Which gravel pedal should I choose?

Maximum grip and efficient power transmission – clipless pedals are firmly connected to the cycling shoe. This means that you never lose contact with the pedals, even on difficult and uneven terrain.

The firm connection between foot and pedal ensures that more pedalling power can be converted into speed. Especially during fast-paced sprints, you can exert power over the entire crank revolution through the pulling movement. 

To be able to use the click system, you need cleats that match the pedal and compatible cycling shoes. All three parts must be compatible with the corresponding pedal system. The gravel sector uses the same two-hole standard used in the mountain bike sector. For the two-hole standard, the cycling shoes must have two parallel holes in the sole.

The cleats are the connecting pieces between the shoes and pedals. They are mounted on the threaded plate on the sole of your gravel shoe.

This means that your foot is always kept in the same ergonomic position that you individually adjusted beforehand. You no longer have to correct or readjust your foot position while riding your bike.

Thanks to the so-called float angle, you have a certain degree of mobility when gravelling.

• Float angle:            
  This angle describes how far you can rotate your foot inwards or outwards while you are clicked into the pedal. In other words, the freedom of movement when clicked in.

• Release tension:           
  Indicates how much force is needed to release the shoe from the pedal. On many models, this can be adjusted individually. For beginners, a low release tension is recommended so you can quickly take the foot off the pedal in tricky situations. 

• Release angle:           
  This is the angle you need to turn your foot outwards to come off the pedal. For beginners, a lower release angle is recommended to practise clicking out. The adjustment of the release depends on the click system and cleat used and is not always adjustable. 

• Contact surface:           
  Indicates how much space you have on the pedal to place your foot. The larger the contact area, the better the power transmission
  

Flexibility and versatility - duo pedals, also called combination pedals, can be ridden on one side like a clipless pedal and on the other side like a platform pedal. So you don't have to commit yourself right away and can adapt the pedal individually to your needs.

This way you can expand the range of use of your bike. That’s because you can use the duo pedals with your normal road shoes, your gravel shoes as well as special cycling shoes for clipless pedals. The clipless pedal side of the duo pedal is always SHIMANO SPD compatible.

The combination pedal is equally suitable for commuting on a gravel bike in everyday life as well as for athletic rides in your free time.

The platform pedal, also called flat pedal, scores points with its easy handling and uncomplicated use.

Flat pedals do not have a firm connection to the shoe. This means you can easily ride with any type of road shoes, fitness shoes or special flat pedal cycling shoes. No special equipment or accessories needed.

There are clear advantages:

The platform pedals allow you maximum mobility while riding and you can easily adjust your foot position to the conditions of the terrain.

Thanks to the roughened or rubberised surface of the pedals, you get the necessary control during gravel rides.

The large contact surface offers you a secure stand and additional grip.

For even more grip, there are platform pedals that are equipped with pins. The pins press into the sole of your shoe and provide sufficient grip even in wet conditions.