Crankbrothers: A comprehensive overview

Crankbrothers
(Image credit: Crankbrothers)

Based in Laguna Beach, California, Crankbrothers is a brand driven by solving problems its founders experienced out on the trails. Its first product was a tyre lever that protected your knuckles from the dreaded spoke scrape. 

Now, probably best known for its pedals, Crankbrothers also makes some of our favourite multi-tools and mini pumps and has found its way onto the cutting edge of wheels and components too. 

Crankbrothers Pedals

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Crankbrothers: Egg Beater 11

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Egg Beater 11

Super light mud shrugging pedals for cross country and cyclocross racers

Specifications

Spindle Material: Titanium
Claimed weight: 179g

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight 
+
Mud clearing ability 
+
4-sided engagement

Reasons to avoid

-
Minimal surface area should you miss a pedal

For XC and CX racers, the Egg Beater 11 are some of the lightest and best mud-clearing pedals on the market. Sitting at the top of the range, the Egg Beater 11 are made almost entirely of titanium except for the stainless steel spring. The open design makes for instant engagement and leaves nowhere for mud to gather. The lower end versions offer the same design and internals but replace the titanium with less exotic (read: expensive) materials. 

They come with brass cleats which allow for 15 or 20-degree release angles depending on which cleat you bolt to which shoe. The pedals themselves spin on needle and cartridge bearings which offer improvements over the bushings used in previous versions, in terms of durability and performance. Better still, they are so simple to service, a six-year-old could get the job done. 

Crankbrothers: Candy 3

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Candy 3

Best in class mud-clearing with added stability

Specifications

Spindle Material: Chromoly steel
Claimed weight: 340g

Reasons to buy

+
Steel wing adds stability while resisting rock strikes 
+
Mud clearing 
+
Comes in Anodized version

Reasons to avoid

-
Price

The Crankbrothers Candy essentially takes the Eggbeater and adds a small platform around the cleat assembly for added stability and surface area as the trails get rougher and steeper. Occupying the brand's trail segment, the textured 6061-T6 aluminium wing is better suited to withstand rock strikes than the cheaper resin versions found lower in the range — plus it's lighter too.

The Candy 3 offers the same engagement mechanism which means as soon as the cleat finds the spring, you’re connected to the bike, and with the open design, there is still nothing to hold mud. The pedals also come with the same brass cleats which offer 15 or 20-degree release angles. 

Crankbrothers: Mallet Enduro

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Mallet Enduro

DH durability and stability without the weight

Specifications

Spindle Material: Chromoly steel
Claimed weight: 419g

Reasons to buy

+
Wide platform
+
Adjustable pins
+
Mud clearing

Reasons to avoid

-
Price

The Mallet Enduro is based on the brand's uber-popular DH version but features a slightly smaller and lighter platform. The concave pedal body is made from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminium, and is not only coated in polyurethane but also features six adjustable pins around the edges, to make sure you don’t slip a pedal when things get extra rowdy. 

In the middle, you’ll find the same four-sided mud-shedding spring engagement, which interfaces with the brand's multi-release angle brass cleats. Knowing that enduro bikes and their components live a hard life, the internals consist of Enduro (brand) cartridge bearings, Igus bushing and an external seal to ensure the trail stays on the outside. 

Crankbrothers: Stamp 7

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Stamp 7

Flats that won’t shin you when you get knocked around

Specifications

Spindle Material: Chromoly steel
Claimed weight: 377g

Reasons to buy

+
10-adjustable pins 
+
Two sizes for different sized feet

For many riders, when we talk about mud clearing and four-sided engagement, their eyes glaze over, because the last time they clipped into a pedal, they were wearing lycra and riding a bike with 580mm wide bars. For those riders, a flat like the Stamp 7 is just about as good it gets.

With a 6061-T6 aluminium platform, the Stamp 7 comes in two sizes to provide the best possible amount of grip for your foot size. The sizable concave pedal body is 13mm thick and sees ten adjustable pins around the outer edge to grab onto the tread of your shoes.

Crankbrothers Wheels

Crankbrothers: Synthesis Carbon

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Synthesis Carbon

Business in the front, party in the back

Specifications

Rim material: Carbon
Spoke Count: 28 Front, 32 Back

Reasons to buy

+
Varied stiffness sounds like gimmick but seems to work on the trail Hydra hubs

Reasons to avoid

-
Price

Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels are a unique take on carbon mountain bike wheels, using the tunability of the material to customized stiffness and compliance. The result is a more compliant front wheel and stiffer rear wheel. With a more compliant front wheel, it allows to grab and flex (a little) to better track the ground rather than skipping along while also reducing harshness through the hands. At the same time, the back is stiffer to better contend with impacts, snappy cornering and help the bike track better. 

