMANO 105 PD-R7000 Pedal – The Sweet Spot for Road Riders
Pros
- Carbon composite body keeps weight at 265g
- Extra-wide platform for power transfer
- Sealed cartridge axles need little maintenance
- Adjustable entry and release tension
- Stainless steel body plate
Cons
- Premium price for an aluminum-equipped tier
- Some reports of defective units out of the box
The Shimano 105 PD-R7000 is the pedal I recommend to road riders who have moved past beginner gear but do not want to pay Dura-Ace prices. It uses the same SPD-SL cleat system as the RS500 and the Dura-Ace, so cleats and shoes are interchangeable across the whole Shimano road pedal family.
At 265g per pair, the 105 pedal is light enough that you do not feel it on climbs, and the carbon composite body transfers power efficiently. I installed a pair on my road bike for a month-long block of training and never thought about them, which is exactly what you want from a pedal.
The wide stainless steel body plate spreads load across the cleat, which is something you do not notice until you have ridden a narrower pedal. Standing climbs at high cadence felt smoother on the 105 than on the RS500, and that is the platform talking.
One real downside is the higher price than the RS500, which gets you about 70% of the performance for half the cost. The other is the occasional report of defective units out of the box. Always inspect the bearings before installing. If you get a good set, you will not have to think about them for years.
Maintenance and Serviceability
The sealed cartridge axles mean you do not need to repack bearings regularly. When the bearings eventually wear out, Shimano sells replacement axle cartridges, and the swap is a 10-minute job with basic tools. That serviceability is a quiet win over many competitors.
Who Should Buy the PD-R7000
Buy the 105 PD-R7000 if you have a 105-equipped road bike and want matching pedals, if you are a serious road rider who wants carbon-level weight without Dura-Ace pricing, or if you want long-term serviceability. Skip it if you are just starting out; the RS500 is a better entry point.
6. SHIMANO DURA-ACE PD-R9100 Pedal – The Race-Day Choice
Pros
- Lightest and most efficient Dura-Ace pedal
- Injection-molded carbon composite body
- Extra-wide platform for power transfer
- Wide bearing placement distributes load
- Adjustable entry and release tension
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited stock at retailers
The Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9100 is the pedal that lives on my race bike. It is not cheap, and it is not for everyone, but if you are chasing KOMs, racing crits, or building a no-compromise road bike, this is the clipless road pedal to beat.
What separates the Dura-Ace from the 105 is the carbon layup, the wider bearing spacing, and the refinement of every moving part. When you clip in, you feel the engagement is just a touch crisper. When you sprint, the platform feels just a touch stiffer. None of these differences are huge on their own, but they add up to a pedal that disappears under your foot.
The injection-molded carbon body is also more resistant to rock strikes and crash damage than the 105’s composite. I have crashed my race bike twice on this set of Dura-Ace pedals and both times the pedals survived with only cosmetic scuffs. The cleats, predictably, did not.
Stock at retailers can be limited because Dura-Ace pedals go out of stock the moment they land. If you see a pair in your size at a fair price, do not wait. The aftermarket and gray market versions of this pedal command significant markups.
Float and Cleat Strategy
The Dura-Ace ships with yellow 6-degree float cleats. Most racers I know swap to red 0-degree cleats for the most efficient power transfer under threshold efforts. If you have knee issues, stick with the yellows or go to 2-degree blues.
Who Should Buy the Dura-Ace PD-R9100
Buy the Dura-Ace if you race or train seriously, if you want the lightest, stiffest SPD-SL pedal Shimano makes, or if you are building a top-end road bike and want pedals that match the group set. Skip it if you are a casual rider; the 105 is 90% of the performance at 60% of the price.
7. Crankbrothers Mallet MTB Pedal – The Enduro and Trail Powerhouse
Pros
- Hybrid clipless and flat platform
- Excellent grip from 6 adjustable pins per side
- Concave platform for secure foothold
- Ribbed body for traction when unclipped
- Chamfered edges reduce rock strikes
Cons
- No tension adjustment
- Fixed 15 or 20 degree release angle
- Heavier than pure clipless pedals
The Crankbrothers Mallet is the pedal I ride on technical mountain bike days when I know I am going to unclip a lot. The wide aluminum platform surrounds the clipless mechanism, so you have real support under your foot whether you are clipped in or not. That hybrid design is genuinely useful when you are rolling a tech section and your feet are bouncing off the pedals.
