General Cycling Discussion - pedals

hey-

looking into buying some toe-clip style pedals. I realize that clipless are better, but laying down 100 bucks or more on pedals and shoes as a still not overly serious cyclist seems stupid.

i've seen some aluminum pedals w/ toe clips online, for around $30. they seem like a good deal. just want some feedback.

also, is 9/16 inch the normal size for a hybrid?

If you already have platforms most are compatible with toe clips, toe clips are like $6 for a pair and then the straps which are another $6. Or pay $12 for metal toe clips.

If you think aout it... alumnium pedals are like... $15 each. So that's pretty good deal... what are you looking at?

If you aren't yet "serious" enough for clipless pedals and shoes, you might want to consider half clips instead of full toe clips. Much easier to use, and if you aren't going to be reaching down to tighten the straps anyway (and most people don't for casual riding), half clips are just as good. There are plastic ones, and I think MKS makes chrome metal ones too. You probably don't need to buy new pedals for them. But I do think that even for a newbie or casual recreational rider, it's going to be much more pleasant and effective to use mountain bike style SPD clipless pedals. When properly set up with multi-release cleats (some models come with those) and with the release tension backed off, they are actually much easier and more convenient to use than toe clips. I say this despite being a retrogrouch for almost everything else. Hybrids use the same pedals as any other bike. But I'm pretty sure that you must already have pedals on it that can accept toe clips.

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/COMPPDNCDIM/PD1172

those are the ones i'm looking at.

i'll look into just buying the straps and stuff, but that seems like a good deal to me.

9/16" are the normal SPINDLE size for cottered and cotterless cranks. If you don't know what I am talking about, look at your bike, particularly the crank arms. If you can remove the crank arms, then you can use the 9/16" pedal. If the crank arms are bent into the crank axle, one solid piece, the use 1/2" spindle pedals. Either way, use a 15mm wrench to install and uninstall the pedals.

If any of that confuses you, have a bike shop replace the pedals.

i'm almost sure i've been able to take the crank arms off before, but i will take a look at that. great advice!

MKS are pretty much the standard for replacement pedals. They are good enough, fairly cheap, easy to service and last for years. They do make snazzy versions for track-riders but the Sylvian touring model is best for everyday use.

You dont need to remove the cranks, only the old pedals. Make sure you grease the pedal/crank threads.

I use toe clips everyday with lmetal clips/leather straps which I prefer to nylon/plastic.
Use the straps lose for safety and convenience.
When threading the strap through the pedal it goes buckle side out with 2 rotations between the outer and inner edges of the pedal to prevent movement.
I use Nylock nuts to fasten the clips to the pedal so they dont vibrate lose.

I went to my LBS today to see what they had, and i found a pair of 'Giant' straps and stuff. i didn't have pedals that would support them, so i had to buy new ones, Shimano AtureTrail. they have some apparently good plastic middles and aluminum on the outsides. the fully aluminum would have been twice the price.

on the test ride of them they seemed good. not a huge difference, but climbing hills was better.

i'm certainly happy that i didn't buy online, i would have bought the wrong size. *bows to the LBS*
thanks for the great advice, you all.