Folding Bikes - Removable Pedals - The Options?

I am in the process of putting together a thread on the Removable pedals options available on the market. I would like to know the models you use and your experience?

Also, a lot of folder riders have switched from folding pedal to removable pedals, any feedback?

Thanks

Cannot comment on folding pedals, but I do use MKS pedals. They have a quick release coupler similar to that used in an air hose coupling. I think mine are called the AR2 and are a single sided platform pedal. I have power grip straps installed and the combo has been wonderful.

Here is a pic of my Bike-Friday with one of the MKS pedals removed and sitting on the floor next to it. The female coupling which remains attached to the crank arm is also visable in this pic.

http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u11/bicycleflyer/My%20Projects/?action=view&current=Picture120.jpg

MKS also has a double sided platform and a clipless pedal also with the QR option. The downside to the clipless pedal is it uses a spd look alike cleat that is not compatible with shimano spd.

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm#promenade

+1 for the MKS EZ.

bicycleflyer, it seems that your PG installation is opposite of what described in the PG instructions. IIRC, the strap end with the cross screw should be on the side closer the the bike. Your configuration reduces the chance of pedal strike. Is it intentional?

kam

bicycleflyer, it seems that your PG installation is opposite of what described in the PG instructions. IIRC, the strap end with the cross screw should be on the side closer the the bike. Your configuration reduces the chance of pedal strike. Is it intentional?


Looks right to me. That's how they're installed on my bike. Insert foot with heel rotated outwards. Rotate heel inwards to tighten.

If the PG were mounted backwards, you would have to insert your foot with the heel rotated inwards, which is kind of hard since your cranks or frame would be in the way.

I have been using MKS EZ with toe clips (no straps). Switched out the stock folding Suntour pedals on the Dahon. They were slick when wet and felt chincy. Bought some SPD/platform combo pedals (Wellgo) and SPD cleats/shoes, to try out next.

Looks right to me. That's how they're installed on my bike. Insert foot with heel rotated outwards. Rotate heel inwards to tighten.

Check out this picture on Thor's site

http://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/accessories/powergrips.jpg

The hex screw is on the outer side of the pedal per the instructions. This is how I installed it but it increases the chance of pedal strike.

Check out this picture on Thor's site

http://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/accessories/powergrips.jpg

The hex screw is on the outer side of the pedal per the instructions. This is how I installed it but it increases the chance of pedal strike.

isn't it just the angle that makes it appear different?

isn't it just the angle that makes it appear different?

Yes, you are right, the tab is on the outer side in both pictures. My bad.

Kam

Well I am glad you guys worked this out without me....

As to the slippery remark... I have never had a problem, but the power grips do help in that regard. But those spd/platform combos you mention are good pedals too. I use them on my full size road bike and used to use them on my bike-friday. The 6mm slot on the axle's end made quick work of removing them. Took maybe about 3 minutes, but the EZ pedals take about 5 sec.

A note regarding the MKS quick release based on my experience. They are difficult to remove from the crank. A standard 15 mm wrench or a pedal wrench are both to wide. I had to use a cone wrench when I want to remove these. There is no hex slot on them either.

A note regarding the MKS quick release based on my experience. They are difficult to remove from the crank. A standard 15 mm wrench or a pedal wrench are both to wide. I had to use a cone wrench when I want to remove these. There is no hex slot on them either.

This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?

This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?
I'm not sure why I would want to take the quick release bases off while out on on the road so I don't bother to take a wrench.
The pedals themselves unclip from the bases quickly and without tools but it does take a moment longer than folding a pedal.
The primary advantages I see are:
- With the pedal unclipped, the base does not stick out from the crank near as far as a folding pedal.
- The base is smooth and is much less likely to scratch or catch on something than a folding pedal
- They are more solid than any folding pedal I have seen
- It's easy to switch platform types or switch pedals between bikes
- They will accept toe clips and or straps
- Removing the pedals is an easy extra deterrent to ride-away thieves
So far as I know, nobody else makes anything like them.
David

Shaymo, perhaps I wasn't clear enough. As per energyandair's comment, you don't need tools to unclip the pedals from the quick release: it truly is a quick release. The problem lies in removing the quick releases from the cranks: the only tool I could use was a cone wrench. When you compare this to the leverage you can get out of a pedal wrench as a comparison, I'm concerned about the part seizing.