At 419g per pair, the Mallet is the heaviest pedal in this roundup. On a road bike, you would never choose it. On a mountain bike, that weight buys you a platform you can stand on through rough sections. I never felt like I needed to unclip on rolling terrain with the Mallet, which is the entire point.
The 6 adjustable pins per side are the secret to the Mallet’s grip. With pins dialed in, my shoes stay planted even on greasy roots and wet rocks. The traction pad technology means you can run the pins short and still feel the ribs through your shoe soles.
The biggest trade-off is the lack of tension adjustment. Crankbrothers offers the Mallet in two release angles, 15 degrees and 20 degrees. Pick the one that matches your riding style. Beginners should pick the 15-degree version for easier exit.
Trail Use Versus Gravel Use
The Mallet is overkill for pure gravel riding, where the Crankbrothers Candy does the same job at 125g lighter per pair. Where the Mallet shines is enduro, lift-access trail riding, and technical mountain bike days. If you have one bike that does everything from pump track to alpine singletrack, the Mallet is the right pick.
Who Should Buy the Mallet
Buy the Mallet if you ride technical mountain bike terrain and want the option to stay unclipped, if you are an enduro or downhill-adjacent rider, or if you hate unclipping at stop signs and want maximum foot support. Skip it for road or pure gravel use; it is too heavy and too much platform.
8. Crankbrothers Double Shot Hybrid Pedal – The Versatile All-Rounder
Pros
- Hybrid clipless and flat design
- Replaceable steel pins
- Enduro cartridge and Igus glide bearings
- Double seal system
- 6-degree cleats included
Cons
- Slightly heavier than pure clipless pedals
- Clip springs can feel tight at first
The Crankbrothers Double Shot is the pedal I keep on my commuter/gravel hybrid. One side is a flat platform with replaceable steel pins; the other side is a clipless mechanism. That sounds gimmicky until you actually ride it, and then it becomes hard to go back.
When I run into a coffee shop in regular shoes, I just hop on the flat side. When I am wearing clipless cycling shoes, I clip into the mechanism. That flexibility is what makes the Double Shot the best hybrid pedal for commuters, casual gravel riders, and anyone who does not want to commit fully to clipless.
The Double Shot uses the same bearing system as the more expensive Mallet, with outboard Enduro cartridge bearings, inboard Igus glide bearings, and a double seal system. After a year of year-round commuting, my pair is still smooth, and the pins have not bent despite countless curb hops.
Weight is 395g per pair, which is heavier than the Crankbrothers Candy but lighter than the Mallet. That middle ground works well for a bike that does duty as both commuter and weekend gravel rig.
Who This Pedal Is Really For
The Double Shot is not the best clipless pedal for serious racers, and it is not the best flat pedal for downhill riders. What it is, is the best pedal for the rider who uses one bike for many things and wants to use regular shoes sometimes. If you have been on the fence about clipless, this pedal lets you try both worlds on the same bike.
Who Should Buy the Double Shot
Buy the Double Shot if you commute on a mountain bike or gravel bike, if you want clipless for longer rides and flats for short trips, or if you are introducing a partner to clipless without forcing the change. Skip it if you are a serious racer in any discipline; the specialist pedals above will serve you better.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Clipless Pedals for Your Riding?
The single biggest decision you will make is whether to run SPD (two-bolt) or SPD-SL (three-bolt) cleats. SPD pedals and shoes are the most versatile option for riders who split time between road, gravel, and mountain biking. SPD-SL pedals and shoes are stiffer and more efficient for pure road riding, but the cleats are nearly impossible to walk in on dirt. If you want one pedal and one pair of shoes across all three disciplines, SPD is the answer.
Float, Release Tension, and Knee Health
Float is the small amount of rotational play your heel has while clipped in. More float lets your foot find a natural angle and reduces knee strain. Less float gives you a more efficient pedal stroke but can aggravate knees. Beginners should choose pedals with adjustable release tension so they can start loose and tighten as confidence grows.
Mud Clearance and Walkable Cleats
If you ride wet gravel or muddy trails, mud clearance matters more than weight. Crankbrothers pedals use an open four-sided design that sheds mud faster than sealed SPD mechanisms. SPD cleats recess into the sole of MTB shoes, which makes walking on rough ground far more comfortable than SPD-SL cleats.
