This review dives into the Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals, examining their performance, durability, and overall value. We put these pedals through their paces, exploring their features and assessing their suitability for various riding styles and terrains. From their sleek design and customizable features to their robust construction and long-term performance, we'll uncover what makes the Candy 3s stand out. We’ll also consider the trade-offs, like weight, and discuss whether they justify their price point.This detailed assessment covers aspects including the pedal's construction materials, ease of clipping in and out, adjustable float and release angle impact on comfort, and long-term durability after extensive use. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation to help you determine if the Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals are the right choice for your cycling needs, particularly if you've experienced knee issues with other clipless pedals.
Pros And Cons
- Durable alloy body and cast steel wings
- Snap-on traction pad technology
- Ribbed body for better transaction when unclipped
- Hex alloy end cap for enhanced durability
- Four-sided entry for superior mud shedding
- Customizable float and release angle
- Premium bearings and double seal system
- Offers more stability and foot placement compared to Shimano SPDs
- Six-degree float
- 10 or 15-degree release options
- Five-year warranty
- Clipping in is different from SPDs, requiring adjustment
- May unclip unexpectedly if not used to the float
Read more: 5 Best Child Bike Pedals for Smooth Rides
Design and Features
The Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals boast a sleek, minimalist design available in blue, red, and black. I opted for the black, and despite considerable use, they show remarkable durability. The pedals feature a durable alloy body and cast steel wings, promising longevity.
A standout feature is the snap-on traction pad technology, allowing for customization and optimization of the shoe-pedal interface. The included ribbed body enhances grip and transaction during unclipping. Additional features include a hex alloy end cap for enhanced durability and a four-sided entry for superior mud shedding.
Further enhancing performance are the customizable float and release angle, premium bearings, and a double-seal system. These features contribute to the smooth, efficient operation and long-term resilience of the pedals.
Performance and Ride Feel
The Candy 3 pedals provide a solid, stable feel due to their 6061 T6 aluminum body. The premium brass cleats with included shims ensure a secure connection with cycling shoes. The four-way entry system offers flexibility in foot placement, making clipping in easy from various angles.
I switched to these pedals from Shimano SPDs due to knee issues caused by the lack of float in the latter. The Candy 3's adjustable float (6 degrees) and release angle (10 or 15 degrees) significantly improved my comfort and reduced knee pain. The ability to customize the release angle is a valuable asset for finding the perfect fit.
The pedals perform exceptionally well across different terrains. The smooth bearings ensure quiet, efficient pedaling. The mud-shedding design keeps them clean and functioning optimally, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Weight and Durability
Advertised at 340 grams per pedal, mine weighed slightly more which could be due to paint wear. The use of high-quality materials like 6061 T6 aluminum, chromoly steel, and stainless steel contributes to their exceptional durability. The five-year warranty further underscores Crankbrothers’ confidence in their product’s longevity.
Over a year of consistent use has shown minimal wear, attesting to their robustness. The durable components, including the hex alloy end cap and enduro max cartridge bearings, ensure continued performance even under pressure.
While slightly heavier than some competitors, the added weight contributes to a solid feel and increased stability during intense rides. This trade-off between weight and durability is worthwhile for many cyclists.
Overall Conclusion
The Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals offer a compelling blend of performance, durability, and comfort. The adjustable float and release angles address common knee pain issues associated with other clipless pedals like Shimano SPDs.
While there's a slight learning curve for those transitioning from SPDs, the improved stability and comfort make it worthwhile. The high-quality materials and construction ensure long-term durability, backed by a five-year warranty.
Overall, the Crankbrothers Candy 3 pedals are an excellent choice for cyclists seeking a reliable, versatile, and comfortable clipless pedal system, especially those who have experienced knee discomfort with other options. The price point is justifiable given their quality, features, and durability.