Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - MKS rx-1 vs. royal nuevo vs. custom nuevo

Anybody have any opinons on which are better for street riding? I have the regular sylvans right now and they're gettin pretty old and beat up. I dont know if there's already a thread on this or not. I will be using double straps if that makes a diff.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-3773699254952_1980_1150504
$69.99

you can repack the bearings on the MKS sylvans and they'll be as good as new. there's a DIY thread floating around here somewhere, i added a description of repacking them.

that way, you don't have to spend a hundred dollars on pedals that will pretty much be the same.

How are those somas? I assume they're probably just like the mks'. And queerpunk I'll probably do the diy repack job and put the sylvans on my beater bike.

just adjust the bearing preload or repack and then adjust the bearing preload on your sylvans and then spend the money you save on drugs or strippers.

None of them are any better for street riding. The higher-end MKS pedals are meant for slotted cleats and riding at the track. I'm not going to get into some "this is made for the track NOT the street" argument, but for the price its a lot more economical to buy clipless or four new pairs of Sylvans. The only reason for the "nicer" ones on the street is the bling-factor and NJS stamp.

God, I feel like dutret here.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-3773699254952_1980_1150504
$69.99


Or you could just get gr-9's for over a third the price, and they look better.

Oh, and also, he wanted to run doubles.

nickatina, you'd feel like dutret more if your prose was interspersed with phrases like hipster ******* ******* ****er ****hole.

as it stands, you're just plain old right.

None of them are any better for street riding. The higher-end MKS pedals are meant for slotted cleats and riding at the track. I'm not going to get into some "this is made for the track NOT the street" argument, but for the price its a lot more economical to buy clipless or four new pairs of Sylvans. The only reason for the "nicer" ones on the street is the bling-factor and NJS stamp.

God, I feel like dutret here.
+1. For street riding in street shoes, track specific pedals designed for slotted cleats will only offer you extra foot pain, not extra speed. Honestly, MTB pedals or touring pedals would much better serve you.

I thought only the mks EXA was made for the cleats, not the ones mentioned above. I have used mtb and touring pedals, I didnt really prefer them. I am going to be using double straps. I already HAVE sylvans, they're going on a diff bike and I want something nicer to go on the bike i ride everyday. No ones really given me much sound opinion on the three pedals except that they're "expensive" or I should buy sylvans. I think im going to go with the WIDE custom nuevos with some double straps.

The opinion that they gave you is that for what you need, you're not going to notice any improvement over the sylvans you already have, meaning if you need another set of pedals, you might as well just get a set of sylvans again.

But it's your money.

Do you guys know this from experience or what? I dont want another set of sylvans, they're ok but they're a lil small, hence why I think the wides would be good.

i own the normal (non wide) custom nuevos and love them. that's my experience. (got them with my drivetrain)

i see plenty of people on xxfixed wanting to trade their rx-1s for custom nuevos so maybe something is better? or maybe more hype.

i haven't used any other pedals on my bike cept for my spd + cleats, but i did ride a friends fuji with sylvans. difference is probably nominal.

i've heard good things about the gr-9s listed in this thread.

you can use double straps on the mks pedals you listed but you will most likely need longer screws for the clips so you can create a pseudo strap channel

edit: people commenting about sizing. i wear a sz 8 -8.5 so the normal custom nuevos aren't bad at all. yea i can understant them no fitting with sz 12s.

rx1's are really ****in tiny... just stick with sylvans or gr9s, high end pedals are total bling wastes of money

Wide Custom Nuevo-double Strap

Or you could just get gr-9's for over a third the price, and they look better.

Oh, and also, he wanted to run doubles.

+1, look way better and would prolly be better in general for street use (soft-soled shoes, etc.)
however they only take a single strap.

i have some mks unique royals that i paid 20 bucks for
and i can't really tell a difference between them and sylvans
but i haven't ridden them that much but the little bit i did they felt exactly the same as sylvans

I have RX-1s that I like. Expensive bling, but if you are into that go for it.
They are sealed bearing and I think the others you mentioned are not. I wear size 12 shoes and use MKS LL cages and they are fine width-wise, but the soles of my shoes are fairly stiff. With soft shoes like converse or Vans you might appreciate wider pedals.

And GR-9s, Slyvan Lites, repacking what you have, etc, are all really good options.

rx1's are really ****in tiny... just stick with sylvans or gr9s, high end pedals are total bling wastes of money

I wear a US9 and I think GR9s are a bit on the small side too, but I love mine, I especially enjoy the lack of a ridge running across my foot.

Rocking two straps with a home made doubler and longer screws for the toe clips.

