Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Suggestions for pedals? Straps? Cages?

Hello all.

I am trying to buy some pedals and some straps/cages, but I am unsure of what pedals I should get. Any suggestions?

I prefer a large platform pedal with out cages or straps, in other words just the pedal. Its simple, and convenient, IMO just about any will do.

I'm with Northwestrider - big platforms with nice pins if you're running freewheel and not riding massive mileage at one go.

If you definitely want clips/straps, are you fixed or free? What kinda shoes do you like? What kinda riding do you do?

I'm putting these on my Pinarello next November: (well they ain't exactly BIG platforms, but nice)

https://images.danscomp.com/images/products/465040_Blue.gif

Oh, and I think I'll probably get the 1/2" versions so I can use my 9/16"-1/2" adapters which give my winter boots plenty of room and reduce crank arm rubbage. (of course the adapters add a bit of pedal-to-street rubbage, but I'm OK with that.)

I rode 25 miles in gnarly rain today. Had to do it on the heavy as hell KHS cuz it's the one with the GT platforms, but hey my feet stayed dry cuz I was wearing boots!

197989197990
take the plunge! join the coolguy club.

If I'm doing massive miles and wanna wear running shoes, I like these:
http://www.velobase.com/CompImages/Pedals/504C9CBD-F265-483B-A59B-26020B2E8229.jpeg

For dry MTB or around town situations with clips and straps I like the 2-bar setups best:
http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq90/boatdrinks_2002/Picture171.jpg

When it gets wet I like something a little more toothy. (see post #3)

Ohh, here we go. These are the pedals I had my waterproof boots on for 25 miles today:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5548399436_6f0221ac1a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5548399436/)
GT pedals off a dumpster score! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesterofpuppets/5548399436/) by Lester Of Puppets (http://www.flickr.com/people/lesterofpuppets/), on Flickr

I used cages for a while. Then I went to clippless. I can't believe how much more power is transfered.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41wySf1XEFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I'm using platforms right now and they work for me (I ride fixed w/brakes). I'm thinking about going clipless or getting some straps and toe clips.

If you get clips, try to get leather straps. I have the regular (nylon?) straps and they get twisted around a lot.

Oh, and I think I'll probably get the 1/2" versions so I can use my 9/16"-1/2" adapters which give my winter boots plenty of room and reduce crank arm rubbage. (of course the adapters add a bit of pedal-to-street rubbage, but I'm OK with that.)

I rode 25 miles in gnarly rain today. Had to do it on the heavy as hell KHS cuz it's the one with the GT platforms, but hey my feet stayed dry cuz I was wearing boots!

Thanks for the help! I totally forgot to mention I'm riding fixed, brakeless. Haha. I was actually thinking of getting platforms with a strap but I'm still not sure.

197989197990
take the plunge! join the coolguy club.

Do these clips require the shoes?

If you get clips, try to get leather straps. I have the regular (nylon?) straps and they get twisted around a lot.

Any suggestions on what kind of leather straps?

I just got exustar double traps from amazon for $40 shipped. They are much much better than the plain leather soma straps I had before. they are two strips of suede with laminate sandwiched between them. I would recommend them if you are on a budget. Otherwise, get Toshi straps.

http://www.wabicycles.com/pedal_options.html

i really like the pair at the top of the page.

MKS Sylvan or GR-9 Track pedals, leather straps (single or double, your choice), and I'm really partial to All City plastic double toe clips, they are super durable and if you break them, they were only 10 bucks.

As far as leather straps.. Origin 8 from Amazon. I can't see a point to buying Toshis or any of the expensive ones.

http://www.wabicycles.com/pedal_options.html

i really like the pair at the top of the page.

the wabis are the same as the exustars which I am pretty sure are the same as the $20 more Cadences.

I would just get the exustars off of amazon especially if you have amazon prime cuz then the shipping is fast and free.

