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Cranbrothers updated the Candy 2 pedal since our test period.
REASONS TO BUY
Mini-platform makes these easier to clip into than regular Eggbeaters
REASONS TO AVOID
No adjustable tension
The Candy 2 is a mini-platform pedal made by Crankbrothers. We find the mini-platform category to be the most versatile and widely appealing because these pedals are easier to clip into that pedals without a cage, but usually much lighter and lower profile than full platform pedals.
This mini-platform makes it much quicker and easier to clip into than the Crankbrothers Eggbeater 2, which has no platform at all and requires a fairly precise aim. When compared to the other mini-platform pedal in this review, the Shimano M530, we much prefer the less expensive and more adjustable Shimano pedal, though the Candy performs decently.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This mini-platform pedal is much more user-friendly than the standard Eggbeater pedals and allows for quicker entry.
Performance Comparison
The mini-platform Candy 2 is easier to clip into than the Eggbeaters. The platform guides the foot towards the clip-in mechanism and does not require the precise aim of the cage-less Eggbeater.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Ease of Entry
Clicking into the Candy 2 has the smooth, gentle feel of all Crankbrothers pedals. The mini-platform guides the foot to the clip-in mechanism and makes these much easier to get into than the trademark Crankbrothers Eggbeater 2.
Ease of Exit
These pedals are easy to detach from, about as easy as the Eggbeater 2.
Adjustability
If you want to adjust the tension, you'll have to look elsewhere. The platform also has no traction pins to be dialed up or down. The only thing you can adjust is the release angle by paying attention to which cleat goes on which foot. The cleat with a dot on the right achieves a 15-degree release angle. Put it on the left, and you get a 20-degree release angle.
Like all Crankbrothers pedals, you are required to use an 8mm allen wrench to install. The spindle does not have flats compatible with a standard pedal wrench.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Weight
On our scale the Candy 2 weighed in 4 grams lighter than the claimed weight of 324. The pair is 42 grams heavier than the Eggbeater 2, and the difference is just the mini-platform. The one notable advantage this pedal has over the Shimano M530 is that the Candy is 130 grams lighter.
Platform
The platform on the Candy is pretty small and slippery, even though it does make clipping in easier. In the category of mini-platform pedals we prefer the Shimano M530, which provides a larger surface to stand on and is much less expensive.
The two mini-platform pedals in our review, the Shimano M530 in the left and the Crankbrothers Candy 2 on the right. Note that the Shimano model provides more surface area for the foot to stand on, even in this mini-platform design.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Mud Shedding Ability
The mud shedding ability on this pedal is almost as good as with the regular Eggbeater. The cage maybe holds a bit more mud than no cage, but we never had a problem with this.
Durability
The mini-platform protects the springs slightly, making this pedal a tad more durable than the standard Eggbeater. We also greatly prefer the Candy 2 model to the Candy 1, which has a plastic cage. The Candy 2 cage is made of metal and will last much longer even though it costs $30 more.
Best Applications
The Candy 2 is most ideal for cross-country mountain biking and racing.
Mini-platform pedals are best used for cross-country riding, especially for those who tend to take their feet out a lot. The lightweight, low profile, and ease of use makes these the most desirable category of pedals for that style of riding.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Value
This pedal is more expensive than the Shimano M530, our Editors' Choice winner. That fact leads us to say that this pedal is not a very good value. Though it does perform well, we think the lower priced competition from Shimano, which also has adjustable tension, will serve most people better.
Conclusion
The Candy is just a glorified Eggbeater. We found the platform adds very little to the function of this pedal. If you want light weight or mud shedding ability, go with the Eggbeater. If you want a semi-platform pedal, save yourself some money and get the Shimano M530 which has adjustable tension and a slightly larger surface area.
The Crankbrothers Candy 2's (left) small platform helps easily guide your foot to the clip-in mechanism.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Recommended Pairing
This pedal works well with a shoe that lies somewhere in between a hard-soled shoe and a sticky rubber shoe, like the Giro Terraduro. It can be used on any trail bike from a hardtail XC race rig to an enduro fun-machine.
Other Versions and Accessories
Candy 1
Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedals
Credit: amazon.com
Cost - $60
Stamped steel wings and plastic cage
Bushing/ cartridge bearing
Candy 3
Crankbrothers Candy 3 Hangtag Bike Pedal
Credit: amazon.com
Cost - $135
Alloy body and cast steel wings
Needle bearing/cartridge bearing
Candy 11
Crankbrothers Candy 11 Pedals
Credit: amazon.com
Cost - $375
A pro-level titanium pedal
Needle and cartridge bearings
The rider weight of these pedals are 2OO lbs maximum