I'm not sure why I would want to take the quick release bases off while out on on the road so I don't bother to take a wrench.
The pedals themselves unclip from the bases quickly and without tools but it does take a moment longer than folding a pedal.
The primary advantages I see are:
- With the pedal unclipped, the base does not stick out from the crank near as far as a folding pedal.
- The base is smooth and is much less likely to scratch or catch on something than a folding pedal
- They are more solid than any folding pedal I have seen
- It's easy to switch platform types or switch pedals between bikes
- They will accept toe clips and or straps
- Removing the pedals is an easy extra deterrent to ride-away thieves
So far as I know, nobody else makes anything like them.
David

To add to the list above, beyond the obvious quality differences, the MKS pedals utilize a more traditional pedal design approach by having the bearings support the platform at the extreme ends.. folding pedals by design have the bearings much closer together.. the constant leverage on the closely placed bearings leads to pedal bearing failure at a much higher rate.. folding pedals work well for light use, but if you are really putting the miles in, then a more traditional design gets the nod from me..

While the statement that you need a thin wrench to install the base pieces for the MKS is correct, it is not something I carry on the road either. I have cone wrenches in my shop and those do very well. It is only an issue at installation or removal, not roadside.

If you do a search, there is a fellow that took straight shimano SPD pedals and machined an axle that would fit the MKS. It was a nice piece of work.

Shaymo, perhaps I wasn't clear enough. As per energyandair's comment, you don't need tools to unclip the pedals from the quick release: it truly is a quick release. The problem lies in removing the quick releases from the cranks: the only tool I could use was a cone wrench. When you compare this to the leverage you can get out of a pedal wrench as a comparison, I'm concerned about the part seizing.


Just thinking out loud here. If you are concerned with seizing, then why not remove the base pieces every few months and lube them with grease. This should alleviate that issue. A rainy day project?

I've MKS EZYs on Moulton TSR and on Swift Folder.

From my point of view these pedals are absolutely the best ones available for folding bikes on the market. The assembly and disassembly takes just a few seconds, no tools needed at all.

Once disassembled, the nut on the crank is definetely negligible. The standard delivery includes even a bag in which you can put the pedals when not in use. I don't use the security clips, so far not a single indication of unintetional release from the crank.

100% my next bicycle will have these pedals, too.

I like and use MKS Promenade EZY on my Dahon Hammer Head 7.0 and Smooth Hound http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7058&currency=USD

I like and use MKS CUBE EZ PEDALS on my Mu SL
http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm


On my wife's and my Dahon Speed TRs we like the folding MKS MTS-2 EZY petals. Sorry no link to any photos.

Ciao,
o^o

I had MKS EZY's on my Swift till this week.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...:eek:
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin...:notamused::lol: )

I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.

I've up't to Eggbeater's & after a couple days, I'm impressed.
~ They're not detachable, so I'll leave it at that. :lol:

Thanks for all the feedback here. VP components also make a range of quick release pedals(See http://www.vpcomponents.com/pedals.asp?pcat2=43).

Its clear to me now that quick release pedals have many advantages over folding pedals though usually a bit more expensive. I was also wondering, do any of the folding bike manufacturers ship quick release pedals as standard on any of their range.

To add to the list above, beyond the obvious quality differences, the MKS pedals utilize a more traditional pedal design approach by having the bearings support the platform at the extreme ends.. folding pedals by design have the bearings much closer together.. the constant leverage on the closely placed bearings leads to pedal bearing failure at a much higher rate.. folding pedals work well for light use, but if you are really putting the miles in, then a more traditional design gets the nod from me..

