Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedals Review: Lightweight and Mud-Shedding Performance

This review dives into the Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals, examining their performance and features across various riding conditions. We unpack the unboxing experience, detailing the contents and the clarity of the included instructions. A key focus is on the pedal's design, analyzing its lightweight construction, the innovative mud-shedding capabilities, and the ease of engagement with the four-sided entry system. We'll also scrutinize the claimed weight against actual measurements, comparing it to the reviewer's experience with other pedal models.The review provides a comprehensive assessment of the Candy 1 pedals, weighing their advantages against any potential drawbacks. We'll explore the durability of the plastic construction, consider the pedal's slightly heavier weight compared to competitors, and ultimately determine their overall value for money. The review concludes with a judgment on whether the Candy 1 pedals offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and price, particularly for riders who frequently encounter muddy conditions.

Pros And Cons

Crankbrothers Candy One Pedals
  • Lightweight (approximately 295 grams for the pair)
  • Mud shedding design allows mud to pass through
  • Relatively inexpensive (approximately $40 USD on sale)
  • Slightly heavier than other Crankbrothers pedals (e.g., Candy 3)
  • Made of plastic in some areas

Read more: 5 Best Child Bike Pedals for Smooth Rides

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals arrived in a straightforward box. The packaging clearly indicated their suitability for cyclocross, cross-country, and trail riding, but the reviewer also noted potential use on road bikes.

Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedal Box
Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedal Box

Inside, I found the pedals neatly packaged. One pedal was visible, while the cleats and the second pedal were tucked away in a separate compartment. A Crankbrothers sticker was also included.

Unboxing the pedals – one pedal initially visible
Unboxing the pedals – one pedal initially visible

The included manual provided detailed instructions on cleat fitting, shim adjustment, and traction pad options. Torque specifications for pedal installation (34 Newton meters) were also clearly stated. The manual also showed how to identify left and right pedals.

Instruction manual shown
Instruction manual shown

Pedal Design and Features

The Candy 1 pedals feature a four-sided entry mechanism, though practically, the user experiences it as two-sided due to the central rotating mechanism.

Close-up of the pedal showing the entry mechanism
Close-up of the pedal showing the entry mechanism

The pedals boast a relatively lightweight design. The reviewer compared them to other Crankbrothers models, noting a weight difference.

Left and right pedals displayed, showing the line marking
Left and right pedals displayed, showing the line marking

The pedal body seemed to be made of a durable plastic material, intended to keep costs down. A noticeable feature was the design to shed mud effectively, ensuring easy clipping in even in muddy conditions.

Close-up shot of the pedal body
Close-up shot of the pedal body

Weight and Specifications

The reviewer weighed each pedal individually and then the pair together. The total weight of the pair came in at approximately 295 grams, closely matching the manufacturer’s specifications of 294 grams.

Weight measurement of individual pedal
Weight measurement of individual pedal

The cleats and hardware added slightly less than 45 grams to the overall weight. This close match in weight suggests the product was as advertised.

Total weight measurement of both pedals and cleats
Total weight measurement of both pedals and cleats

The weight is heavier than other pedals the reviewer has used (around 240-250 grams). This heavier weight should be factored into purchasing considerations.

Overall Review and Conclusion

The Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals offer a solid combination of lightweight design, efficient mud shedding and easy engagement. The reviewer appreciated the straightforward packaging and clear instructions.

Final shot of the pedals
Final shot of the pedals

While the plastic construction keeps the cost down, its durability in the long term needs further evaluation. The weight is slightly higher than some competitors, which might be a deciding factor for weight-conscious riders.

Overall, the Crankbrothers Candy 1 pedals provide good value for money, especially when purchased on sale. The mud-shedding ability and ease of clipping in are significant benefits, making them suitable for varied terrain.