Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - newb pedal recomendations?

The stock pedals on my Kilo WT have at least 1000 miles and one of them is starting to make a loud noise, what would be a good replacement? I like the existing style of pedals with the toe clip and strap, except for how one of the clips often gets stepped on and caught in the pedal while I am trying to get going, and my feet/toes tend to go numb after 25 miles or so.

What do you wise, experienced folk recommend? The one person I know into bikes suggested BMX pedals with some sort of additional straps, but I'm not sure. I just moved to a new area so I'm not even sure where the LBS is yet.

Sorry to bug you guys with such a dumb question, I'm just not experienced enough with bike stuff yet to know what brands are good and which are junk. Thanks a ton.

mks gr9 pedals (da laydees love these)
mks toe clips
reuse same nylon straps

use ebay foar no lbs =<

This is better than most newbie threads, I doubt you'll get flamed too bad.

Some people like toe clips and straps, and some use bmx style platform pedals and straps.

I have a set of these(with toe clips and single straps) and really like them. They spin nicely and are very easy to clip into.: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/wellgo-track-pedals

For platforms and straps, these are nice. I've never personally used them but many others here have and I've not heard anything bad about them.: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/bikeage-v1-5-straps-odyssey-twisted-pedals

http://www.retro-gression.com/category/components-pedals-clips-straps


+1 for gr9, especially if you wear softer sole shoes

IMO MKS Royal Nuevos are the best pedals in the world. The Sylans are much the same.

My toe pain/numbness is generally due to improperly sized clips rather than pedals. Make sure you're running the right size.

You're gonna get a lot of different answers, so look up some of the most commonly mentioned pedals and brands:

MKS GR9
MKS Sylvan Track
Well-Go RO25B

I've only tried out the Sylvans and RO25B's. Both solid choices. Got a set of GR9's waiting for my next bike.

Look keo classic? shimano spd?

Look keo classic? shimano spd?

For a newb who wants clips/straps?

http://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/750x750/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/o/touringpdal.jpeg

VO touring pedals (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/pedals/vo-touring-pedals-sealed-bearing-236g-pr.html)

VO grade clips (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/vo-steel-toe-clips.html)

recycle nylon straps or go with VO option as well for leather at $15 per pair.

Thirded on the GR-9s, when I switched to them from a set of those Wellgo Track pedals my foot pain went byebye. Only drawback is they can get a bit slippery when wet due to the flat slab pedal surface. And some people do find them too small, not me though.

GR9s look interesting. You mentioned a small pedal surface area. Is it noticeable or just for people with big feet?

I use the gr9's with retro-gression double straps and origin 8 toe clips. I have "medium width feet" according to Zappos (wear boat shoes while riding for fun) and I feel like the GR9's work the best with soft soled shoes (like them boats) due to it's flat surface. Haven't slipped in the rain before when riding with my Sambas. I ride 5 miles everyday to school and have never felt numbness in my feet. Just make sure your clips are the right size for your feet to prevent the numbness. I got a medium size and my shoes vary from 9-11 (depending on what kind of shoe I wear).

GR9s look interesting. You mentioned a small pedal surface area. Is it noticeable or just for people with big feet?

Scrod had mentioned that they were uncomfortable for him, and he admits to having wide feet.

That's the only reason I don't have them.

I've only tried out the Sylvans and RO25B's. Both solid choices. Got a set of GR9's waiting for my next bike.
Sorry for OT, but which did you prefer just out of curiosity?

I got a really narrow size 9.5 foot; my wife says it's from growing up surfing in SoCal.

I was going to cough up the scratch on the VO touring sealed pedals tomorrow - but now I'm going to have to roll around the GR9 option. Tempting.

Scrod had mentioned that they were uncomfortable for him, and he admits to having wide feet.

Yeah, I really wanted to like GR-9s but the outside of my flippers hung over the edge of them a little too much to be comfortable on long rides. My Wellgo RO25Bs - although pretty much the same width - provide much more comfort. They're pretty much my favorite pedal ever.

Sorry for OT, but which did you prefer just out of curiosity?

It's hard to say. I like them both for various reasons.

If I really think about it, I would have to watch my footing and pedal stroke a bit more on the Wellgos since they are a bit narrower and taper towards the forefoot. I think that's a good thing. I think Scrod said somewhere that they are a bit more level than the Sylvans so they don't dig into your feet quite as much, and I would have to agree with that.

The Sylvans are nice and beefy throughout, so I like that too, and I think the Sylvans just look better.

Both are nice pedals though, can't go wrong with either. I usually wear soft soled shoes and I don't think I've once looked down at the pedals because they caused discomfort or problems.

I'm going to get the GR9s and use them with my 5.10 spitfires. We'll see how well they do considering they're reasonably priced.

you can't overhaul the pedal bearings?

Pedal bearings are serviceable? I am not opposed to the idea, but I'm not sure if these pedals are worth it.