The Synthesis comes in three different versions; DH, E and XTC with each following the same compliant in the front stiff in the rear ethos. Not only do the layups differ, but the rear wheel also sees four more spokes and a deeper and narrower rim profile. Each is also available with a Crankbrothers hub, or the Industry Nine Hydra. 

Crankbrothers: Synthesis Alloy

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Synthesis Alloy

All the tech without the price

Specifications

Rim material: Alloy
Spoke Count: 28 Front, 32 Back

Reasons to buy

+
Price
+
Varied stiffness shows results

Crankbrothers also offers the Synthesis wheels in an alloy version which utilise a similar compliant in the front, stiff and snappy in the rear combo without the hefty price tag. Beyond the rim physically being made of a different material, the alloy synthesis features a hooked rim bed, and a slightly narrowed sidewall — internal rim widths are the same as the carbon version. 

Available in XCT, Enduro and E-bike specific versions, like their carbon compatriots, the Synthesis Alloy wheels come with either a standard Crankbrothers hub, or the uber quick engaging Industry Nine Hydra.

Crankbrothers Tools

Crankbrothers: Speedier Tire Lever

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Speedier Tire Lever

The tool that started it all

Specifications

Features: Knuckle protector, Mounting claw
Weight: 26g

Reasons to buy

+
Knuckle protection 
+
Install claw

The Speedier Tire Lever was the first product Crankbrothers ever produced. The deluxe tyre lever sees a knuckle protector to keep your mitts safe from the spokes.

Once it's time to remount the tire the Speedier Tire Lever also features a mountain hook, which clips over the edge of your rim and allows you to slide the lever around the circumference to mount the tyre, just as you did to remove it. 

Crankbrothers: F15 Multi-Tool

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F15 Multi-Tool

A trailside tool with a sleek aesthetic

Specifications

Features: Hex 2-8, Phillips head, Flat head, Spoke wrench #0,1, 2, 3, Torx T25, Chaintool, Bottle opener
Weight: 164g

Reasons to buy

+
All the tools you need for most trail side fixes
+
Classy looks

The F15 Multi-tool is a full-featured multi-tool that comes with a sleek magnetic case. Beyond just making for a classy looking tool, and protecting the contents when not in use, the case can also be used as a handle for extra leverage when required. 

While it's called the F15, the tool actually has 16-tools inside, with hex bits ranging from 2-8mm, a T25 Torx, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and a chain tool. For those keeping score at home, this is in fact only 15, but you’d be forgetting the most important of the bunch, the integrated bottle opener.

Crankbrothers: Y16 Multi Tool

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Y16 Multi Tool

The best looking multi-tool you can buy

Specifications

Features: Hex 2-8, Phillips head, Flat head, Spoke wrench #0,1, Torx T10, T25, CO2 inflator, chain tool
Weight: 260g

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of tools
+
Secure grip allows high levels of torque

Reasons to avoid

-
On the heavy side
-
Spare bits are easy to drop and lose

Crankbrothers Y16 takes a rather novel approach to trailside tooling, rather than taking on the usually swiss army flip out format that is the norm for pocketable tools the Y16 opts for a workshop tri tool design. The tri-tool design gives superb grip and ease of use when carrying out repair compared to a flippy floppy multitool.

Somehow Crankbrothers has been able to cram almost every tool you would need into the tool. A comprehensive hex selection from 2-8mm, screwdrivers, Torx, chain tool, spoke keys and even a spring-loaded CO2 inflator. Everything is securely mounted in a neat frame.

Crankbrothers: M10 Multi Tool

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M10 Multi Tool

Everything you need, and nothing that you don't

Specifications

Features: Hex 2-8, Phillips Flathead, Torx T25
Weight: 150g

Reasons to buy

+
Size factor 
+
Durability 
+
Price

Although the M series multi-tools look a bit like your standard fold-out piece, this tool is surprisingly well thought out, and something you will find in many a Bike Perfect staffer's riding kit. The sidebars which come in a range of anodized colours are texture for added grip and they are also low profile to help you turn hard to reach bolts.

Measuring 89mm, the tool is long enough to shift a tight bolt and features hex wrenches from 2-8mm, a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver and a T25 Torx head. 

Crankbrothers Pumps

Crankbrothers: Klic Burst Analog Floor Pump

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Klic Burst Analog Floor Pump

The pump every other brand should copy

Specifications

Gauge: Analog
Valves: Presta, Schrader
Max pressure: 160psi

Reasons to buy

+
Gauge placement 
+
Use of magnets 
+
Removable burst tank

A high volume pump with an easy to read gauge will change your riding experience for the better. Not only will you be able to inflate your tyres with fewer strokes, but you’ll also be able to dial in that perfect tyre pressure. 

