Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Fixie Pedals Question

I am building a fixed gear bike and was wondering is it recommended for newbies like me to get a pedal with toe clips? I am planning on using the fixie for dailiy commuting & some track stands.

also, are straps necessary? Can i just get by with toe clip + pedal only?

Use brakes if you dont want to use foot retention. I've ridden with just bare BMX pedals and it felt pretty good

Foot retention is pretty much required. You can use these: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/bikeage-v1-5-straps-odyssey-twisted-pedals they may be more comfortable for you to use. Also, use a brake.

I have a pair of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BVZYDE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002BW3HKU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=172P03VGVH3C32MDDZDP

After I lubed the bearings, they work great. I also bought an extra set of clips and straps for $6

You can also go a little spendy with Origin 8 set up, probably about $50 for a double strap set

I am building a fixed gear bike and was wondering is it recommended for newbies like me to get a pedal with toe clips? I am planning on using the fixie for dailiy commuting & some track stands.

also, are straps necessary? Can i just get by with toe clip + pedal only?
If you're going to ride a fixed gear, in most cases you should always have toe clips and straps with a front brake. Some people like to ride brakeless, but that just means you MUST have some sort of foot retention, as it's not safe without.. Clips without straps are pretty much worthless imo.

If you don't want clips and straps, just get a set of clipless and be done with it.

I prefer one thick leather strap that goes over the top of the foot, and you tighten it down to your shoes so you dont need toe clips. Hold Fast I've heard is good, I dunno what your budget is like but I've got Sofus Francisco. They're spendy but worth the money if you're serious about riding. They're made out of the same leather as horse harnesses for pulling carriages! And the adhesive is industrial-strength velcro.. Seriously puts all other velcro to shame. Any straps of these style would require BMX platforms or mini-platforms. I prefer the mini, much sleeker and more low-key. Mine are Sinz brand and I paid like $40 at my LBS.


BTW, another reason why I like the mini-platform is because I've got small feet. If you have big feet you'd probably like standard platforms.

i just got mks gr 9 with double straps and im really satisfied.

BMX pedals with the retrogression straps (http://www.retro-gression.com/product/bikeage-v1-5-straps-odyssey-twisted-pedals) or a nice pair of hold fasts (http://www.holdfastordie.com/) are probably the most comfortable/easiest to clip in and out (besides going clipless)

However, I really don't like the look of clunky BMX pedals on track frames, so I bought a couple pairs of Aurora straps (http://www.aurora-collective.com/) that fit into MKS sylvans or most other standard track pedals. They feel way more secure than my original clip/one-strap set-up (maybe I'll try doubles down the road).

If you ride fixed, foot retention is neccessity - especially if you run brakeless. I run some BMX platforms with some straps because it allows me to ride in regular shoes which is practical because I ride to work and such. Although I must say I have been wanting to try clipless

MKS GR9s with Soma Double cages with Origin 8 straps. Love this setup, more comfortable on top of the foot... These pedals are more for riders that wear soft soled shoes while riding..