Touring - Best Platform Pedals for Touring?

Hi!

I'm disappointed in clipless pedals since I grew up on bikes before this technology and last year, after training indooors with them, proceeded to take a low speed spill cliped in, that resulted in pelvic fractures. Luckily they were non-dislocated fractures, but they still kept me off the saddle for nearly two months. I switched back to stock platforms on my Specialized Crossroads Elite. I'm planning a westbound C2C, pulling a BOB.

My Q: What do you folks recommend for platform pedals given that my footwear will be Specialized brand cycling shoes, alternating with non-biking Teva sandals? I've heard good comments about MKS Touring/Cyclo Cross platforms that can be combined with Power Grips.

Thanks!

Tim

I like the MTB pedals with metal spikes on them that keep your shoes from sliding off. The MKS are supposed to be good quality, though. I've not tried the power grips, so I can't comment there.

I like the MTB pedals with metal spikes on them that keep your shoes from sliding off. The MKS are supposed to be good quality, though. I've not tried the power grips, so I can't comment there.

I like the concept of the Power Grips as I don't fancy the prospect of my foot(feet) coming loose on a downhill or rapid spin and creating another accident. The MKS pedals I mentioned are 2-sided in case a rider wants Power Grips or toe clips.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Tim

Hard to beat MKS pedals, cheap, serviceable and they last forever if you keep them greased. I have a set of MKS touring pedals that have at least 12,000 miles on them by now. The MKS Sylvan's are sexier but the point on the quill will aggravate folks with large or wide feet. Another great pedal is the WTB grease guards, they are getting harder to find but are still available from some online shops.

Take a look at http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Pedal&sc=Complete%20Pedal%20Sets&tc=MKS&item_id=MK-4560&id=781606714517 for MKS touring pedals. I use these on all (7) bicycles with no performance, , comfort, or maint dificulties with any sort of (sneaker, loafer, sandle, etc) footwear....even during 60 to 70 mile days. For $25.95 give em a go and see what you think. Congratulations on opting out of the "clipless" marketing hype.
Good Luck......
BCNU
Gary

i rode some GT BMX platforms for 750 miles/17 days. no issues.

MKS Sylvan Touring. Comfortable pedals and lots of grips with both trainers or mtb shoes.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/images/mks%20sylvan%20tour.jpg

You could also try Ebay. Some of the old pedals ran smoother than
anything I know of that's made today.

I, too, am glad you opted out. I'm sorry you had that bad spill and hope you are back to 100%.

What bothers me about clipless and so many other technologies out there is how non-interchangeable it is. After you get the clipless pedals, you have to get clipless shoes at twice the price. And even within the clipless world, not all are intershangeable. Same goes for JetBoil. You have to get a JetBoil pot for $39.99 and a JetBoil spoon for $19.99. It all started with Barbie, I think. With apologies to feminists, one reason for her unique thinness was that all other doll clothes were made obsolete. These guys have been laughing all the way to the bank ever since. But P.T. Barnum was right about parting a fool and his/her money. That was 100 years ago, and it's even worse now.

I'm not saying one has to renounce all worldly goods and dress in sackcloth. I had hoped that the touring section of the blog would be a little less material oriented. Maybe it is, if you've been over to some of the other forums. But one look at the discussions about SLTs and handlebars and seats should convince you that it is pervasive everywhere. I'm delighted we have all these choices, but come on now, at some point it becomes obsessive. Since most Americans are awash in things, the entire point of marketing is not to convince you need something, but that what you have right now is garbage. Apparently, they've done it.

I've ridden 100,000 miles with MTB pedals - no spills - no knee problems. I wear good-quality, low-cut hikers and have backcountry hiked Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Banff & Jasper, Mount Robson, Kluane, and Denali on my bike trips - in the same shoes I bike in. I doubt many people would be willing to hike across the Grand Canyon in their clipless shoes.

So, again - congrats on your decision. And happy riding.

Best - J

Wow I can't believe people are actually recommending MKS touring pedals! My one experience with them is that they're garbage. The seals are a joke. The first day i took to dusty roads I got sand in the bearings. From that day on I had to clean and regrease the bearings on a weekly basis. Maybe I just got the duff set.

The only real quality platform touring pedals that I'm aware of are the TA Quill pedals. Very expensive, but with sealed cartridge bearings and replaceable cages.

Clayface ...

