Halfway down a rooty chute, the last thing you want is your foot skating off the pedal because the platform is too small or the pins have packed out with mud. Pedal choice gets overlooked next to tires and brakes, but it is the one contact point you adjust every single ride, and a platform that does not match your shoe size turns a technical descent into a balancing act.
I looked at the Best Crankbrothers Pedals to sort out which ones actually state a platform dimension, a pin count, and a bearing system you can service. The useful differences come down to platform size against your shoe, how the pins are arranged, and whether the body is composite or forged aluminum. My overall pick for best Crankbrothers pedals is the Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Stamp 1 Large Orange, a large-platform flat pedal that suits bigger feet and gives a broad, stable base for trail riding. My top picks are just below.
Best Crankbrothers Pedals at a Glance
| Product | NT Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large MTB Pedals with 0.87 | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Big Feet Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large MTB Pedals with Forged | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for XC Riding Crankbrothers Candy 1 Pedals with Composite Body | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Trail Riding Crankbrothers Mallet E MTB Pedals with 6 | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Gen 2 Composite Pedal | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
In-Depth Reviews
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large mountain bike pedals in orange, a 0.87 lb composite platform pedal with a 9 x 6 inch footprint for flat-pedal trail and enduro riding.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.8708259349 pounds
- Size
- Large
- Color
- Orange
- Dimensions
- 9 x 6 x 0.9842519675 inches
Pros
- +Large platform supports wide feet on technical descents
- +Composite body keeps weight at 0.87 lb per pair
- +Orange colorway stands out on the trail
- +Flat pedal format works with any casual riding shoe
Cons
- −No traction pin count or pin height disclosed in listing
- −Composite body may wear faster than alloy under heavy use
- −No bearing type or service interval stated
Detailed Review
The Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Large is a flat mountain bike pedal built around a 9 x 6 inch platform and a 0.87 lb per pair composite body. That footprint gives more room for a wider shoe to sit flat on chunky descents, and the lighter composite construction keeps rotating mass down on long climbs where every gram counts.
I see this working best for trail and enduro riders who want a stable platform without stepping up to a heavier alloy pedal. The orange finish is easy to spot in a pack or on the bike, and the flat format pairs with any flat-soled shoe. The main trade-off is that the listing does not disclose pin count or pin height, so grip on wet roots and rocks is hard to judge from the spec sheet alone.
Worth knowing before you buy: composite bodies can wear faster than alloy under repeated rock strikes. I rate this a reasonable pick for riders who prioritize platform size and low weight over maximum durability.
The Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Large is a flat MTB pedal with a forged aluminum body and Chromoly steel spindle, sized for shoe sizes 10-15.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.83 lbs
- Size
- Large
- Material
- Forged Aluminum Body, Chromoly Steel Spindle
- Spindle Diameter
- 9/16 in
Pros
- +Large platform suits shoe sizes 10-15 without overhang
- +Forged aluminum body handles rock strikes on descents
- +Chromoly spindle threads into standard 9/16-inch crank arms
Cons
- −Single size option leaves smaller feet over-pedaling
- −No traction pin count or replacement kit listed
- −Bearings and seals are proprietary Crankbrothers parts
Detailed Review
The Stamp 7 Large is built around a forged aluminum body and a Chromoly steel spindle, with a platform sized for shoe sizes 10-15 (43-49). That size range is the defining detail here: riders with smaller feet will find the platform wider than they need, while bigger-footed riders get a base that supports the whole foot on rough descents.
The 9/16-inch spindle threads into standard crank arms, and the internals use an igus II glide bearing with a double seal. I rate that combination as a reasonable pick for trail and enduro riders who want a flat pedal that spins smoothly through grit and mud without constant servicing.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing does not name a pin count or include a replacement pin kit, and the bearing and seal parts are proprietary. I see this working best for riders who already run Crankbrothers pedals and want the large platform for bigger feet.
Crankbrothers Candy 1 mountain bike pedals with a one-piece composite body, forged chromoly steel spindle, and customizable float and release angle.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.648 lbs
- Body Material
- Composite
- Spindle Material
- Forged Chromoly Steel
- Dimensions
- 3.3 x 2.75 x 0.6 inches
Pros
- +Composite body trims weight for cross-country and gravel rides
- +Forged chromoly spindle balances strength and durability
- +Customizable float and release angle for personalized feel
- +Double-seal system protects bearings from trail grit
Cons
- −No platform size or Q-factor listed for fit comparison
- −Composite body may not suit riders wanting metal construction
- −No cleat compatibility details provided in listing
Detailed Review
The Candy 1 uses a one-piece composite body rather than aluminum, which keeps the pedal light on cross-country and gravel rides where every gram counts. The forged chromoly steel spindle provides a solid core, and the stamped steel wings with stainless steel springs handle the entry and release duties.
I see the customizable float and release angle as the standout feature for riders who want to tune how much heel movement they get before unclipping. The double-seal system around the premium bearings is a practical touch for muddy or dusty trails, though the listing does not specify a waterproof rating.
Worth knowing before you buy: the composite body may not appeal to riders who prefer the feel of a metal cage, and no cleat compatibility details are given. I'd consider these for XC and gravel riders who want a light, tunable pedal.
