First Look: New Crank Brothers Pedals
Crank Brothers hasn’t made any major changes to its well-known Eggbeater pedals in the past few years, but for 2016, the company completely remade not only its flagship pedal, but all of the other classics in the lineup—including updates to the Candy, the Mallet, and the Stamp. But perhaps most exciting was the newest pedal in the collection: the Double Shot.
Double Shot
The Double Shot is not only the newest pedal in Crank Brothers’ lineup, but also the only pedal that isn’t designed solely for mountain biking. It’s a double-sided flat pedal where one side boasts a simple, flat surface, and the other features half an Eggbeater, so you can either clip into the pedals or just ride them as flats. It’s a great option for someone who uses a bike for both commuting and adventure, or for the newbie who’s clip-in-curious but too nervous to fully cross over.
Eggbeater Upgrades
The classic, simple Eggbeater pedal has been plagued by "longevity issues," and even Crank Brothers rep David Meredith is quick to admit the pedals have suffered from a bad reputation for fast wear-outs.
However, 2016 is a new year for the company, and Meredith claims that after copious testing, the improvements made on the still-classic-looking pedal give it a extend its lifespan by 75 percent. Across the board, the pedals have gotten an internal makeover, in particular thanks to self-lubricating Igus LL-glide bearings that replace the old bearings. “They’re custom-made for us,” Meredith explains. Another addition is a double-seal system that will keep grit out of pedals for an extended lifetime of hard use. “Our outside bearing is an enduro model specially made for us,” he adds. “Everything is in the same spot, we’ve just made improvements.” These improvements will, of course, carry through the entire line.
Candy 7 and Candy 11
New for the Candy pedals—essentially Eggbeaters with a small platform around the clip—are some structural tweaks that allow for better clearance, both to lessen frequent rock smacking and to avoid clip-in issues. The Candy 7 and 11 are “trail” versions of the standard Candy, Meredith explains. The body shape has been refined with smoother sides in order to avoid hitting rocks. A new integrated traction pad on the top of the pedals also increases rider comfort, and with 1mm and 2mm options, riders can choose what works best for them. Lastly, the pedal is significantly easier to pull apart to rebuild, thanks to a switch to a 6mm hex key opener versus the old screwdriver slot.
Mallet Gets a Makeover
The Mallet was originally designed as Crank Brothers’ answer to the rise of enduro racing: The large platform allowed for downhill-style standing and platform, while an Eggbeater pedal in the middle provided a clip-in for when you’re riding up the hill between segments. The 2016 line features the Eggbeater upgrades in all models, as well as a weight reduction of 50 grams in the Mallet E compared to the Mallet DH. Additionally, it’s designed to be lower-profile, and features the same refined body shape and traction pads as the Candy.
Two Sizes for the Stamp
“Riders’ feet come in different sizes… So should their pedals,” the new slogan for the Stamp boldly proclaims. New for this year are two versions of the Stamp, Crank Brothers’ downhill flat pedal. The first, the Stamp Small, is a smaller version for men's shoe sizes 5 to 10, while the Stamp Large (about a centimeter longer and wider) is for sizes 10 and up. Of course, you don’t have to listen to the company: Ride what feels right, Meredith says. “If you happen to like a bigger pedal or you’re riding a fat bike in the snow, size up,” he says. He also notes that there’s an unintentional bottle opener capability on the Stamp, so consider that an added bonus. The Stamp also has a grease port built in so "you can keep them working forever."
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