Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedals (Pink) and Candy Cleats Guide

Crank Brothers Candy cleats: which ones come in the box?

The Candy 1 ships with Easy Release cleats. Crankbrothers says the Candy 1, Eggbeater 1 and Double Shot 1 come with Easy Release cleats instead of Standard ones. They keep the usual 6° of float but release at 10°, so getting out takes less twist.

Crankbrothers names only those three as Easy Release models, so the higher Candy models come with Standard brass cleats. Older Candy 1 boxes still in circulation may also contain Standard cleats. If you’re buying a pair for a beginner, check which cleat is in the box. You can also buy Easy Release cleats separately.

Candy cleat options compared

Cleat	Float	Release angle	Who it suits
Easy Release	0° or 6°	10°	First clipless pedals, stop-start riding
Standard	6°	15° or 20°	Most riders, racing
Premium	0° or 6°	See pack	Riders who want zero float

All three fit any Crankbrothers clipless pedal and any 2-bolt shoe. They are not compatible with Shimano SPD pedals, and Crankbrothers says third-party cleats are not approved for its pedals. The cleats guide compares every system.

Setting up Candy cleats: shims matter

The Candy has a small platform around the mechanism, which makes setup slightly different from an Eggbeater. The goal is for the cleat to engage cleanly while the sole rests lightly on the platform.

1. Position the cleat. Ball of the foot over the axle or slightly behind it, centred side to side.
2. Clip in and feel. If the cleat won’t click in, the sole is hitting the platform first.
3. Add a shim. Crankbrothers cleat kits include shims that sit under the cleat and lift it. Add one at a time.
4. Check for rock. Once clipped in, tilt your foot side to side. A little support from the platform is ideal. A shoe that rocks freely needs one fewer shim.
5. Set release. Fit the cleats as the instructions show for the lower angle, or swap left and right for the higher angle.

Gravel shoes with tall rubber lugs are the usual reason for needing shims. XC race shoes with a low, stiff sole often need none.

Candy cleat wear: when to replace

Crankbrothers cleats are brass, softer than the pedal’s steel wings, so the cleat wears first. Signs it’s time:

• You release earlier than you used to
• The shoe slides further side to side before releasing
• Clipping in takes more than one attempt

Walking on hard surfaces is the main cause of wear. Recessed soles help, and cleats are far easier to replace than the pedal.

The pink Candy 1

The pink Candy 1 is a colour option, not a different model. Crankbrothers lists the Candy 1 in pink, blue, red and black, and retailers list the pink version with a matching pink spring. Underneath, it is the same pedal as the blue Candy 1: one-piece composite body, steel wings, a forged chromoly spindle and a stainless spring.

Pink suits riders matching a frame or kit, and it’s easy to spot on a bike rack. The trade-off is that light composite shows scuffs and trail dirt sooner than black. A wipe with soapy water brings it back; avoid solvent degreasers on the body.

For how the Candy 1 compares with the Candy 2, 3, 7 and 11, see the blue Candy 1 page. For other pedals in this style, browse double-sided clipless pedals with platforms or the Crankbrothers brand page.

Threads are 9/16” x 20 TPI, and the left pedal is reverse threaded (see which pedal is reverse threaded).