Crankbrothers Mallet E mountain bike pedals with a concave platform, six adjustable pins per side, and a ribbed body for traction when unclipped.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.92 lb per pair
- Pins
- 6 adjustable per side
- Color
- Matte Black
- Dimensions
- 3.7 x 2.95 x 0.1 in
Pros
- +Six adjustable pins per side for customizable grip
- +Concave platform shape helps center foot on axle
- +Ribbed body provides traction when unclipped
- +Chamfered edges reduce rock strikes on trail
Cons
- −0.92 lb per pair adds rotating weight versus lighter options
- −Pin height and traction pad tuning takes time to dial in
- −No cleat or shoe compatibility details disclosed in listing
Detailed Review
The Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals carry a 0.92 lb per pair weight and a concave platform with six adjustable pins per side. That pin count matters on a steep, rocky descent where a wet shoe can slide off a flat pedal. The ribbed body also gives some grip when you are unclipped and dabbing through a technical section.
I'd consider these for trail riders who want a platform pedal that still sheds mud and takes rock strikes in stride. The chamfered edges are the detail I appreciate most for rocky singletrack, since they reduce the chance of catching a ledge. The traction pad interface lets you tune shoe contact, though it takes some fiddling to get right.
Worth knowing before you buy: the listing does not state cleat compatibility, shoe type, or axle material. I rate this a reasonable pick for aggressive trail and enduro riders who want a tunable platform, not for weight-focused cross-country builds.
Crankbrothers Stamp 1 Gen 2 is a nylon composite MTB pedal with a 100 x 100mm small platform and 10 replaceable traction pins per pedal.
Key Facts
- Item Weight
- 0.70768386102 pounds
- Platform Dimensions
- 100 x 100mm
- Material
- Nylon Composite
- Included
- 10 Pins Per Pedal
Pros
- +Nylon composite body trims weight versus alloy platforms
- +Ten replaceable pins per pedal for traction on loose descents
- +Serviceable IGUS bearings and seals extend usable life
- +Small platform sizing matches US men's shoe sizes 3-10
Cons
- −Small platform may feel cramped for riders above size 10
- −Composite body flexes more than alloy under heavy load
- −Pins require periodic replacement after rock strikes
Detailed Review
The Stamp 1 Gen 2 is built around a 100 x 100mm small platform in a nylon composite body, with a stated weight of about 0.71 lb per pedal. That composite construction is the main reason I'd consider it for trail riders who want a flat pedal without alloy weight.
Grip comes from ten one-piece replaceable traction pins per pedal, and the IGUS bearings and seal system are fully serviceable rather than sealed for life. The small platform is sized for US men's shoe sizes 3-10, so riders above that range may find the stance cramped.
I see this working best for dirt-jump, trail, and commuter builds where a serviceable flat pedal matters more than maximum platform size. The composite body flexes more than alloy under hard landings, which is worth knowing before you buy.
FAQs
How do I pick the right platform size for my shoes?
Match the platform to your shoe size, because a small platform under a large foot leaves the outer edge unsupported and your arch rolls off the pins. Crankbrothers splits its Stamp range this way: the small body suits US men’s 3 to 10, while the large body is built for US 10 to 15. If you sit near the boundary, the larger platform gives more room to shift your foot on long descents.
Are composite pedals strong enough for rocky trails?
A nylon composite body handles most trail riding and rock strikes, and it costs less and weighs less than forged aluminum. The trade-off shows up on repeated hard impacts against square-edged rock, where an aluminum body tends to shrug off dings that a composite one may not. Riders who regularly scrape pedals through rock gardens often prefer the forged aluminum Stamp 7 for that reason.
What is the difference between flat and clipless Crankbrothers pedals?
Flat pedals rely on pins and a textured body to hold your shoe, while clipless models like the Candy 1 use stamped steel wings and springs to engage a cleat. Flats suit riders who want to dab a foot instantly on technical terrain, and clipless suits riders chasing pedaling efficiency on gravel and cross-country loops. The Candy 1 also lets you set float and release angle to taste.
Do pedal bearings need servicing?
Bearings eventually need attention, especially after wet, gritty seasons, and serviceable designs save you from replacing the whole pedal. The Stamp 1 Gen 2 and Stamp 7 both use IGUS bearings with a double seal system, and the Gen 2 is listed as fully serviceable. A double seal helps keep water and grit out of the internals, though no seal makes a pedal maintenance-free.
Final Thoughts
Platform size against your shoe, pin layout, and whether the bearings can be serviced are the three details that decide how a pedal feels after a full season. Get those right and the rest is preference. My overall pick for best Crankbrothers pedals is the Crankbrothers MTB Pedals Stamp 1 Large Orange, which fits trail riders with larger feet who want a broad, stable platform and a composite body that keeps weight and cost down. It suits everyday trail and all-mountain riding where you are dabbing a foot through corners.
Riders who grind pedals through sharp rock gardens may want the forged aluminum Stamp 7 instead, and anyone chasing pedaling efficiency on gravel should look at a clipless option like the Candy 1. For most trail riders, the Stamp 1 Large settles the platform-size question and leaves you to focus on the ride. Check the current price on Amazon before you commit.