For the Klic, Crankbrothers flipped the traditional pump gauge setup upside down, moving the gauge to the top of the pump handle so you can actually see it. With a universal head which plays nice with Presta and Schrader valves, the pump sees a magnetic hose attachment, and the hose itself is held inside the pump with magnets too. 

For getting tubeless tyres setup, the Klic also features a removable burst tank, to blast those difficult tyres into the bead. 

Crankbrothers: Klic HV Mini Pump

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Klic HV Mini Pump

Makes changing a flat a little bit less painful

Specifications

Gauge: N/A
Valves: Presta, Schrader
Max pressure: 110psi

Reasons to buy

+
High volume means quick inflation

Reasons to avoid

-
Pressure gauge version not worth the additional outlay

While flats are becoming increasingly less common thanks to tubeless tyres and inserts, they still happen, and when you do get a puncture, you’re likely going to be on the side of the trail pumping for a while. 

A high volume mini pump moves more air with each actuation and is ideal for mountain bike tyres. With the stowable hose and flooding t-bar handle position, the Klic HV makes quick work of beefy tyres. The hose attaches to the pump with magnets and can inflate with both Presta and Schrader valves. Crankbrothers does make a slightly more expensive version with a gauge, but it only reads in ten psi increments, which isn’t all that accurate — save a few bucks and go gaugeless. 

Crankbrothers Components

Crankbrothers: Highline 3 dropper post

(Image credit: Crankbrothers)

Highline 3 dropper post

Smooth operator

Specifications

Diameter: 30.9, 31.6 and 34.9mm
Drops: 80-170mm
Actuation: Cable

Reasons to buy

+
Cable actuated 
+
Smooth and silent

Crankbrothers was an early pioneer of the dropper post, and the mid-range Highline 3 is a perfect example of how far the brand has come in recent years in terms of reliability, durability and of course drop.

The Highline three comes in drops raining form 80-170mm and 30.9, 31.6 and 34.9mm diameters. The main difference between the Highline 3 and it's more expensive Highline 7, is the latter uses an emulsion-based cartridge system which doesn't separate the gas and the oil. In contrast, the 7 uses a wind tec cartridge. Even still, it’s smooth, consistent and stiction free. 

Inside the post sees Igus LL-Glign bearings and keys, Trelleborg seals and comes out of the box with Jagwire cables and housing. 

Crankbrothers: Cobalt 11 handlebar

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Cobalt 11 handlebar

Aggressive bars for XC whippets

Specifications

Widths: : 680mm, 720mm
Material: Carbon

Reasons to buy

+
Weight 
+
Two widths  
+
Lots of sightlines for aligning brakes and the like

Lightweight, stiff and pretty darn flat is what we look for in a set of XC bars, and the Crankbrothers Cobalt 11 ticks all three boxes. Made from carbon, they come in two widths, 680mm and 720mm. 

Both come in 8mm and 15mm rise varieties, while the skinny bars have 6-degrees of back sweep and the wider have 9-degrees. With a 38.8mm clamp diameter, the bars are claimed to weigh 155g (680mm).

Crankbrothers: Iodine 3

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Iodine 3 handlebar

Best for those whose gear takes a beating

Specifications

Widths: : 720mm
Material: Alloy

Reasons to buy

+
Tough 

Reasons to avoid

-
Only come in a 720mm width

The Iodine 3 are Crankbrothers' alloy all mountain bars, ideal for those who love riding steep chutes and spicy terrain. Only available in a 720m width, they see 30mm of rise, 9-degrees of back sweep and are claimed to weigh 290g. 

Being metal instead of carbon, they will withstand a bit more crash damage, and see cutting guides on both sides. 

Crankbrothers: Iodine grips

(Image credit: Crankbrothers)

Iodine grips

Comfort, grip and dampening

Specifications

Texture: Logo, knurlling
Lockon: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Good dampening effect

Reasons to avoid

-
T10 Torx head collers

The updated Iodine three grips see a large portion of the embossed Crankbrothers logo replaced with knurling to provide max purchase whether you’re wearing gloves or not. The Kerton rubber is grippy and dampens well, while the tapering at either end provides some much-needed support for your hands. 

With collars at either end, there is no way these are going to spin on a hard landing, but make sure your multi-tool has a T10 Torx head; otherwise, you won’t be able to make adjustments on the go. 

Colin Levitch
Freelance writer

Born and bred in Colorado, and now based in Australia, Colin comes from a ski racing background and started riding as a way to stay fit through the summer months. His father, a former European pro, convinced him to join the Colorado State University collegiate cycling team, and he hasn't stopped since. It's not often he pins on a number nowadays, and you'll likely find him in search of flowy singletrack, gravel roads and hairpin corners. Colin has worked at Bikeradar and is a regular contributor to Australian Mountain Bike and Cyclist magazines. 

Rides: BMC Team Machine SLR01, Trek Top Fuel 9, Ibis Ripley