Crankbrothers go their own way with the Candy 7, offering a clipless system that is very different from the other concepts on test. This in turn results in a special feeling when clicking in as well as a highly customisable float and release angle via various cleats. How do the Crankbrothers fare in our gravel pedal group test?
The € 179.99 Candy 7 pedals of the Californian brand Crankbrothers have a very clean and simple look. However, the Candy range consists of a vast variety of different models, ranging in price from € 59.99 to € 449.99 and differing mainly in their weight and the material they’re made of. With the large rotating spindle in the middle of the pedals, the Candy 7 don’t look like any other pedals. But how does this affect their ride feel?
Mountain bike tech on a gravel bike: Crankbrothers Candy 7
A characteristic feature of the Crankbrothers system is the very soft feeling when clicking in and out. The pedals are still quite rare on gravel bikes, but the high degree of float and the freedom of movement makes Crankbrothers pedals very popular with downhill and enduro riders. Whether that’s something you want on your gravel bike is up to you. The freedom of movement might make some riders feel more confident in tricky situations, while others prefer a stiffer and more defined clicked-in feeling.
However, all testers found them to feel somewhat undefined when clicking in and out, occasionally leaving them to wonder whether they’re clicked in or not. In addition, the beautiful, black spring started looking worn out after just a few rides. You can click into the Candy 7 pedals both by pushing down or forwards on the pedals, and thanks to the rotatable spindle in the middle, they also have excellent self-cleaning properties. You’ll be able to click in even with mud up to your ankles. No other pedals on test were able to function so well in such adverse conditions. Chapeau! Therefore, the Candy 7 are great pedals for bikepacking adventures.
Another stand-out feature of the pedals is that they’re highly adjustable. The degree of float can be adjusted between 0° and 6° by means of four different cleats and the release angle can be changed, giving you a choice of 10° or 15°. This makes the Candy pedals especially interesting for clipless pedal beginners, as the small release angle will make you less afraid of not getting your feet out in time. In addition, the height of the contact points on the pedals can be adjusted by means of traction pads. It’s simple to do in theory: you just have to remove the end caps and then slide the plastic bits off. We say in theory because they have a super tight fit. The standard traction pads are 1 mm thick, which you can swap out for 2 mm versions. Unfortunately, the preload of the springs can’t be adjusted.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Price | System | Float | Release angle | Q-factor | Stack height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crankbrothers | Candy 7 | 321 g | € 179.99 | Crankbrothers | 0°/6° | 10°/15° | 52 mm | 15.5 mm |
Our conclusion on Crankbrothers Candy 7
The Crankbrothers Candy 7 pedals feature a sleek look, lots of adjustability and a
loose clicked-in feeling, though the spring preload can’t be adjusted. They offer the best self-cleaning properties on test, making them particularly suitable for muddy conditions. Thanks to the adjustable float and release angle, they’re an excellent option for clipless pedal beginners, bikepackers or anyone who doesn’t demand the highest performance and appreciates a lot of freedom of movement in the pedals.
Tops
- excellent self-cleaning
- generous freedom of movement
- highly adjustable float and release angle
Flops
- spring preload isn’t adjustable
- look worn out quickly
- undefined feeling when clicking in and out
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Simon Hänle