If you need wider pedals go for Sylvan roads or Sylvan touring. Be careful with the touring, though, as pedal strike can be a problem with those, especially if you're running anything longer than 165 cranks.

Do you guys know this from experience or what? I dont want another set of sylvans, they're ok but they're a lil small, hence why I think the wides would be good.
Yes, I know this from experience. If you aren't riding with carbon, hard leather, plastic, or wood soles, and attached cleats, track racing specific pedals with high ridges are a bad choice. They are worse than what you have now. What straps and clips you use won't change this from being fact. The pedal cage ridges are very high in order to engage deep in the slot of a cleat. With flexible shoes, like street sneakers, the ridges have nothing to ultimately engage except your flexible foot. If you ride further than the local coffee bar, or really even more than down the block, this will be bad for your feet and bad for your pedal stroke. What is right for flexible street shoes? MTB pedals work well as they are wide enough, have low ridges, and lots of little teeth to grip your street shoe rubber with. The pedals were designed for the kind of footwear you ride in. Same goes for some touring pedals. GR9's are also nice with the addition of a little grip tape. But track pedals for your intended purpose are all wrong.

PS- If you are riding in any normal road setting other than racing, and having a problem with pedal strikes on a track frame with an already high bottom bracket and 165mm cranks, then your riding style may very well need an upgrade as opposed to your pedals. Anything but the widest/deepest rat traps or BMX pedals shouldn't be causing any pedal strikes.

+1, look way better and would prolly be better in general for street use (soft-soled shoes, etc.)
however they only take a single strap.

Another +1 for the GR-9's (I love mine). Also, remember that you can use extra long screws to use double straps or you can just leave the double part beneath the pedal but not locked in. I can't find the pictures right now but I've seen it.

And better to use a single strap with the right pedal than a double strap with the wrong pedal. Though most MTB and non-platform touring pedals will work with doubles.

rx1's are really ****in tiny... just stick with sylvans or gr9s, high end pedals are total bling wastes of money

I have 2 pairs of rx-1 1 i bought 1 i got in a trade and I hate them.
sylvans are great and the new mks cross pedals are awesome too.

http://www.benscycle.net/images/MKSSylvanStreamBlk.jpg

I thought only the mks EXA was made for the cleats, not the ones mentioned above. I have used mtb and touring pedals, I didnt really prefer them.
Specifically which ones did you use?

Some good options:
http://www.benscycle.net/images/MKSSylvanStreamBlk.jpg
http://www.benscycle.net/images/large/mks_gr_9_pedals_LRG.jpg

http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/ca/20/d80d_1.JPG
http://i13.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/c6/8a/8c6f_1.JPG

Not so good:
http://www.benscycle.net/images/MKSCustomNuevo3.jpg

how are the custom nuevos a bad option?

YAY!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2102071095_139b496937.jpg

+1, look way better and would prolly be better in general for street use (soft-soled shoes, etc.)
however they only take a single strap.

Neither can those somas, from the look of the picture, which is what i was trying to reference.

how are the custom nuevos a bad option?

YAY!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2102071095_139b496937.jpg
I think I explained this quite clearly in my lat posts. Look, you want to rock these for the bling factor, and sacrifice both comfort and efficiency, fine. Just don't pretend they are a good choice for riding in sneakers. They are nowhere close. It wasn't what they are designed for. I use track pedals too, when I am riding with shoes that have soles and cleats designed for them. Otherwise, I use better suited, if less fashionable choices in pedals. That this sort of pedal is a form over function choice for rubber soled sneaker wearers is fact. That there are better choices is fact. I'm quite frankly surprised that there would be any sort of debate on the matter. The problems resulting from soft soles and that high cleat engaging ridge on track pedals should be obvious.

I think I explained this quite clearly in my lat posts. Look, you want to rock these for the bling factor, and sacrifice both comfort and efficiency, fine. Just don't pretend they are a good choice for riding in sneakers. They are nowhere close. It wasn't what they are designed for. I use track pedals too, when I am riding with shoes that have soles and cleats designed for them. Otherwise, I use better suited, if less fashionable choices in pedals. That this sort of pedal is a form over function choice for rubber soled sneaker wearers is fact. That there are better choices is fact. I'm quite frankly surprised that there would be any sort of debate on the matter. The problems resulting from soft soles and that high cleat engaging ridge on track pedals should be obvious.

wanna race? lol jk

i mean..custom nuevos and rx-1s are used with biking shoes not cleats so i dunno what is being implied? the high "ridge" appears to be NEARLY the same between the sylvans and the other stated mks pedals. the gr9s are NOT (imho) similar to the sylvans as they are platforms.