One advantage of MKS detachables not mentioned so far is that the standard pedals can be swopped over to the clippless version for when higher preformance is reguired ,best of both worlds? The clippness is simular to SPD but users MKS cleats. I have this set up ,but curently I am using MKS fp folding. but if I start doing a longer commutes I have the potential to swop to either detachable option as reguired.Ie standard pedals for local riding, and clippness for longer commutes

I had MKS EZY's on my Swift till this week.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...:eek:
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin...:notamused::lol: )

I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.


I'm assuming you weren't using the plastic clips supplied with the EZY's?? .. if they are installed, and the pedals are attached correctly to the couplers, I can't see them coming off no matter how hard you pedal or wiggle your feet.. I've got the same set up on a couple of pedal sets ( with P/G's) and over the last 3 years have never experienced an unexpected pedal release.. however, there have been reports of pedals coming off when the plastic clips were left off..

Its clear to me now that quick release pedals have many advantages over folding pedals though usually a bit more expensive. I was also wondering, do any of the folding bike manufacturers ship quick release pedals as standard on any of their range.

Dahons have shipped selected model bikes with q/release pedals for years..

I'm assuming you weren't using the plastic clips supplied with the EZY's?? .. if they are installed, and the pedals are attached correctly to the couplers, I can't see them coming off no matter how hard you pedal or wiggle your feet..

I always use the clips and never had a pop up. Taking the clips off at the end of the ride takes few seconds but not a big deal.

I wonder if the old style clips with those little tabs were easier to take off:

http://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/accessories/mksring.jpg

Anybody knows if they are still available? I would like to try them.

kam

Don't know if anyone else reads Alex Whitmore's Blog... but this (http://blogs.phred.org/blogs/alex_wetmore/archive/2009/04/17/seasons-speeding-tikit-porteur.aspx)got posted today


I hacked up my favorite MKS Grip King pedals to have a quick release MKS EZ axle. This lets them pop off of the bike in an instant to make the fold smaller. Taking axles out of $60 pedals and putting them into $50 pedals is an expensive solution, I wish MKS just offered these with the quick release axle as stock.

This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?

I think it largely depends on what kind of commuting we're talking about. If it's a multi-modal commute I would prefer folding pedals and the fewest tools possible. If it's a standard commute from point A to point B, then I guess quick release pedals might be better.

--sam

I dont understand this issue of carrying tools to take pedals off during commuting. THis is a "red herring". Yes if you want to take the full dismountable pedal off you need either a cone spanner or a ground down pedal spanner(preferable). But people dont change their pedals when commuting or touring do they?
Yes, a folding pedal system is more convient as the pedals stay on the bike, but their is little difference in speed between the two options. Many people find folding pedals including the MKS FP6 sliperry or else, that many other models wear out quickly, so they opt for the detachable, which also have the option of swopping quickly for clippless. If you want to use spd type pedals they are as small as folding pedals anyway, so the only reason for opting for detachable clippless MKS is if you want to realy minimise space, or want to be able to change to standard pedals for differnet uses.

at the risk of sounding redundant, but for clarity's sake: no tools are needed to remove quick release pedals.
you only need a tool if you want to release the threaded mounting bolt from the crank, just like you would need the same tool to remove folding pedals from the crank....

Yes, I understand that no tools are required to remove the pedals. I should have been more clear. Sorry if I added to any confusion.

My point was that if you're on a multi-modal commute, folding pedals are easier as you don't need a place to store the pedals while on a crowded train. Multi-modal commutes also mean that you probably don't want to carry a lot of extras, including tools. What I meant by tools was general bike tools like a pump, tubes, etc... not tools to remove the pedals.

Again... sorry for not being clear before.

--sam

any one experirnce of the VP set up? do they work with MKS?