drumbum

Hi all,
As I've posted quite a few times in the past weeks, I've been (like everyone else) drilling and dialing in my cx skills, notably dismounts. On my dismounts, I was having trouble with an "iffy" situation where I wasn't sure whether I would get out of the pedal or not. After spending almost 2 hours today diagnosing, I figured out my problem:

I use Crank Brothers Candy C pedals. Yes, they're cheap, but I have 4 pairs of them. Other than the occasional breakdown every couple months, I'm happy with them. Anyway, if you aren't familiar, the Candy C is just like the Eggbeater, except with a platform. It's got four "wings", all centered around a spring on the spindle. These means that there are four possible entry points to this pedal.

My problem was that around 50% of the times I unclipped my left foot, I would get a really mushy feeling release; that is, there was not an audible click, nor was there any feeling of 'releasing tension'. By spending time today studying the pedal, I discovered that this mushy feeling only occurred on two of the four sides of the pedal.

The following is a picture of the pedal, in the position where it would feel really mushy (ignore the ziptie):


This next one is where the release would be audible, and where I would feel an actual releasing of tension as the cleat left the pedal:


Notice any differences between the two?

In the top photo, you'll notice that the "rear wing" (the metal wing closest to the back of the bike) is to the outside (sandwiching) the "forward wing". In the bottom photo, this is reversed. For some reason, the order of the interlaced wings is making a huge difference in my confidence and ability to dismount.

I'm trying to figure out a possible solution to my problem, but so far, all I've thought to do is somehow stop the four-sided spindle from rotating. That way, my four-sided pedal would effectively become two-sided, but I would always have a good and positive unclipping feeling. This seems like the best (and only solution), but I can't find a way to keep the spindle from rotating. Any ideas?

Sorry if this was wayyyyyy too long and boring. It's something that I enjoy thinking about, however.

Thanks!

flargle

Either way, you still unclick, right? I don't get the problem. The whole point of eggbeaters is four-sided entry and easy in-n-out.

If you are really that worried, then unclick before swinging the right leg. Also consider, when you dismount with your right leg between the left leg and the frame, if by chance you don't unclick at first, your left foot gets pulled in the unclicking direction. (Hard to describe, try it yourself.)

Ronsonic 

Sounds like your eggbeaters are not Atacs. You've pretty much spelled out the difference between the two.

vpower

short term fix #1: check your cleats, are they worn down? replace them
short term fix #2 try switching them (if you have the dotted cleat on your right foot)

aballas

hmm...I have regular eggbeater C's and don't have that problem...but if you're still releasing, just trust that you have...I've never not released...

I had the Candy C's for about a day though...I despise that platform....I feel like it limits the usefulness of the "4-sided entry" concept..

Boss Moniker

This is true, ATACs are known for their acute release of tension (and also the "stops" on either side of the float) before unclipping.

You could try epoxying the platform to the clip mechanism, but you will probably have more trouble clipping in. I think that between clipping in and actual use, the angle between the platform and the clip mechanism changes, which is why it's so easy to clip into Candy pedals. I wouldn't do this unless it really bugs you. I haven't been able to notice the difference, and it certainly hasn't affected the way I clip out.

CaptMatt15

+1

i would be looking at the cleats as the cause of your problem first. The Yellow candys are at least a year+ old (in terms of model year) and if you have 4 pairs.... thats a lot of wear/riding if you're on the same cleats all the time. I'd check those first - then call Crank Bros, they tend to have pretty response customer service.

edzo

one position the top is rounded out from wear, the other is square edged

and vice versa when rotated. go for a stronger pedal and a weaker cleat
if they have that setup. ti pedal ??

Mattybag

Another vote for new cleats. Also, look and see if you need to install the little spacer under between the cleat and shoe. Occasionally I'll have a mushy release feeling but I still get out and it's always smooth. Fresh cleats are always more predicable and precise.

drumbum

These cleats are new; as in, within the last 2 months of sporadic use new. I'm also already using the plastic shim.

None the less, I've ordered a pair of Time ATACS. Will update this thread if my problem is solved.

Thanks all!

CaptMatt15

soo... Have you tried calling up Crank Bros and talking to them about your problem, along with whatever the heck you're trying to fix with at zip tie? They tend to have fairly outstanding customer service.

drumbum

Yep, and they offered to take back the pedals (as always) and fix em up. Good customer service, but unfortunately, the problem that I have isn't really an issue that would be fixed by a warranty

i_r_beej

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I think the "problem" is largely psychological.

Note that I say "largely". I have noticed that my Candy C's and Eggbeater C's are far less positive than my Eggbeater SL's. I think this is due to the manufacturing differences between the two types of mechanisms. The C's have "wings" that are stamped. The SL's are forged. I've noticed slight angular irregularities between the wings of several (maybe all?) of my C's. If i look down at the pedal and rotate it around so one wing falls behind the other, optically, I note that they aren't square to each other-- maybe off a millimeter or so? I think this accounts for their asymmetrical (lopsided) performance and click-in/out feel.

Even so-- After years and years of use of the three types I've never had any problems.

And Crank Bros. are probably the most responsive company I've ever dealt with. Nice folks.

comradehoser

beej knows what he likes!

cachehiker

I've noticed the same difference between my Eggbeater C's and SL's. I own one pair of each and no longer use the Eggbeater C's as one of the four sides won't let go of the cleat. The difference between my Candy C's and SL's is more subtle.

chimivee

A slightly bent wing will also affect release. I've bunged up my share of eggbeaters while MTBing.