How to Set Up Crank Brothers Pedals In Ridiculous Detail

Did you just buy a set of Crank Brothers clipless pedals and now you're wondering how to set them up? Well look no further! In this video, we take an in depth look at how to set up your Crank Brothers clipless pedals including cleat set-up and positioning, shim set-up, pin set-up, and traction pad set-up. We also dive into topics like breaking in your new shoes and clipless pedals and compare and contrast the feel of Crank Brothers clipless pedals vs. Shimano SPD clipless pedals. This video isn't just a quick little overview - it's for the rider who wants to set up their clipless pedals perfect and never have to think about them again. If you'd like to skip ahead to certain sections, just click on one of the different timestamps below.
Shop Crank Brothers: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
Shop Pedals: www.worldwidecyclery.com/coll...
For cleat set up, skip to 1:30
For shim set up, skip to 2:35
For cleat positioning, skip to 3:40
For traction pad set up, skip to 5:20
For new shoe break in, skip to 7:45
For new shoe/cleat set up, skip to 8:40
For a quick overview, skip to 13:55
For a pin set up, skip to 15:01
For SPD vs Crank Brothers, skip to 16:12
For clip in clip out practice tips, skip to 16:58
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[@FantasticMrE]

To add onto the info in the video; you can also now buy different cleats for your shoes from crank brothers that will allow your shoes to release at different angles! This video is 5 years old so I’m not sure if crank brothers sold them back then, but I just got new pedals and shoes and found it extremely difficult to clip out due to the stiff new pedals and shoes (which is dangerous because I like big fast jumps!) I just got some crank brothers “easy release” rose colored cleats that float 6 degrees and release at 10 degrees. I’m loving the feel of them so far because popping in and out of the pedals feels more like separating my foot from a magnet rather than being totally locked to the pedal. I plan on wearing the easy release cleats until I get the pedals worn in a bit more, then I will likely transition back to the 15 degree release when the pedal springs are a bit worn out! Thanks for the info in the video and I hope this tip helps others!

[@lysanatt]

Got my first pair of Crankbros pedals last week, using Shimano SPDs for decades, and this was the exact thing I needed to make sure everything is set up as it should be. Thanks!

[@alimaleki217]

I can't concentrate on the details; my eyes keep moving to that bike!

[@jaysemple8139]

Been away from the hobby for 10+ years and just came back. Was a Crank Bros guy before and still do not plan on changing. My new Candy 7s and 5Ten Hellcats are getting setup tomorrow. This video was an excellent refresher for me. Thank you. :-)

[@Habaneroranger]

Thanks for the instructions! I couldn’t figure it out until I realized I was reading the German instructions and I only speak French! Great Vid!

[@TimothyHarrison77]

Great video! Just bought my first set of clipless pedals after riding over 8,000 miles the past 3 years, and this helped explain a lot of questions I had.

[@franktognini4786]

Wow best explanation ever other people tells you bunch of details but do not explain what one need to know which is how the system works and why, Great job Well done

[@panterita1177]

Thanks for the great video. I just got the Mallet- five ten combination and was about to give up and put my flat pedals back on the bike. I just went and tried clipping in the way you described and was so much easier than before. I’ll keep working on it!

[@JJMassar]

Just picked up a pair of Mallet E LS pedals and 2FO Cliplite Boas…after riding flats for the last year, this new pedal and shoe setup has been a game changer for me. Thank you for this tutorial as it helped me get everything dialed in on my new setup.

[@rideeverymountainrideevery885]

Thanks for the excellent vid! Having a nightmare getting in on my new pedals and news shoes - was ready to give up until watching the vid - so will persevere. But man, they are not easy to get in at the moment, especially compared to spd sl road pedals. But thanks for really emphasizing the problems caused by newness - much appreciated.

[@garysbraccia4980]

Jeff is the most informative MTB GURU on youtube. great company to buy from.

[@TravelingKory]

Fantastic overview and vid, thanks! I'm actually a recumbent triker dealing with hotfoot issues. I've been researching a lot of pedals and nailed my choice down to the CB Mallet DH. Your video will absolutely help me set my pedals up when I receive them, especially the dial in factors to help alleviate that pressure on my feet. Thanks again! 👍🚲

[@HunterTravels]

I have been running these pedals since the beginning and dang wish I watched this along time ago. Thanks

[@bradley9442]

Excellent vid, just bought new Shimano ME5's and Crank Bros Candy 3's. Was having a hard time trying to clip in and will be adding the shims for more clearance. Thanks for the super detailed vid!!

[@MCGPeaches]

Thanks for the video, short & sweet was all that was needed to get the Candy 2 clipped into new shoes.

