Gravel riding blends dirt, gravel, and pavement, demanding pedals that stay reliable in varied conditions. Flat pedals offer quick foot placement, broad contact, and easy entry if you ride in light shoes or want simple release. This guide highlights five flat or dual‑sided pedals suited for gravel bikes, balancing grip, durability, and weight. Each option is evaluated on platform size, grip, noise, and weather performance, helping you pick pedals that stay secure across mud, rain, and loose terrain.
| Product | Brand | Platform | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHIMANO PD-EH500 Dual Sided Pedal | SHIMANO | Dual-sided (SPD/Flat) | Versatile clipping and flat riding |
| Bucklos Flat MTB Pedals Green | BUCKLOS | 9/16″ Nylon | Excellent wet‑weather grip |
| Bucklos Flat MTB Pedals Yellow | BUCKLOS | 9/16″ Nylon | Rugged, durable platform |
| FIFTY-FIFTY MTB Pedals | FIFTY-FIFTY | 9/16″ Nylon | Ultra‑thin, large grippy platform |
| ROCKBROS MTB Nylon Pedals | ROCKBROS | 9/16″ Nylon | Sturdy, anti‑slip nails |
SHIMANO PD-EH500 Dual Sided Pedal
The SHIMANO PD-EH500 is designed for riders who want flexible shoe options without swapping pedals. One side offers SPD compatibility, ideal for riders who occasionally want clipped-in stability on rough sections, while the other side provides a large flat platform for casual cruising or walking through tech sections. The light-action binding on the SPD side reduces shoe-in effort, and the flat side features a grate-like surface that improves grip in wet conditions. This dual‑sided design makes it a practical choice for mixed-terrain gravel routes where you may encounter mud, rain, and varying road surfaces. Maintenance is straightforward, with sealed bearings and a solid aluminum body for durability. Some riders note the pedals are slightly heavier than pure flats, but the versatility often outweighs the extra weight.
BUCKLOS Flat MTB Pedals Green
Bucklos Green Flat MTB Pedals emphasize quiet, smooth rotation and secure shoe grip. The manufacturer highlights a noiseless rotation system—described as “like cream”—courtesy of a well‑engineered bearing system that resists high‑speed spin. Grip is reinforced by 16 cleats per pedal, which hold shoes firmly even in rain or snow. The pedals’ rugged nylon fiber surface paired with a high‑strength Cr‑Mo spindle offers shock resistance and corrosion protection while keeping weight reasonable. This configuration suits gravel riders who want dependable traction at a reasonable price while traversing looser surfaces, mud, or damp forest trails. The heavy‑duty construction appeals to riders who value durability over ultra‑lightweight setups.
BUCKLOS Flat MTB Pedals Yellow
Bucklos Yellow Flat MTB Pedals mirror the Green model in construction and performance, delivering a noiseless rotation with a smooth bearing system and 16 replaceable cleats per pedal. The yellow variant shares the rugged nylon surface and Cr‑Mo spindle, delivering strong weather resistance, light weight, and abrasion resistance. This pedal pair is well-suited for gravel bikes that encounter varied terrain, from loose gravel to wet roots. The large platform helps keep feet planted during bumpy descents, and the dual features make transitions between clipped-in and flat riding straightforward when routes demand mixed gear use. The design emphasizes stability and long‑term durability.
FIFTY-FIFTY Mountain Bike Pedals
FIFTY-FIFTY flat pedals prioritize a combination of durability and grip with a nylon composite body and a high‑strength Cr‑Mo spindle. The platform is intentionally ultra‑thin at about 0.7 inches, reducing pedal strikes on trail obstacles while maintaining a broad 106×104 mm surface to stabilize the rider’s foot. Each side houses nine replaceable steel pins, delivering strong bite and reliable traction in wet, muddy, or dusty conditions. The pedals balance weight and rigidity with corrosion resistance, making them a practical choice for gravel riders who want a low‑profile, high‑grip platform for casual rides or aggressive terrain alike. The wide contact area helps minimize pedal strikes in tight switchbacks.
ROCKBROS Nylon Pedals For MTB
RockBros Nylon Pedals emphasize a rugged, durable build with a high‑strength Cr‑Mo spindle and a resilient nylon fiber surface. Anti‑skid nails on each side provide secure footing even in mud, while the wider platform and lightweight design enhance pedaling comfort on longer gravel rides. The pedals are designed to resist water and dirt ingress, using sealed bearings to keep the ride smooth across weather and terrain. The combination of a broad contact area and strong grip makes these pedals a reliable choice for gravel riders who expect to ride through loose gravel, mud, or wet tree roots without foot slippage. The lightweight nature helps reduce overall pedal mass for climbs.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing flat or dual‑sided pedals for gravel riding include compatibility, grip, platform size, and bearing quality. Gravel routes demand reliable traction and weather resistance, but the right pedal choice also depends on your shoes, riding style, and willingness to clip in when necessary. Here are the core factors to weigh:
- Pedal type and versatility: Dual‑sided pedals (SPD/Flat) provide clipless control on smoother sections and flat access in rough or technical terrain. If you frequently switch between shoes or want quick release, a dual‑sided design can save time and energy.
- Platform size and shape: A larger platform (around 100 mm x 90 mm or bigger) offers better foot support, especially over long gravel days. A thinner profile reduces pedal strikes on roots and rocks while maintaining clearance.
- Grip and pins: More pins per side improve traction, particularly in wet conditions. Replaceable pins help maintain grip as wear occurs. Consider whether you prefer aggressive bite or a milder feel.
- Weight and stiffness: Lighter pedals reduce fatigue on climbs, but extra durability matters on rough gravel. Materials like nylon composites are durable and lighter, while aluminum bodies offer stiffness and longevity but can cost more.
- Bearings and seals: Sealed bearings protect against water, mud, and dust. Sealed designs tend to last longer in harsh gravel conditions and require less maintenance between rides.
- Durability and weather resistance: Gravel bikes encounter mud, rain, and spray. Pedals with corrosion resistance, robust spindles, and protective coatings perform better in diverse weather.
- Maintenance and serviceability: Check whether the pedals are easy to service—whether you can replace bearings, pins, or seals without specialized tools. Widely available spare parts help keep pedals running longer.
- Footwear compatibility: 9/16″ spindles are standard for most adult bikes; however, some pedals fit 1/2″ spindles. Confirm thread compatibility with your crankset and ensure your shoe type matches your intended riding style.
- Price-to-performance balance: Flat pedals with rugged shells and high pin counts offer great value for gravel, but premium dual‑sided pedals can justify their cost if you ride frequently in mixed terrain and want clip‑in capability on demand.
Summary tips: If you ride aggressively on loose gravel and want maximum traction in mud, prioritize large platform size and high pin count with sealed bearings. If you value flexibility for road sections and occasional clipping, a dual‑sided option can reduce the need to swap components during long rides. For most gravel riders who favor simple maintenance and robust grip, nylon or composite bodies with reinforced spindles provide a strong blend of durability and value.