I'm riding MKS Gr9's (great, doesn't dig into sole like sylvans), with chrome large toe clips and single leather straps
it isn't meant for double straps though, but i think they really aren't necessary
the wider/flatter platform is really comfy and the flip tab is soo useful
i have shimano r540's and shoes in the mail though

OP, it would help if we knew what sort of shoes you wear when you ride.

I endorse GR-9's with All City leather doubles. With a bit of modification the doubles work fine. I wear them with Sambas.

I love my mks sylvan + toshi double straps, and double gate cages; don't hate on toshi straps as they're well worth their price in durability and strength.

As for slipless, speedplay all the way except for when I'm using casual clipless shoes, that's why SPD's take over.

MKS Touring Lites are pretty great.

Do these clips require the shoes?

as far as I know all clipless pedal systems require cycling shoes. the "cleats" come w/the pedals but they need to be mounted to your foot. fortunately there are many options for shoes so you dont have to spend big cash to get some. everyones apprehensive at first.

I have a used set of MKS Sylvans with steel clips and leather straps. Pretty basic, $27 shipped. PM me

I have a used set of MKS Sylvans with steel clips and leather straps. Pretty basic, $27 shipped. PM me

I cannot pm you due to the fact that I'm still a new member to the forum and I need a minimum 50 posts to PM people. Could you send me a picture?

I'm looking for a good food retention system my fixed-gear as well. The cage + single strap isn't quit getting the job done. What's a good double-strap-accepting cage? I've also seen setups that have a single wide (like 3"?) fabric strap that goes over the foot, can't remember if they use a cage or not. They looked pretty secure, anyone know what those are called or where to find them?

As for pedals I think I'm gonna get the Sylvans, they look very classy. The Touring Lites are pretty sweet too though.

ETA: I guess I mean these things... anyone have any experience riding fixed with them?

http://www.cyclelicio.us/images/footbelt.jpg

I have a used set of MKS Sylvans with steel clips and leather straps. Pretty basic, $27 shipped. PM me

Single or double straps? I mean, if the other guy doesn't get them. ;)

BAM!

http://www.retro-gression.com/product/bikeage-v1-5-straps-odyssey-twisted-pedals

BAM!

http://www.retro-gression.com/product/bikeage-v1-5-straps-odyssey-twisted-pedals

Those, and most of the ones I can find, are made for platform pedals... I'd like something for track pedals. The retrogression guys say they're gotten them to work with certain track pedals though so who knows.

Anyone have experience with the 4X clips/straps on retrogression (http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo)?
It seems to be the best deal around for double clips and leather straps @ $35
http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/31190441/300.jpg

I remember there was a pedal setup posted in ssfg a few weeks ago with white kashimax straps and gold track pedals that cost like $300. Props to whoever can find that pic again.

Edit: I found them. These pedals a fricken sweet:
Edit again: Pic got deleted?
http://www.orangecountyfixed.com/composition/attachment/a5f2cf919fbe32189e04896e0dab9bbc/238067/01x1000.jpg

Errrr mks custom nuevo?

They're awesome pedals IMO; you can't beat the sealed bearings.

I used cages for a while. Then I went to clippless. I can't believe how much more power is transfered.
Did you try slotted cleats when you were using toe clips?

No difference in power transfer between slotted cleats and clipless pedals.

does anyone use slotted cleats anymore?

Anyone have experience with the 4X clips/straps on retrogression (http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo)?
It seems to be the best deal around for double clips and leather straps @ $35
http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/31190441/300.jpg



I have them and they have worked awesome for me

Anyone have experience with the 4X clips/straps on retrogression (http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo)?
It seems to be the best deal around for double clips and leather straps @ $35
http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/31190441/300.jpg

I remember there was a pedal setup posted in ssfg a few weeks ago with white kashimax straps and gold track pedals that cost like $300. Props to whoever can find that pic again.



It's funny because I am about to buy these. Anyone have any other thoughts?

does anyone use slotted cleats anymore?