[@charleyweinhardt]

thanks for the advice! if anyone else really struggling, take your pedals off your bike to first prep the cleats! and click them on and off and on and off, put your right hand in your right shoe and grab your right pedal with your left hand and using your thighs to help put the pressure on, click'em in and twist 'em out 50 times each pedal! that's my advice anyway cuz when I first tried it it was literally impossible just had my first ride and it was awesome I must say! peace

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

It took me 3 rides to bed in the shoes but after that they feel great

[@vanessamitchell3016]

Ffs thank you for the detailed cleat placement explanation. Everyone else is so damn cryptic! Thanks!!!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Happy to help :) Let us know if you have any other topics you want to see covered!

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

@@WorldwideCyclery everything?

[@mat2ca578]

Thanks, Switched from SDP to the platform CB and set them up per the instructions. With my old shoes the switch wasn't bad. When I got new shoes couldn't figure out why I was having trouble unclipping. Few more tweets and I should be golden again.

[@tristanhickenbottom4372]

Most helpful video on CB pedals on the internet.

[@privera42]

After almost killing myself a few times riding my new mallet DH clip less pedals with my 5tens shoes, unclipping was extremely difficult. I promised myself to go back to flats as I felt clipping in was almost suicidal. But after seeing your video, and by far the most informative, I’m going to make some adjustments and get back at it. Hopefully your advice makes a difference. It all makes a lot of sense. Thanks again. Safe riding🚵‍♂️

[@dangernoodle8376]

Pedro Rivera what happened

[@privera42]

Dev Patel So I took your advise to break the shoes in. First, I lowered the pins, I had them too high. Unlike flats, where I prefer them higher. Also, I clipped in and out about 50 times each foot to wear the rubber where the pins touch. Lastly, I became a more technical riding as I leaned falling sucks. So track stands are 🔑. Practice and patience. Thanks for the advise.

[@dangernoodle8376]

Pedro Rivera good to know about to get double shot pedals

[@dangernoodle8376]

Got the pedals but they are way too tight I have put them on the floor and stepped on then and they didn’t clip in any ideas to loosen them

[@dangernoodle8376]

Just put on the spacers and it worked but still tight so I clipped in and left them for an hour to break them in a bit

[@BabylonChris13]

Amazing and thorough vid. Felt like a squid w new pedals and shoes riding clipless for the first time, almost killing myself, but now I know well meaning and nice bike store guy was actually clueless. Thanks much for the insight! Will start again with this guidance on my own….

[@lukenukem1164]

Really appreciate this, I have struggled to get mine spot on. Like you say, a bedded in shoe makes a massive difference.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

Close one. I have new hell cats and mallet e peds. I have been on clip less for decades, spd and sidi shoes. Test ride with this combo and I’m stomping trying to get in, jumping off curbs...nothing. Was about to start cutting away the sole before checking out the tube. Spacers were already in, I dropped the pins and hello. Thanks for the video!

[@mauriciogutierrez9910]

Love the float on CB...

[@Magoo71]

Excellent video Jeff! I had a great experience with Rebeca letting me know when my pedals could ship! Give her a raise! ;-)

[@tiborskid]

thanks dude, so much better than reading the manual, 😁

[@brenbascos]

Thanks so much for this valuable info.

[@MTBKingLife]

Great vid! Very helpful as I move to clips and crankbrothers.

[@kruuuber]

Saw this for the first time in 2019. Two years later I'm back in here checking it out. Such a great description of what's going on. The product installation sheet is simple and dumbed down to the poing that it's hard to understand. Had my first ride on a new (to me) shoe brand and nothing felt right. The break in period is sooo uninspiring. Thanks for the great work you do!

[@bruceadams8696]

Great video. Much better than the crank brothers version of the same subject

[@Magoo71]

Hey Jeff....In your pedal reviews, you never mention the Pedals I just bought from you guys, the Xpedo Baldwin. I have just also discovered that because of my old racing days from the 80's and 90's where I raced strictly XC cause that's all there was, I ALWAYS used Sidi Shoes to go along with Clipless pedals. Well now that I have a 50lbs + eBike, I have realized that narrow, stiff soles don't do much for stability and confidence on this new machine. So that is when I tuned in to your video on pedals. You said on that, I think 3 year old video, that the Crank Bros Mallet E 11's are your favorite pedal . So I ran out and got a pair of those and now I'm also waiting for you guys to deliver my Xpedo Baldwins! Now these have zero Pins for grip but another guy I follow on KZbin Macky Franklin of Syd and Macky fame, says his experience shows that the Xpedo's Baldwins are his go to when the trails get steep and the Bike's travel goes up. what he calls his "bigger" bikes. He uses Xpedo's M-Force 8's. So my question is, have you tried the Xpedo Baldwins and what is you favorite Mt Bike shoe for these types of pedals??

