Folding Bikes - can't decide on pedals...help

I just can't decide whether to change the pedals on my Dahon Curve. I am thinking I'd like to use a set of Powergrips, so I'd need to get a new set of MKS ezy pedals to do it. I'm thinking the AR-2's. None of the other folding pedal options are really good to use with clips.

But I'm not sure it's worth the hassle of using removable pedals. Anyone using them?

Anyone use the powergrips? They get pretty good reviews. I don't really like toe clips, so I wanted to try these. But for about 80 bucks for the whole ball of wax, pedals and grips, I'm just not sure.

I just can't decide whether to change the pedals on my Dahon Curve. I am thinking I'd like to use a set of Powergrips, so I'd need to get a new set of MKS ezy pedals to do it. I'm thinking the AR-2's. None of the other folding pedal options are really good to use with clips.

But I'm not sure it's worth the hassle of using removable pedals. Anyone using them?

Anyone use the powergrips? They get pretty good reviews. I don't really like toe clips, so I wanted to try these. But for about 80 bucks for the whole ball of wax, pedals and grips, I'm just not sure.

I use the MKS/PowerGrips combo all the time... being able to quickly remove the pedals is nice at times, but the beauty of the MKS system is that you can quickly change pedals to their clipless or platform series and by just purchasing extra couplers, you can install them on any other bikes you may have. The quality is high (as opposed to most folding pedals) and durability is excellent. If you find that you really don't need to fold pedals to narrow your bike, standard pedals with PowerGrips should work great. Also, if you're handy with tools, you can install PowerGrips on folding pedals as well.

I will need to take the pedals off now and again. The bike fits in the back of my Mini Cooper without even putting the seats down, but the pedals have to be folded.

Ok, so that's one vote that makes me want to change them out.

I want to get a set of Ezy pedals and Powergrips when I get my curve SL.

I have bikes with both folding and removable pedals. I can remove the removables faster than I can fold the folders. The thing about the removables is remembering to bring them. It's easy in the course of loading and unloading your vehicle to forget the pedals and then find they are separated from your bike by some distance! I have been considering getting extra couplers and mounting them to the rear rack so that I will have a means to store the pedals on the bike while they are dismounted from the cranks.

One of my biggest problems is finding a store that sells both the pedals I want and the powergrips. None of my lbs' carry the powergrips and most online places carry either the pedals or the grips. I'll wind up paying twice the shipping. Thor has both, but he doesn't have the ar-2's. I don't think I want the Promenades, and the others he has, the MT's, I'm not sure I want and they're black. Rather have silver. But I read a review from someone around here who didn't really like the MT's that much.

It's just frustrating.

I have Mks Ar-2's with zefal mini toe clips. Its a good combo so far. I thought about the powergrips, but I wear such varying shoe types that I wanted something with a closed toe instead of depending on something that presses against the top of my foot.
Plus, the zefal's are much cheaper than the powergrips.

I used the powergrips for a while. I 'graduated' to clipless. I thought the powergrips were OK but not great. Accelerating from light was always a bit tens trying to put in the left foot by feel. I got good at it but the other thing that wasn't so great was the pulling back action at BDC - my feet would tend to disengage a little bit, requiring me to re-position often.

On the whole, a plus, but not as good as my eggbeaters.

One of my biggest problems is finding a store that sells both the pedals I want and the powergrips. None of my lbs' carry the powergrips and most online places carry either the pedals or the grips. I'll wind up paying twice the shipping. Thor has both, but he doesn't have the ar-2's. I don't think I want the Promenades, and the others he has, the MT's, I'm not sure I want and they're black. Rather have silver. But I read a review from someone around here who didn't really like the MT's that much.

It's just frustrating.

But even if your LBS doesn't have the PowerGrips on the shelf, won't they order them for you? Mine did.

I have the MT's myself. They were not the ones I was expecting when I ordered them with the bike, but I like them pretty well. The MT's have little projections from the top of the platform that grip the soles of my shoes. The AR-2's don't have them, so it's more than just a color difference.

Steveroot on the Dahon site forums has the AR-2's and built himself a little holder attached to his bike. He drops the shafts of the pedals into the tubes of his holder when he folds to board a train.

Good to know about the Mt's. That is an important point. And I never thought to ask if the lbs would order the powergrips. They probably would. Nice guys in one of the places I frequent.

But I think I'm going to try the powergrips over going clipless. I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to trying those.

But I think I'm going to try the powergrips over going clipless. I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to trying those.
I used them quite a while, both I and SWMBO fell over a few times when forgetting to remove the foot. :p

You could order the whole lot from Thor:
http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm

Yeah, I'm probably going to do that. I'll get the MT's and the powergrips.

Does he give discounts to BF members do you know?

I have big feet and I like plain platform pedals. MKS touring pedals and the Grip King pedal work good for me.

http://www.rivbike.com/search/run?query=pedals&commit=Search#product=14-020

http://www.rivbike.com/search/run?query=pedals&commit=Search#product=14-053

Ok, I finally, after a million searches, found a place online that sells both the pedals and the powergrips.

So my last desicion is between the MT's and the AR-2's. Can anyone weigh in on which one is better? I know the MT's have the little things that can grip, and the Ar's are flat. Anybody have a preference or a suggestion as to why one is better than the other. I know this is a personal preference, but any input helps.

I'd take the AR-2 + power grips.

FWIW, I have:
- Promenade + power grips
- Sylvan Stream + power grips
I like the narrow cage design better, while you seem to like quills.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2631041416_4b630a4235.jpg?v=0

Ok, I finally, after a million searches, found a place online that sells both the pedals and the powergrips.

So my last desicion is between the MT's and the AR-2's. Can anyone weigh in on which one is better? I know the MT's have the little things that can grip, and the Ar's are flat. Anybody have a preference or a suggestion as to why one is better than the other. I know this is a personal preference, but any input helps.

The AR-2's are way prettier... beautiful pedal... however, they are one-sided.. if you want to pedal away in a hurry without getting into the Powergrips, the Promenade pedal (2 sided) would be a better choice, especially in town.. I have them both (as well as the CubeEzy).. bearing quality is probably the same... soooo, aesthetics vs practicality should be weighed..

On my Dahon, which is only used for commuting, I have replaced the OEM folding pedals with fixed MKS touring pedals. These are really nice because I have 11½ size feet. I have also used the Powergrips with these same pedals on other bikes, and they worked well with one caveat. If you wear a shoe above size 10 and also wear athletic shoes with thick soles, You will not fit into the standard Powergrips. Be sure to order the extended size.

On the Dahon I like the freedom of not having any clips, or straps. I just want to be able to fold the bike in half so I can use it on the BART trains. On all my road bikes, I use Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL cleats. The one possible advantage of having the powergrips on the Dahon is to allow you to pull through the bottom of the pedal stroke which should smooth out the pulsation I can feel over 18mph, which I think is due to the smaller 20-inch wheels. I do not feel that on any of my bikes with 700c wheels.

I also work part time in the REI Bike shop in Concord CA, and have ordered these pedals for customers.

David C.

I agree with BruceMetras that the AR-2's are definitely the better looking model. After some months of use, the black is wearing off the tops of my MT's and I would have preferred the clean all-aluminum look.

Another point in favor of the AR-2's is that they have a little tab at the rear which is supposed to help tip the pedal up to put your feet in the clips or Power Grips.

You can hardly go wrong with either model. They are well built and made to be serviced, so you should get long service from them.

I have the MKS removables on my Brompton. No hassle at all and really really good rigidity and grip for cycling.