Is that a dust cap I see on the photo of the Sylvans you posted? If so, doesn't that address the point made by another that their bearings are susceptible (sp?)

BTW, thanks to all who have taken a moment to help out.

Tim

Take a look at http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Pedal&sc=Complete%20Pedal%20Sets&tc=MKS&item_id=MK-4560&id=781606714517 for MKS touring pedals. I use these on all (7) bicycles with no performance, , comfort, or maint dificulties with any sort of (sneaker, loafer, sandle, etc) footwear....even during 60 to 70 mile days. For $25.95 give em a go and see what you think. Congratulations on opting out of the "clipless" marketing hype.
Good Luck......
BCNU
Gary

Gary, aka Tightwad too

I think there is too much hype/marketing surrounding cycling today (what pays my bills is marketing: see www.us1marketing.com) I've 'rummaged' through my backpacking and canoe camping gear and bought only what might be of a necessary, lighter weight/smaller dimension addition to my touring gear. You'll notice my steed is not the $1K-$5K variety. I've splurged on a Marmot rain top because hypothermia can wreck your life (saved my uncle john once from exposure during a summer sail, so know how easily this can sneak up ... once the 'drowsy' occurrs you're not far from gone)

How far off the ACA N. Tier are you?

Thanks again for your suggestion.

Tim

My post was in relation of Timonabike's question regarding his footwear and yes, that a dust cap.
I've not been using them that long to provide first hand experience and comments on durability but before I decided to go for a pair I read many favourable posts (including amaferanga's negative experience with them) that pointed out their extreme comfort and good quality. I've done some dusty trails with them a couple of times and they are still going smooth (dusty outside, but silky inside).

Clayface ...

Is that a dust cap I see on the photo of the Sylvans you posted? If so, doesn't that address the point made by another that their bearings are susceptible (sp?)

BTW, thanks to all who have taken a moment to help out.

Tim
The leaky bearings are on the inside. The dust cap is screw on and is fine. Its actually rather good, better than the plugs on even cheaper pedals. If others say they're good then I guess I got the duff set (just like I got the duff Ortliebs and Tubus rack - either I'm very unlucky or the cycling I'm doing is truly testing the stuff).

My post was in relation of Timonabike's question regarding his footwear and yes, that a dust cap.
I've not been using them that long to provide first hand experience and comments on durability but before I decided to go for a pair I read many favourable posts (including amaferanga's negative experience with them) that pointed out their extreme comfort and good quality. I've done some dusty trails with them a couple of times and they are still going smooth (dusty outside, but silky inside).

Thanks!

I'll check these out.

Appreciate the help.

Tim

Just another small problem with the MKS touring pedal - the cages are rivetted, not screwed on. So if you brake the cage then its a replacement pedal job.

Just another small problem with the MKS touring pedal - the cages are rivetted, not screwed on. So if you brake the cage then its a replacement pedal job.

Hi!

Seems there are several opinions on these.

What do you recommend?

Thanks,

Tim

Gary, aka Tightwad too

I think there is too much hype/marketing surrounding cycling today (what pays my bills is marketing: see www.us1marketing.com) I've 'rummaged' through my backpacking and canoe camping gear and bought only what might be of a necessary, lighter weight/smaller dimension addition to my touring gear. You'll notice my steed is not the $1K-$5K variety. I've splurged on a Marmot rain top because hypothermia can wreck your life (saved my uncle john once from exposure during a summer sail, so know how easily this can sneak up ... once the 'drowsy' occurrs you're not far from gone)

How far off the ACA N. Tier are you?

Thanks again for your suggestion.

Tim

Hello Tim,
The ACA Northern Tier riders travel through Minot, ND......I am 30 miles due north of Minot. I have, on several occasions, met with and enjoyed lunch with a few ACA/NT riders. I recently purchased a Marmot Swallow tent per recommendation of an ACA/NT rider......anxiously awaiting an opportunity to try it.
In my experience, the MKS touring pedal doesn't have suficient quantity or quality of bearing grease.....Prior to installation, I disassemble, clean and apply copious amounts of Park Polylube grease. Still silky smooth after many miles, years, and "adverse" conditions. I have never had any problems with feet slipping off the pedal while climbing or any circumstance.
I cannot use use clippless due to residual issues with ankle/foot/leg wounds (Vietnam 1965) and the MKS pedals enable me to reposition my foot as needed for comfort.
Thanks and happy touring,
BCNU
Gary

does anyone have any opinion on the MKS GR-9 platforms? I'd like to use them with toe clips and my Vans (skateboard) sneakers.