[@tobytuttle1531]

One thing to consider, if you use carbon soled shoes, you will want to get the metal shoe shields. The groove that he refers to that will wear into the shoes after time is not good for carbon soles. This video seems to be more for downhill riders, which he does mention several times is his riding style. Great video and pointers other than that.

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Great point and thank you!

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

Also by using the metal shields (on other non carbon shoes) it make a loud "click" when you engage But don't use them if you don't use cleat spacers because they will space your feet further from the pedal

[@michaeldoyle3320]

great video..was just about to dish the mallets and 5ten's.

[@nickstar8771]

thanks for video!!!!

[@TerrifiedRat]

Great item very Portable and easy to clean.

[@kaynjohnson6014]

I am using this combo and it has taken me about 6 rides to feel comfortable clipping in and out but also riding without dabbing a foot. It just takes time if you are comfortable to persist.

[@kamilkrupczak1202]

thanks great vid!

[@southsoundrider5428]

I'm riding on Mallet E and SuperBruni pedals myself. I am running double shims on each shoe and thick traction pads because my Specialized 2FO Cliplites have thick rubber on the bottom. Im not sure if I'm supposed to run 2 shims but clipping in/out is much easier now.

[@thelongestnameinthecomment9677]

For me by running shims and thicker traction pads it's still easy to clip in but is harder to clip out so thanks for this comment

[@mattmccluskey6857]

I love my crank brothers petals. They are the best

[@TheAntibozo]

In cleat position you overlook one of the most important factors, which is avoiding interference of the toe of the shoe with the front wheel when the cleat is positioned further back on the shoe. Depends on the bike, and needs to be checked. Always an unpleasant surprise, although usually recoverable, when you turn your wheel while pedaling and it runs into your shoe.

[@Bigsbeee]

Your still rocking Mallet E with the Crossmax Jeff ? Outstanding video !

[@WorldwideCyclery]

I am indeed! I'm on my last pair of those shoes and they don't make them anymore :( I'll probably go back to 510's once my current pair is dead.

[@starlofn7469]

I am a bmx racer, I like my clips really tight. I’m planning on buying these. They don’t have any adjustment tool etc, does that mean it will be loose and weak? Not tight and hard?

[@BikingVikingMTB]

Just bought a pair of these and is there a right way or wrong way to putting the cleats on the shoe ie I made this mistake on spds lol 😂

[@Baroque-Handel]

So the Zero Float accessory cleats will make them more like SPD? What about the ling spindle kit (does this make pedaling funky unless you’re super tall?)? Great vids.

[@geoffkoop]

Do you see a reason for the LS version of these pedals? I currently run the DH version which have the long spindle and just wondering if my Shimano AM5 shoes would be too bulky for the normal Mallet E version. Thanks!

[@niklasdr]

Yes, also I wonder if there is a general consensus on using either normal or LS (long spindle) for different people, preferences, uses, shoe sizes, etc. So, other than the normal vs LS thing, thanks for the well nuanced video. It really helps me to get my general idea straight here!

[@m00nchildblues]

i have the crank bros and installed and adjusted them accordingly to my preference but for some reason my left clip has a super hard time unclipping more than my right shoe? Any idea why? I looked at the shoe cleat and it matches exactly like the right clean,etc. Hmm

[@clarkpark]

m00nchildblues weaker left foot

[@motorcycleguy73]

Okay I'm sold I'm going to be buying some today. Question they make it in Long spindle or short spindle what is your comment on that I have to order them so I can't try them first I'm going to be buying five ten shoes what are the advantages between wider or narrower besides crank rub.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi! Very usefull, you will recomend Mallet E Ls (qfactor 56) Vs E (52) coming from shimano (55) not sure if will be better for enduro Thanks

[@borisb.5024]

Thank you for the ridiculously detailed video on crank brother pedals

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Thanks for watching!

[@j.ricardocarhuapoma2665]

Can regular shoes be used with the crank brothers mallet pedals?

[@samuellambert8919]

Hi @Worldwide Cyclery I wanna use the CrankBrothers Mallet with my Shimano XC9 shoes. The Mallet 2 and 3 give the feel of a flat paddle even when you are clipped in. Are the Mallet E also like that? would be greately appreciated kind regards SL

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Yes, the Mallet E will definitely give a similar feel.

[@meinefresse94]

Can you use any clipless shoes with any clipless pedals, or do you need to check if the shoes are compatible with the pedal??

