Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals review

Crankbrothers’ entry-level Candy pedal, the Candy 1 features a plastic outer platform around its unique ‘four-sided’ entry mechanism, as seen on the brand's Eggbeater pedals.

This proprietary system is designed to aid mud shedding for filthy rides, whether that’s on gravel bikes, mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes.

Crankbrothers Candy 1 specifications and details

The plastic pedal body of the Candy 1 gives a lightweight package, with a total system weight of 349g including the easy-release cleats supplied.

A chromoly spindle and stamped steel wings are used, while the spring itself is made from stainless steel.

Ribbing on the pedal body is designed to improve grip when unclipped.

Entry and release tension is set according to your cleat choice, rather than on the pedal. As well as your option of easy or standard release, you can also choose between zero float or six degrees.

Switching between cleat types will cost you £24.99 / €26.99 / $26.99 per set.

Crankbrothers Candy 1 performance

I struggled to adapt to the action of the Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals, having spent so many years on SPD-style pedals. This issue was heightened on steep, techy climbs, when not being able to get clipped in straightaway was really off-putting.

Hopefully, the action would be something you’d get used to over time, but it certainly feels different from the popular Shimano mechanism that’s been adopted by other brands.

I’d be hesitant to opt for a zero-float cleat for injury prevention reasons (my knees aren’t the happiest), so the six degrees of float offered by the rose-coloured easy-release cleats included was much appreciated. These should be a solid choice for the majority of riders.

While this entry-level model uses a plastic outer for the platform, I’d be tempted to upgrade to the Candy 2 (£89.99 / €99.99 / $99.99) for a more durable alloy body that’ll stand up better to scrapes and being leant on the floor.

Though the bright colourways are a lot of fun, with grooves to provide more grip when not clipped in, these quickly become dirty and require more fastidious cleaning to keep them looking fresh. Perhaps they're better suited to gravel riding on dusty California roads than muddy Devon bridleways!

Though mud has been magically hard to come by in recent months, the mud-shedding capabilities of the Candy 1 were put to the test on some sloppy Pennsylvania singletrack and came out on top.

Having said this, further testing through the winter will really determine whether these are a superior design to a more standard SPD for muddy rides.

Servicing is simple thanks to the slotted end cap, with no specialist tools needed. Instructions are also readily available online, as well as pedal refresh kits for when they need some proper TLC.

Crankbrothers Candy 1 bottom line

While I admire the serviceability, reasonable price, mud-shedding capabilities and bright colours of the Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals, I found the mechanism to be a significant change from Shimano, especially in terms of engagement technique, without sufficient benefits to make the change worthwhile.