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Crank Brothers Pedals: Egg Beater to Mallet

Updated · DrPedal is independent and not affiliated with Crankbrothers

Which to pick

Crank Brothers pedals are best known for the four-sided Egg Beater mechanism, which clips in from any side and sheds mud well. Pick the Candy for XC and gravel, the Mallet E for trail and enduro, the Mallet DH for downhill, the Egg Beater for the lightest, most mud-proof option, and the Stamp if you ride flats. All Crankbrothers clipless pedals use the same 2-bolt brass cleat with 6° float.

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Crankbrothers lineup

What Crankbrothers pedals are known for

Crankbrothers is known for the Egg Beater: a spindle with spring wings that you can clip into from any of four sides. It has very little body to collect mud, so it keeps working in conditions that clog other pedals. Every Crankbrothers clipless pedal, from the Egg Beater to the Mallet DH, uses this mechanism and the same brass cleat.

Crankbrothers pedal lineup explained

The range grows outward from the mechanism:

  1. Egg Beater: mechanism only.
  2. Candy: adds a small platform.
  3. Mallet E: trail and enduro platform with pins.
  4. Mallet DH: largest platform.
  5. Double Shot: clip on one side, flat on the other.
  6. Stamp: flats only.

Each comes in numbered levels: higher numbers are lighter and use better internals.

Crankbrothers cleats and float

All cleats are 2-bolt brass. Standard cleats have 6° float and release at 15° or 20° depending on which foot you fit them to; Easy Release cleats release at 10° and come in 0° or 6° float. Premium cleats come in 0° and 6° float. Brass wears faster than steel, so check cleats regularly. With platform pedals, add a shim if your shoe tread holds the cleat off the wings (cleat tools and fitting).

Which Crankbrothers pedal should you buy?

  • XC and gravel: Candy.
  • Mud and cyclocross: Egg Beater.
  • Trail and enduro: Mallet E.
  • Downhill: Mallet DH.
  • Learning clipless or mixed shoes: Double Shot.
  • Flats: Stamp, sized to your shoes.

Crankbrothers vs Shimano SPD

Shimano SPD has a crisper click, adjustable tension and steel cleats. Crankbrothers offers more float, easier entry and better mud clearance. Compare both in our clipless pedals guide.

Crankbrothers: FAQ

Are Crank Brothers pedals compatible with Shimano SPD cleats?

No. Crankbrothers cleats bolt to the same 2-bolt holes as SPD, so the shoes are compatible, but you must use Crankbrothers cleats in Crankbrothers pedals.

What do the numbers on Crankbrothers pedals mean?

They are build levels. Higher numbers use lighter materials and upgraded internals; the cleat and mechanism stay the same.

How do I change the release angle on Crankbrothers cleats?

Swap the left and right cleats. Standard cleats give 15° or 20° release, and Easy Release cleats give 10°.

Can I adjust spring tension on Crankbrothers pedals?

No. Release feel is set by cleat choice and orientation, not a tension screw.

Crankbrothers spec pages

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