Crankbrothers Eggbeater 1 Pedals (Red Spring) and Eggbeater Cleats Explained

Eggbeater cleats: the short version

Every Crankbrothers clipless pedal takes the same 2-bolt brass cleat family. You choose a cleat by the release angle and float you want:

Cleat	Float	Release angle	Best for
Standard	6°	15° or 20°	Most riders; older pedal boxes
Easy Release	0° or 6°	10°	New to clipless, frequent stops
Premium	0° or 6°	See pack	Riders who want zero float

Crankbrothers now ships the Eggbeater 1, Candy 1 and Double Shot 1 with Easy Release cleats. Older boxes on shelves may still contain Standard cleats, so check the box contents if release angle matters to you.

All of them bolt to any 2-bolt MTB or gravel shoe. They are not interchangeable with Shimano SPD cleats, even though the bolt pattern is the same. For every system side by side, see our cleats guide.

Egg beater cleats: float and release explained

Float is how far your heel can swing before the pedal starts to release. Crankbrothers’ 6° float lets your knees track naturally. The 0° option suits riders who want a locked-in feel.

Release angle is how far you twist to unclip. Eggbeaters have no tension screw, so the cleat sets this:

1. Fit the cleats to the shoes as the instructions show for the lower angle (15° Standard, 10° Easy Release).
2. Swap left and right for the higher angle (20° Standard, 15° Easy Release).

A lower release angle is easier for beginners and for riders who unclip constantly. A higher one prevents accidental release when sprinting or riding rough terrain.

How to set up Eggbeater cleats

1. Mark the ball of your foot on the side of each shoe.
2. Fit the cleat so the ball sits over the pedal axle or just behind it.
3. Centre it side to side unless you know you need a wider or narrower stance.
4. Grease the bolt threads and tighten evenly.
5. Ride a short loop, check your heel position, then recheck the bolts.

If the sole lugs stop the cleat engaging, add the shims supplied with Crankbrothers cleat kits. Mud-caked shoes are the other common cause; the pedal clears mud well but your sole may not.

When to replace Eggbeater cleats

Brass cleats are the wear part in this system, so expect them to wear out before the pedal does. Replace the pair when you notice:

• Release feels vague or happens before you twist far
• Float has grown, with the shoe wandering side to side
• Clipping in takes several stabs
• Visible grooves or rounded edges where the wings bear on the cleat

Walking on rock and concrete wears brass quickly. Recessed shoe soles help.

Eggbeater 1 with the red spring

The red Eggbeater 1 pairs silver steel wings with a red spring. Crankbrothers calls this colourway Silver/Red. The mechanism, cleats and specs are identical to the Silver/Black version, so the choice is purely visual.

The Eggbeater design is a spindle with crossed wings and a stainless spring. There is no body around it, which makes it light and almost impossible to clog. The trade-off is support: your shoe rests on the wings alone, so a stiff carbon or composite sole matters more than with platform pedals.

Eggbeater 1 vs Candy 1

The Candy 1 uses the same mechanism and cleats but adds a small composite platform. Choose the Eggbeater for maximum mud clearance and minimal weight. Choose the Candy if you ride in less stiff shoes or want more foot support. Both are on our double-sided clipless pedals list, and the Crankbrothers brand page covers the full range.

Threads are standard 9/16” x 20 TPI. The left pedal is reverse threaded, see which pedal is reverse threaded.