Originally Posted by
Caliper
If you just want to operate a gravel bike on the road, sure. Then there is no need to change wheels even. But, you are definitely giving up connection plus adding weight to your feet and remember that his test was about actually being competitive on the road. If I had to pick just one pedal and shoe it would be three bolt road cleats and shoes since I rarely unclip on gravel rides anyways.
I would do the opposite.
Carbon sole XC mountain bike shoes with 212 gram/pair XPEDO M-Force 8 titanium pedals are as light and connected as any road setup + the ability to walk in a reasonable fashion.
I'll probably convert my road bike when the Speedplay X-Series pedals die.
-Tim-