And while we are at it - what about the best platform shoes?

And while we are at it - what about the best platform shoes?

Whatever is comfortable.........

I use the MKS touring pedal on my everyday commuter bike and recommend them. The seals are quite adaquate for all normal cycling and last for years. I ride on and off road in all weather, through fords, dusty farm tracks and I have never had a problem with them. They work well with metal toe clips.
I prefer the touring model to the GR-9 platform which is a bit slippy.
The rivetted cage is not a problem, a broken cage will not immobilise your bike, you can still ride to the next town.The TA pedal is very nice but if you break the cage and want a replacement you still have to make your way to a town and wait for the mail order delivery.

does anyone have any opinion on the MKS GR-9 platforms? I'd like to use them with toe clips and my Vans (skateboard) sneakers.

I have some GR-9s. They are nice pedals for use with clips and straps. The flat platform makes it much easier to get in and out of. Much better pedal than cages if you're using lugged sole shoes like sneakers.

Harris Cyclery has GR-9s.

does anyone have any opinion on the MKS GR-9 platforms? I'd like to use them with toe clips and my Vans (skateboard) sneakers.

keeping your feet on them in the rain is tricky. they get really slippery.

I'm curious though - in order to get your feet out of Power Grips don't you have to kick your heel out to the side - JUST LIKE ON CLIPLESS PEDALS? I'm sure you can't just lift your foot straight up or forward, right? I've ridden plenty of miles on BMX platform pedals (with no toe clips or straps) and the difference in efficiency isn't as big as some people would have you believe BUT I still prefer my eggbeater Candy SL pedals because being able to pull up on the pedals is a nice alternative when your thighs start getting tired. Also, it is much more relaxing to ride clipless pedals since your feet stay on the pedals whether you push down or not. In the end I just don't understand the fear of clipless pedals even if you got hurt once when you couldn't get clipped out. Once you get used to them that doesn't happen anymore. At least I have never had that problem in many years of riding clipless. But hey, too each their own, right?

One of the reasons I sold my perfectly kickbutt road bike was that I had to "gear up" to ride. Not that annoying on weekends, but on weeknights, forget it. What's nice with the power grips is that you can get a lot of the benefits of clipless while still wearing a nice pair of sneakers and still be able to walk/hike around without looking like a penguin.

I'm curious though - in order to get your feet out of Power Grips don't you have to kick your heel out to the side - JUST LIKE ON CLIPLESS PEDALS? I'm sure you can't just lift your foot straight up or forward, right? I've ridden plenty of miles on BMX platform pedals (with no toe clips or straps) and the difference in efficiency isn't as big as some people would have you believe BUT I still prefer my eggbeater Candy SL pedals because being able to pull up on the pedals is a nice alternative when your thighs start getting tired. Also, it is much more relaxing to ride clipless pedals since your feet stay on the pedals whether you push down or not. In the end I just don't understand the fear of clipless pedals even if you got hurt once when you couldn't get clipped out. Once you get used to them that doesn't happen anymore. At least I have never had that problem in many years of riding clipless. But hey, too each their own, right?

Power Grips are a bit easier to get out of than clipless pedals. Although you can't just lift your foot off of them, you can generally just slide your foot back. You only have to twist your heel outward enough to relieve the tension of the strap. It only takes a slight twist and is barely noticeable. Most clipless pedals have a significant resistance to relase the cleat or require a large twist.

One of the reasons I sold my perfectly kickbutt road bike was that I had to "gear up" to ride. Not that annoying on weekends, but on weeknights, forget it. What's nice with the power grips is that you can get a lot of the benefits of clipless while still wearing a nice pair of sneakers and still be able to walk/hike around without looking like a penguin.

That has been largely the reason I now only use clipless pedals on one of my road bikes. Much of the time I like to be able to just grab a helmet and take off on the bike without always having to dress up for it.

The last pedals I bought were replacements by same company,
I'm using MOSH halfstep BMX with sealed bearings.
They are pretty cheap for 'good' pedals with sealed B's.
As shoes for platforms, I use AirWalk or Vans etc waffle bottom skate shoes.
http://jrbicycles.com/moshsteppedals.htm

I just bought a pair of MKS Sylvan Touring pedals on eBay for $26. Seems to be just what you need for your stated purpose.