i personally* (opinion OHHH NOESSS) , don't "feel" a discomfort when i'm riding my nuevos and feel "more efficient" while using my friends bike with sylvans...

that's just me. i honestly didn't buy the nuevos for a "bling factor" ...they came with the drivetrain i won on yaj =), and it's my personal opinion... that they've been great thus far (which is what the OP was asking for? opinions about them?)

wanna race? lol jk

i mean..custom nuevos and rx-1s are used with biking shoes not cleats so i dunno what is being implied? the high "ridge" appears to be NEARLY the same between the sylvans and the other stated mks pedals. the gr9s are NOT (imho) similar to the sylvans as they are platforms.

i personally* (opinion OHHH NOESSS) , don't "feel" a discomfort when i'm riding my nuevos and feel "more efficient" while using my friends bike with sylvans...

that's just me. i honestly didn't buy the nuevos for a "bling factor" ...they came with the drivetrain i won on yaj =), and it's my personal opinion... that they've been great thus far (which is what the OP was asking for? opinions about them?)
The fact remains though that if you compared these to an equally high end MTB or touring pedal, the high end MTB or touring pedal would win out objectively as more efficient and more comfortable.

The fact remains though that if you compared these to an equally high end MTB or touring pedal, the high end MTB or touring pedal would win out objectively as more efficient and more comfortable.

the discussion isn't on MTB or touring pedals though...

the discussion isn't on MTB or touring pedals though...
This is a valid discussion if a novice is looking for an upgrade and the upgrade isn't a good upgrade for the kind of fixed gear riding he's planning on doing.
This is also a valid discussion if it highlights the problems with the pedals he's thinking of using.
Sorry, but you don't ride the best pedal for soft soled shoes. This seems to anger you towards me, but I am simply stating objective facts. There are better pedals you (and he) could be using for the applications discussed. Maybe you'll never notice this, great for you, but many others will. That is why there are a range of pedals designed and tested for different applications. You guys are both fans of pedals that were never designed for the way you use them and are not the best choice for the way you use them. This is a fact, don't shoot the messenger for delivering the bad news to you. If you asked a pedal designer at MKS, Shimano, Suntour, Specialized, Campy, etc., they'd tell you exactly what I'm telling you.

This is a valid discussion if a novice is looking for an upgrade and the upgrade isn't a good upgrade for the kind of fixed gear riding he's planning on doing.
This is also a valid discussion if it highlights the problems with the pedals he's thinking of using.
Sorry, but you don't ride the best pedal for soft soled shoes. This seems to anger you towards me, but I am simply stating objective facts. There are better pedals you (and he) could be using for the applications discussed. Maybe you'll never notice this, great for you, but many others will. That is why there are a range of pedals designed and tested for different applications. You guys are both fans of pedals that were never designed for the way you use them and are not the best choice for the way you use them. This is a fact, don't shoot the messenger for delivering the bad news to you. If you asked a pedal designer at MKS, Shimano, Suntour, Specialized, Campy, etc., they'd tell you exactly what I'm telling you.

uhhh i'm not hurt over this topic, i just wanted some explanation to how pedals you came to the conclusion that certain pedals are BAD vs Good? and you stated the sylvans and even the suntour pedals you posted have the "high ridges where the middle part of the pedal is not flush with the ridges (sorry for the non technical diction). In comparision they are VERY similar to the nuevos/rx-1/ from the standpoint

Honestly i probably don't ever noticed the difference as i have no intention of switching to a different pedal for shoes. i sometimes use my cleats + spd on longer rides (where i'm not doing too much walking), but stated ONCE AGAIN... i'm trying to answer the OPs question regarding the 3 pedals in question.

i dunno about how "the way you use them" ... because i use them the same way 99.9% of people use them....i ride a bike. i like pedals that when i push my foot down, they turn the crank arms over, and not implode underneath my foot.

have you personally asked a pedal designer at the stated companies if the the pedals are incorrect for the type of riding?

/rant

uhhh i'm not hurt over this topic, i just wanted some explanation to how pedals you came to the conclusion that certain pedals are BAD vs Good? and you stated the sylvans and even the suntour pedals you posted have the "high ridges where the middle part of the pedal is not flush with the ridges (sorry for the non technical diction). In comparision they are VERY similar to the nuevos/rx-1/ from the standpoint

Honestly i probably don't ever noticed the difference as i have no intention of switching to a different pedal for shoes. i sometimes use my cleats + spd on longer rides (where i'm not doing too much walking), but stated ONCE AGAIN... i'm trying to answer the OPs question regarding the 3 pedals in question.

i dunno about how "the way you use them" ... because i use them the same way 99.9% of people use them....i ride a bike. i like pedals that when i push my foot down, they turn the crank arms over, and not implode underneath my foot.

have you personally asked a pedal designer at the stated companies if the the pedals are incorrect for the type of riding?

