Cycling · Head-to-head
LOOK Keo 2 Max vs Crankbrothers Candy 2
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Clipless Pedals: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Keo 2 Max gives road riders a wide, stable platform, adjustable retention and a cleat system with three float options and wide shoe support. The Candy 2 is the better pick if you ride gravel or trails, commute, or simply want to walk normally in your shoes.
LOOK Keo 2 Max
Buy itA light, wide-platform road pedal from the company that set the KEO cleat standard, with adjustable retention and three cleat float options.
- A 500 mm² stainless steel contact area and 60 mm platform width give a stable feel under a three-bolt road shoe.
- Retention adjusts from 8 to 12, and KEO cleats come in 0, 4.5 and 9 degree float versions, so you can tune both release effort and knee movement.
- 130 g per pedal and 328 g for the pair with cleats, with a two-year warranty that LOOK extends to three when you register.
- Single-sided entry, so you need to flip the pedal with your foot before clipping in.
- Road cleats protrude from the sole, which makes walking awkward and wears the cleat.
- Total stack height of 17.3 mm (pedal plus cleat) is taller than the Speedplay Comp's 11.5 mm.
Crankbrothers Candy 2
Buy itA four-sided two-bolt pedal with a small alloy platform, walkable recessed cleats and a five-year warranty.
- Four-sided entry and an open design that Crankbrothers says sheds mud well, so you can clip in fast without looking.
- Works with any MTB or gravel shoe that has a recessed two-hole cleat box, so you can walk normally off the bike.
- A 6061-T6 aluminum body, forged chromoly spindle, Enduro cartridge outer bearing, no rider weight limit and a five-year warranty.
- At 355 g per pair it is the heaviest of the three named-brand pedals here.
- The included cleats have a 15 or 20 degree release; newer riders may want the Easy Release cleats with a 10 degree release, sold separately.
- Crankbrothers says third-party cleats are not approved and void the pedal warranty, so you are tied to its cleats.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| LOOK Keo 2 Max Our pick | Crankbrothers Candy 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Road and fitness riders who want a proven, widely supported three-bolt system with a stable platform. | Gravel riders, commuters and anyone new to clipless who wants easy entry and shoes they can walk in. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
| Cleat system | LOOK KEO, 3-bolt | Crankbrothers, 2-bolt recessed |
| Entry | Single-sided | Four-sided |
| Float | 0, 4.5 or 9° by cleat | 6° (included cleats) |
| Release / tension | Retention 8 to 12 | 15° or 20° release; 10° Easy Release cleat extra |
| Weight | 130 g per pedal; 328 g pair with cleats | 355 g per pair |
| Stack height | 17.3 mm pedal plus cleat | Not published |
| Bearings | Not published | Igus LL-glide inner, Enduro cartridge outer |
| Warranty | 2 years, 3 with registration | 5 years |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the LOOK Keo 2 Max if
road and fitness riders who want a proven, widely supported three-bolt system with a stable platform.
Know before buying: single-sided entry, so you need to flip the pedal with your foot before clipping in.
Pick the Crankbrothers Candy 2 if
gravel riders, commuters and anyone new to clipless who wants easy entry and shoes they can walk in.
Know before buying: at 355 g per pair it is the heaviest of the three named-brand pedals here.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the LOOK Keo 2 Max - A light, wide-platform road pedal from the company that set the KEO cleat standard, with adjustable retention and three cleat float options. Choose the Crankbrothers Candy 2 instead if gravel riders, commuters and anyone new to clipless who wants easy entry and shoes they can walk in.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Clipless Pedals: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).