I'm curious though - in order to get your feet out of Power Grips don't you have to kick your heel out to the side - JUST LIKE ON CLIPLESS PEDALS? I'm sure you can't just lift your foot straight up or forward, right? I've ridden plenty of miles on BMX platform pedals (with no toe clips or straps) and the difference in efficiency isn't as big as some people would have you believe BUT I still prefer my eggbeater Candy SL pedals because being able to pull up on the pedals is a nice alternative when your thighs start getting tired. Also, it is much more relaxing to ride clipless pedals since your feet stay on the pedals whether you push down or not. In the end I just don't understand the fear of clipless pedals even if you got hurt once when you couldn't get clipped out. Once you get used to them that doesn't happen anymore. At least I have never had that problem in many years of riding clipless. But hey, too each their own, right?


I'm not going to argue about the Powergrips, because you may have a point. But with Powergrips, unlike clipless pedals, you can wear a greater variety of footwear. You are not locked into using shoes with certain proprietary hardware - nothing wrong with that, but that is a difference.

Wow I can't believe people are actually recommending MKS touring pedals! My one experience with them is that they're garbage. The seals are a joke. The first day i took to dusty roads I got sand in the bearings. From that day on I had to clean and regrease the bearings on a weekly basis. Maybe I just got the duff set.

The only real quality platform touring pedals that I'm aware of are the TA Quill pedals. Very expensive, but with sealed cartridge bearings and replaceable cages.


Hmmm. Kinda funny. I have the MKS pedals, two sets, and I used them for daily riding in the desert for two years, and I now use them daily in the northeast during winter. I haven't had any problems, no maintenance, and neither has my friend who uses them as well. I'd give a second pair a chance, or figure out what's wrong with the current one. Don't give up on them :)

Hi!

I'm disappointed in clipless pedals since I grew up on bikes before this technology and last year, after training indooors with them, proceeded to take a low speed spill cliped in, that resulted in pelvic fractures. Luckily they were non-dislocated fractures, but they still kept me off the saddle for nearly two months. I switched back to stock platforms on my Specialized Crossroads Elite. I'm planning a westbound C2C, pulling a BOB.

My Q: What do you folks recommend for platform pedals given that my footwear will be Specialized brand cycling shoes, alternating with non-biking Teva sandals? I've heard good comments about MKS Touring/Cyclo Cross platforms that can be combined with Power Grips.

Thanks!

Tim

Great topic! I use the MKS Touring and the RMX (BMX) models pretty much exclusively. I gave up on my clipless; they were easy enough, but I didn't want to constantly change footwear nor buy extra stuff. I wear my Chacos almost exclusively in the summer, trailrunners in the fall and the spring, and boots in the winter months.

The MKS Touring is nice because they have lots of room for movement and, if you have them, wide feet. I have used them for every kind of riding, and in all conditions, with no problems. Desert, trails, fireroads, gravel roads, touring, mud bogs, fast commuting.

The MKS BMX ones are nice for sneaker and sandal wear, and have reflectors built into them. Same Japanese-made high quality. I put them on my SS and mountain bikes. They don't accept clips, but they are pretty cool. They are more narrow, with less space, which I find useful on certain bikes.


http://www.rivbike.com/images/catpics/14-047.jpg


Clipless systems can be very nice, but it has got to the point where many enthusiasts and shop people have forgotten the advantages to regular platforms and BMX pedals and why some people would want them. Every damn time I talk to some guy who rides a lot, he suggests clipless pedals as if I haven't heard of them. When you're a guy like me that spends time commuting to work, riding trails and sometimes hiking them, riding in snow and mud areas, needing specialized footwear can be a bother. YMMV.

I know how to ride on and off road with clipless, BTW. But just like the regular street clothes I wear for riding, even fifty or sixty miles, I wear shoes with regular soles. If I went touring, and wanted some sort of retention, I would probably choose toe clips over Power Grips, although I might revise that opinion once I try out the grips.

This is what my friends, family, and most of my bikes have for pedals.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16193&subcategory_ID=5240

What do you all think of the MKS "Custom Nuevo Keirin Black Track Pedal" Its a sealed bearing pedal but costs $103 at Alfred E. Bike. The other that I can't decide on is the MKS Touring Lite pedal. You guys seem to like the MKS but I am concerned about dirt and grit getting into the inner seal on the touring lite.

i believe that the track pedals are one-sided. thats just irritating when you're running it without toe clips.