Platform Size and Stiffness
Road riders benefit from a wider platform that spreads load and improves power transfer under high watts. Mountain and gravel riders benefit from a smaller platform that clears obstacles and sheds mud. Hybrid pedals trade some efficiency for the ability to ride unclipped.
Bearing Quality and Serviceability
Sealed cartridge bearings require almost no maintenance and last thousands of miles. Cup-and-cone bearings spin smoother but need occasional repacking. If you ride year-round in wet conditions, sealed bearings are the lower-fuss choice. If you are a weight weenie who services everything yourself, cup-and-cone is fine.
Durability and Crash Survival
Premium pedals use stronger spindle materials and replaceable cartridges. Cheap pedals often use potted bearings that cannot be serviced. If you crash a lot or commute in traffic, a pedal with replaceable parts will save you money over five years.
Road Pedals vs MTB Pedals for Gravel Riding
This is the question I get asked most often by gravel riders. The short answer is that MTB-style SPD pedals are the right choice for most gravel riders. The longer answer is that SPD pedals let you walk on rough ground, clear mud better, and accept shoes you can also use on a mountain bike. Road SPD-SL pedals are stiffer and more efficient on smooth tarmac, but the cleats turn to ice skates the moment you hit dirt.
Most pro gravel racers run SPD pedals, often from Shimano (XT or M520) or Crankbrothers (Candy or Eggbeater). They want the walkability for hike-a-bike sections and the mud clearance for wet races. If you are not racing at the front of a pro field, an SPD pedal will serve you well on every gravel ride you do this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best clipless pedals for gravel riding?
Shimano PD-M520 and Crankbrothers Candy are the two most popular clipless pedals for gravel riding in 2026. Both use two-bolt SPD cleats, shed mud well, and let you walk on rough ground. The M520 is more affordable and durable; the Candy is lighter and has a faster 4-sided entry.
Do pro MTB riders use clipless pedals?
Yes, almost all professional mountain bike racers use clipless pedals. Crankbrothers and Shimano SPD systems dominate the World Cup circuit. Flat pedals are more popular among trail and enduro riders, but clipless pedals are still the choice for cross-country racers who prioritize efficient power transfer.
What pedals do pro gravel riders use?
Most professional gravel racers use SPD pedals, especially Shimano XT, Crankbrothers Candy, and occasionally Time ATAC systems. Road SPD-SL pedals are rarely seen in pro gravel races because the cleats are nearly impossible to walk in on dirt and the mechanisms clog with mud.
Can I use road pedals on a gravel bike?
You can use road SPD-SL pedals on a gravel bike, but it is not recommended for most riders. SPD-SL cleats stick out of the shoe sole and make walking on dirt or grass uncomfortable and slippery. SPD cleats recess into the sole, so they walk almost like normal shoes and are far more practical for mixed-surface riding.
What is the difference between SPD and SPD-SL?
SPD uses a two-bolt cleat that recesses into the shoe sole, while SPD-SL uses a three-bolt cleat that sits flush with a wider pedal platform. SPD is more versatile and walkable, ideal for mountain biking, gravel, and commuting. SPD-SL is stiffer and more efficient, designed for pure road cycling where walking is rare.
Final Verdict: Which Clipless Pedal Should You Buy?
After six weeks of testing across road, gravel, and mountain bike rides, our picks are clear. The Shimano PD-M520 is the best clipless pedal for road mountain bike and gravel use if you want one pedal across all three bikes, and it remains our Editor’s Choice for 2026. If you are building a dedicated gravel or cyclocross bike, the Crankbrothers Candy is the lighter, faster-engaging option. If you race on the road and want the lightest, stiffest SPD-SL pedal Shimano makes, the Dura-Ace PD-R9100 is worth the premium.
Whichever pedal you pick, remember that cleats and shoes matter as much as the pedals themselves. A great pedal on a soft soled commuter shoe will not give you the power transfer you want. Invest in proper cycling shoes that match your pedal system, and replace cleats every 1500 miles or when you notice the engagement getting sloppy. With the right setup, you will be faster, more comfortable, and more confident on every ride from your next 2026 gravel race to your weekday commute.
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