[@scottgreenwood3170]

ok now to find your guide to setting up my air shocks lol

[@edensgardenshed9622]

I just got mallet E and every time i test to try them out the outer traction pads keep falling off and now i think they are loose and need replacing. Haven't even ridden on bike yet. Could be because i use 510 kestrel shoes. Maybe it rubs them weird? Should i glue them with something?

[@p4psm3re]

any idea where to get the plastic spacers? cant find them anywhere

[@bestpatate]

With the 10 deg release cleat will i be able to unclip everywhere ? This kind of annoying me that i cant unclip everywhere with the standard 15 deg

[@foxlogistics3543]

Is it possible to do the same thing for shimano's SPDs? Or is there a video that i didn t see atm?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

The same process works with SPDs :)

[@Sherman1862]

Great video! I'm about to transition from SPD to Crank Bros,, On those pedals your using, could i wear flats and not clip in if i wanted? And also wear clipless shoes with the cleats too when i wanted that locked to the pedal performance? So I could just hope on the bike and ride to the pup, or whatever, if I didn't want to clip in? Just wondering your opinion!!! Thank you for the awesome technical video on shoe set up!!!! : )

[@WilliamCronin]

nah you cant ride flats. its like ice with the spring cage under your shoe

[@User-gt2lo]

Hey, I just got a pair of crankbrothers mallet dh. My problem is, when I want to spin the system, not the pedals itself, its really hard. Please answer, if it's normal

[@jojorock2]

Normal. But they break in

[@wheeliemachine626]

I just can’t engage my shoes to the pedal any tips?

[@2002william]

I can't seem to find any info on this. I recently purchased the CrankBrothers Mallet E pedals which come with plastic shims. The shims have little dots on them, do these dots go towards the shoe sole or away from the shoe sole?

[@sorinvladu7021]

Towards the sole

[@twowheelsdown2002]

Here in rocky Arizona, we call Crankbrothers "Crack-brothers". Even my lightweight girlfriend bent the bars on hers and then fell over completely stuck in them. We switched to Shimano M-647 pedals, and they will take heaps of abuse on rocks. I also don't like that Crankbrothers open up when hit from the bottom, so climbing up rocky, technical climbs if you strike the bottom of the pedal, it can open the pedal and your foot releases. The M-647 is also much, much easier to clip into, since the mechanism is spring loaded and pops up. Your foot just slides right into the sweet spot, and if you miss it, just bring the foot back a couple inches and it slides right in. They are way easier to get into when restarting on technical climbs.

[@antoniosanillan2155]

What about with shimano saint m820?

[@scottweisman3768]

I ride clipless but want to try flat. anyone try the double shot 3? If so what shoes would you suggest?

[@leonl2356]

10:18 can you please explain how i can "drive these pins up and down" ?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

The pins are threaded into the pedal body and you can adjust height with an allen wrench. :)

[@leonl2356]

thank you. ;;))

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

@@WorldwideCyclery oh

[@jacobbockover1628]

Whats the not obvios benifits of the platform style

[@Tyl3rKrupa]

The new mallet E set I got came with cleats marked with L and R, no dots on either. It feels like the R cleat on the left foot is 15 degree but I cant tell for sure

[@jpollock1548]

Tyl3rKrupa I have the same issue! Did you ever found out if the L on the right is 15 degrees?

[@Lee-py6yt]

What type of shoe are you using?

[@m00nchildblues]

Just noticed tonight, aluminum is being rubbed off outside top of pedal by cleat in shoe. Looks like a pretty smooth deep gouge on both pedals. I'm I the only one having this issue? Does this mean I need to add another plastic shim so that clip does,not scrap on pedal during exit? I'd post a picture but it doesn't allow me to. Any thoughts or anyone have this issue?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Send us an email with pics to [e-mail] and we can help you out!

[@m00nchildblues]

Worldwide Cyclery emailed w pic sent :)

[@kalevmccarthy8260]

What about cleat shields?

[@erancohen5419]

Hi what’s the difference between the mallet e pedal and the Malle dh pedal?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Mallet E is lighter weight and has a slightly smaller platform than the DH :)

[@robertdieder4178]

great info, ..need some better editing or camera man to zoom in when you are pointing to stuff though. Buying my first set of clipless pedals and shoes very soon.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

It’s a great video. It doesn’t need to be directed by Francis Ford Coppola

[@robertdieder4178]

@@HWG-wm8ld you sound defensive, your handy work? Might as well shoot the vid in the dark if you can't see what he's pointing to in detail.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

Mine were so tight. For some reason my left is easy to stamp in relatively but then the right just wont. Then after about 15 to 30 min of riding it goes in. Very strange. Will take the crank off the bike and have a very close look at clearances... Yes I have fallen over when stationary 😲 stay safe 😷

[@kolbywoods3300]

Came here to find the cure for the traction pads nightmare. Left still living the nightmare. They are almost impossible to get off.