/rant
"the way you use them" referred to choice of footwear, strap and clip retention system, terrain ridden on, weather conditions ridden in, and how the pedals will be mechanically maintained.

Yes, I have spoken to people involved in designing and testing pedals. I also grew up in the land before clipless (when dinosaurs roamed the earth), and thus have had the benefit of riding many different pedals in many different situations. I also have a decent understanding of bicycle fit and kinesiology, gleaned mostly though my background as a former road racer, long distance bicycle tourer, and recumbent rider.

As I said, enjoy your pedals. I just don't think they should be recommended to the original poster as a worthwhile step up from what he has, or to anyone else as the best pedal for the purpose of riding in soft rubber soled shoes. They are a racing pedal that are built for racing shoes with cleats. They make about as much sense as walking around town in soccer cleats, or driving an F1 racing car to the supermarket to buy groceries. If you enjoy them, fine, I just think it is a mistake to pretend they are the best option for their intended use.

As I said, enjoy your pedals. I just don't think they should be recommended to the original poster as a worthwhile step up from what he has, or to anyone else as the best pedal for the purpose of riding in soft rubber soled shoes. They are a racing pedal that are built for racing shoes with cleats. They make about as much sense as walking around town in soccer cleats, or driving an F1 racing car to the supermarket to buy groceries.

never stated they were the best pedal, i just stated that i like using them. My memory could* be foggy but i think keirin shoes are flat sans cleats

sylvans are a lot cheaper though

never stated they were the best pedal, i just stated that i like using them. My memory could* be foggy but i think keirin shoes are flat sans cleats
Your memory is foggy. Keirin racers use stiff soled shoes with slotted cleats, toe clips, and toe straps.

Your memory is foggy. Keirin racers use stiff soled shoes with slotted cleats, toe clips, and toe straps.

yea i wasn't quite sure

last comment from me, is to the OP, that i have had no problem with the nuevos. cheers and good luck to whatever pedals you choose

i can't believe you are trying to even argue this jdms mvp.

you noob, look at that cleat.

http://www.speedplay.com/pedalmuseum/images/cinelli_monoblock_track_cle.jpg

dude, even regular old sylvan tracks start to hurt the sole of my foot when i'm wearing samba's in one place after awhile.

i wish they made a GR-9 pedal that was as wide as the track or road sylvans and made for double straps, because that extra width really does make a difference in support.

http://www.yellowjersey.org/BLUCLEA3.JPG

http://www.yellowjersey.org/BLUCLEA3.JPG
That shoe sole is hard plastic. That cleat is hard plastic. When wearing sneakers with these kinds of pedals, your foot becomes the slot the pedal cage ridge fits into. Pedals aside, your foot wasn't designed for this.

i ain't even met you yet, spoon, but we make a good team.

i ain't even met you yet, spoon, but we make a good team.
Reality is, we've probably cycled or walked past each other on the LES or in the 'burg at least once before.

I have used RX1 for about 10 months now, and they are great. Still as smooth as ever (and they are very very well used ex-keirin pro's pedals), and no problem with width. I am a size us12 and often wear dunk sb shoes, which are pretty fat and wide. Also perfectly comfortably with all the shoes I wear, including very thin soled old all stars...
RX1 and Custom Nuevo are sealed bearing, sylvan are not. Sylvan, are cheaply finished too, but do the trick and look nice, styled on the old campa pedals.

.......I am guessing that the price is the only problem with the njs cert. pedals?
If that is the case then...if you have the money buy the sweet ones, if you have no money buy the cheap ones.

PS I also love the Suntour Superbe Pro pedals, which I have on my naga, and i know a few guys who run nuevo and love them too...

I'm riding some Suntour Cyclone pedals at the moment which are pretty much rebranded rx-1's. I like the way they are weighted, they feel pretty solid. so +1 for the RX-1's.

I'm riding some Suntour Cyclone pedals at the moment which are pretty much rebranded rx-1's. I like the way they are weighted, they feel pretty solid. so +1 for the RX-1's.
The Suntour Cyclone have little in common with RX-1'a other than basic shape and cage cut outs. They are not rebranded MKS pedals. They were made by Suntour.

Meh, I've had the same set of sylvans on various bikes for 3 years and love them. I've also had the customs on another bike for around 6mo. and love them. I'm also completely aware that I will never notice a difference between the two while not looking at them. On the other hand, the build quality and the beauty of the pedals is noticeably different, if not important. I like that the customs are completely rebuildable and I'll likely never have to replace them. Spend your money how you want.