I use rigid soled cycling shoes with slotted cleats on my vintage bikes that have traditional ratrap pedals / toe clips / straps. It is very ineffective to use clips / straps with ordinary shoes, so I use mostly clipless systems on my FG bikes and no retention at all on my SS bikes. One bike has the bmx platform / velcro wide straps with no clips for use with non-cycling shoes. It's not as effective as a cleated system, but a lot better than no retention at all.

if pedals are to be used with clips, they already come with cages.

http://www.cyclelicio.us/images/footbelt.jpg

anyone know what shoes they are?

Those, and most of the ones I can find, are made for platform pedals... I'd like something for track pedals. The retrogression guys say they're gotten them to work with certain track pedals though so who knows.

i've been riding with these aurora straps and all city track pedals for about a year and have no complaints at all.

http://www.jssvghn.com/dump/straps.jpg

they designed to fit through most track pedals and are pretty snug on my all city pedals, but they're extremely strong and actually feel more secure than when i was using clips and straps. they also solved my toe overlap issue when i got a new frame.

aurora website (http://www.aurora-collective.com/aurora-velcro-straps/)

anyone know what shoes they are?

They look like red Puma Sky Hi - the ultimate stupid hipster shoe.

http://images.sneakernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/puma-sky-ii-hi-weave-black-purple-05.gif

They look less puffy than the Sky hi to me. I like the natural color sole too. Hard to tell without more in the pic though. You know what's freeky? It doesn't look like there's a foot in the red shoe in that pic.

That shoe's in there all sideways too.

I wear sambas with VO track pedals mks cage with single leather strap, and i have to say it feels like my toes wrap around the edge of the pedals like i'm a monkey which can get a little painful (however my shoes are pretty old...) I also have the mks touring pedals with all city quad cages and double straps, those are super comfortable though the straps do get loose from time to time. I have been getting rather interested in going clipless

my suggestion for a good all around pedal clip and strap set up it
mks gr-9 toshi single straps and mks clips
I hear the various bmx platform and street strap set ups are nice haven't tried them personally

also you do not need specific clips to run double toe straps!
image for reference
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5488464630_05bc18268d.jpg
also if your straps aren't holding your foot then tighten them just get your foot in and reach down as you pedal and tighten them
when it comes time to dismount reach down and flick the tab on the buckle of the strap to loosen them again and get out

does anyone use slotted cleats anymore?

Sure. I do.

im a huge advoate for clipless. i was skeptical when i first tried it on my geared bike, but there's no turning back. i've actually never used non-clipless on my fixed gear. i've used SPD-SL and SPD, and SPD is awesome in terms of convenience: dual-sided platform/clipless pedals and a recessed cleat.

Sure. I do.

i thought youd be more practical.

They look like red Puma Sky Hi - the ultimate stupid hipster shoe.

gah, the orange ones looked good. I didn't know they had all that crap above the ankle...i'm gonna raise a new thread on the topic...

I don't think they're the same. Orange shoes' Puma stripe doesn't go all the way down to the sole. Orange shoes look like they just have two rows of perforations on toe, judging from what looks to be a row of stitching peeking out from under the pedal strap.

I run mks sylvan pedals with 4x clips and leather straps . been perfect for fixed and long riding .

i've been riding with these aurora straps and all city track pedals for about a year and have no complaints at all.

http://www.jssvghn.com/dump/straps.jpg

they designed to fit through most track pedals and are pretty snug on my all city pedals, but they're extremely strong and actually feel more secure than when i was using clips and straps. they also solved my toe overlap issue when i got a new frame.

aurora website (http://www.aurora-collective.com/aurora-velcro-straps/)

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

i thought youd be more practical.

My most comfortable shoes are these Rivats:

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/rivat.jpg

Bought 'em new over 30 years ago and they're still going strong.

If you can learn how to track stand or skid stop, you can learn how to ride slotted cleats.

the hassle to stop and go seems inexcusable in the clipless era, but crazier things have been done for love of a pair of shoes.