[@edensgardenshed9622]

I have the opposite problem my traction pads keep falling off and I haven’t even ridden the bike yet just trying the new pedals on. Mallet e

[@Ypoons_]

isn’t it a easy release a medium and a hard release on the cleat on the crankbrothers pedals?

[@jeberius]

Will this bike fit 6,3 310lbs person?

[@keahicambra308]

I’m dying with these pedals. I used to have Shimano spd and they click out pretty naturally and dependable. I want less movement and an earlier release. So, if I you buy two sets of cleats and only install the “dots” on both shoes, can I get 15 degrees of movement before detachment on both shoes?

[@MachineSoftwares]

If you check the instructions of your pedals they explain how to set them up for 6 degrees of float instead of the full 15 you normally have.

[@twowheelsdown2002]

If you want a pedal that is really easy to dab with, get the Shimano M-647 and use the SH-56 multi release cleat instead of the SH-51 stock cleats. I love them for attempting rocky, technical climbs. They are way easier to clip into on restarts than the CB pedals, and just as easy to dab as a flat pedal. When you go to put your foot down sideways, they just unclip, and your foot is on the ground. Totally natural feel. But you still get the power pushing and pulling. I had trouble with flats as my foot would go off the top when lunging up rocky stair steps. The Shimano pedals keep my foot on in this scenario, but are still super easy to put a foot down with.

[@solarrover9575]

Which five ten shoes are they?

[@WorldwideCyclery]

That was an old FiveTen Hell Cat.

[@Tajarski]

Wow

[@6-Iron]

The cleats are marked with L and R now. Long story short-they work just like SPDs. Step on the pedal and clip in. Don’t over think it.

[@Chris66able]

I would like to try Crank Bros pedals but I have read loads, and loads of reviews & complaints about the quality. Many people saying, even though they serviced them properly, the pedals let them down and sometimes the spindle broke away leaving them stranded far from home. Also Crank Bros still using Chromoly steel is a bit worrying.

[@szecek]

what is the problem with chromoly?

[@twowheelsdown2002]

We call them Crack Brothers here in Arizona. The bars bend really easy. Even my girlfriend with her light weight bent the bars, and she fell over into boulders unable to unclip. And on rocky climbs, if you hit the bottom, it unclips your foot. Give the Shimano M-647 pedals a try. They take heaps of rock strikes. And they are so much easier to get in and out of. You can also use an SH-56 multi release cleat, and that makes them really easy to put a foot down, especially when putting a foot out to the side to keep from tipping over.

[@14erGuy]

Would have been nice if they showed a close up of the little things the guy talks about. Like the 2 dots on the cleat. I'm looking at mine, I see quite a few dots actually. I don't know if I'm looking at the wrong thing or what. As for the "manual" that comes with the pedals, I felt it was stupidly put together. Reminded me of when you buy something on Amazon from an unknown company and the English is horrendous. I was stunned to find that Crank Brothers is based in Laguna Beach, CA after trying to decipher the instructions included with my Mallet E pedals. I came here wanting to learn what adjustments these pedals have, hoping there was a spring tension but this confirmed what I thought: there is no spring tension adjustment. Two crashes and one broken arm later, I wish I'd stayed with my previous pedals that have adjustable release tension.

[@sheiladawg1664]

Mine say L and R. They changed it! WHY can't they make simple installation instructions???

[@User-gt2lo]

@worldwide cycerly

[@dannyhouston5546]

That's not what the traction pads are for. Watch the crank brothers video for full setup

[@anthnylder8136]

instructions unclear, pedal spindles in nostrils

[@333wheeler]

can think of no compelling reason to use this system apart from the basic egg beater model which has the best mud clearance for racing.. Shimano has all the angles covered . long lasting metal cleats.. full spring load adjustment on both sides for learners upwards . cheaper.. etc etc..

[@SW-ku9ji]

you really don't know what you're talking about first thing make a Felt pen mark on the shoe with the center of your ball of your foot is then forward and back set cleet, just a little behind the ball is best not to much forward and just back for stability and comfort 25 years of exs-perance

[@greggy1967]

Can we just start calling them clip-in pedals?? Nobody even remembers toe-clips, and most, the vast vast majority of current day cyclists have never even SEEN toe-clips. And have no clue how bad they were.