Clip on

[Ludo]

I think I am ready to graduate to the clip on gang, any recommandations for pedals and shoes for mtb?

[Crash217]

I've been using some Darvie shoes the past year or so and they've been pretty nice for gravel and mtb. They are comfortable and run true to size.  The heel has a nice directional anti slip lining and the boas are durable.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33019315974.html

Been running these pedals for a couple years on Mtb and gravel. They seem pretty nice, haven't had to replace a bearing yet, but I clean and grease the teflon bushing occasionally.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803711311495.html

If I order another set of shoes off AliEx I'll probably try one of these;
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2255800441405703.html

[kbernstein]

I've been using some Darvie shoes the past year or so and they've been pretty nice for gravel and mtb. They are comfortable and run true to size.  The heel has a nice directional anti slip lining and the boas are durable.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33019315974.html

Been running these pedals for a couple years on Mtb and gravel. They seem pretty nice, haven't had to replace a bearing yet, but I clean and grease the teflon bushing occasionally.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256803711311495.html

If I order another set of shoes off AliEx I'll probably try one of these;
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2255800441405703.html

How reliable is the pedal exit? I've got the zeray 280g ones and it's a little bit inconsistentt/doesn't have a firm click anymore

[Crash217]

They've been pretty nice. I've got them set about 1.5 turns out from the softest setting.

[Ludo]

Tracevelo just put a video out about onirii pedals, not sure how good of a choice they would be for mtb but could be a good option for the gravel bike, as it will see mainly compacted gravel stuff rather than single trails:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPANCAM

[nicklej]

I've been riding with Zeray ZP108s for years. Great value and work really well. The spring strength matches Shimano but the cleat fitment isn't as good which leads to a little more "float" than I'd personally like. Either way, its a good pedal for your first foray into cleated riding.