Holy crap so many choices!!! I didn't even know the clips and straps were sold separately, I had assumed they all came together as a unit. The buckles on my straps are rusted to all hell, does anyone sell straps with stainless buckles? I have wide feet too so not sure about the GR9s.

I'll do my research and check back later, thanks so much everyone for steering me in the right direction.

nearly everything on a bike is serviceable. bike shops just won't do it for you because it's not worth their time.

MKS Stream > MKS Track

I think I'm going with the Wellgo RO25Bs and these clips/straps: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo

Unless someone has a good argument for something different.

I didn't realize the BMX pedals with straps were mainly for doing tricks, makes sense. My riding is more for exercise/pleasure/errands, I guess that would have been worth stating before.

Thanks again!

My only complaint with GR-9s is that, due to the width of the pedal, the toe strap tends to get pushed toward the front of your foot at the outside. Every time I put my feet in, I have to grab the strap and pull it back. Other than that, they work well with large clips for my size 11 shoe.

^^ i agree, i like the MKS Streams a lot since they grip your shoes better. It doesn't have a large tab to flip the pedal, but you get used to using the serated edge instead. I'd recommend using double straps (toshis are best) or the wide retrogression/hold fast/ynot straps for foot retension

I got my GR9s with VO cages/straps in the mail already.

I think I'm going with the Wellgo RO25Bs and these clips/straps: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/4x-clips-straps-combo

Unless someone has a good argument for something different.

Well I finally got these in the mail, and it seems they are incompatible? There doesn't seem to be any way of retaining the front strap, and the rear strap is too large and doesn't fit through the provision for it in the pedal. I think I'm going to need to return either the pedals or clips/straps, which should I keep and which compatible replacement should I try? Any tips on making sure pedals and clips/straps are compatible?

do like this:

235036

or just run the front strap under the front of pedal...that's what i do.

also, get some pliers and pull the straps through if the fit is tight...it will work.

OK, I'm seeing that, and it does work, but the leather straps were just tighter than I expected. But now, I don't see where there is enough room between the pedal and the clip for the adjuster/buckles to work (I wish I knew the proper terminology better), its like the thick part of the strap is too long.

I'm tempted to return the strap/clip combo for the equivalent with single straps.

Plastic BMX platforms + wide straps. Lighter, more comfortable and cheaper than most other options. Not as aesthetically pleasing to some.

I suppose it should be mentioned that not only can you overhaul the GR9s, often you have to. MKS has a bit of a reputation for shipping the pedals overtightened and without grease, so it's worth a check when you get them.

Unfortunately true. There are probably too many people riding some crunchy MKS pedals

another newbie pedal question, didn't want to start my own thread so I hope this gets answered.

I'm using the stock Kilo TT pedal set up and they're ok for me right now... Takes a little more effort to clip in (or whatever the proper word is for getting my shoes into the straps) unless I'm in specific shoes (like Sambas or Vans). This isn't a huge deal but it's kind of a pain whenever I decide to wear boots on that day.

What options do I have if I want my pedals to accommodate riding with boots?

I suppose it should be mentioned that not only can you overhaul the GR9s, often you have to. MKS has a bit of a reputation for shipping the pedals overtightened and without grease, so it's worth a check when you get them.

Yes yes yes. When I worked at a shop we wondered if that was how MKS jusified the more expensive pedals: they were the only ones that were properly set up in the box. Hence, they were "smoother"

Is there a way to get the dust cap off GR9's without completely destroying them?

another newbie pedal question, didn't want to start my own thread so I hope this gets answered.

I'm using the stock Kilo TT pedal set up and they're ok for me right now... Takes a little more effort to clip in (or whatever the proper word is for getting my shoes into the straps) unless I'm in specific shoes (like Sambas or Vans). This isn't a huge deal but it's kind of a pain whenever I decide to wear boots on that day.

What options do I have if I want my pedals to accommodate riding with boots?

I mean... Just in case anyone skipped it the first time.

I mean... Just in case anyone skipped it the first time.

um...... loosen your straps?

OK, I'm seeing that, and it does work, but the leather straps were just tighter than I expected. But now, I don't see where there is enough room between the pedal and the clip for the adjuster/buckles to work (I wish I knew the proper terminology better), its like the thick part of the strap is too long.


What do you mean here? Can you show us a pic?




What options do I have if I want my pedals to accommodate riding with boots?

As far as I know, you can get huge BMX or platform pedals, or just ride the bottoms of your stock pedals. I can't picture myself ever enjoying riding with boots on.

What do you mean here? Can you show us a pic?

I already have the stuff kinda packed up to send back to them, but I'll see what i can do here with a GIS...


Here is a pic of a similar double strap, not the same brand/etc. but same basic construction:

235482

See where the two straps join into one as it gets closer to the buckles? That thick area is too long to fit into the area between where the strap comes out of the pedal and goes up toward the toe clip. I insert the strap as far as it will go onto the pedal, and there is still too much strap left and the buckles end up above where the other end of the straps come out of the loop in the top of the toe clip. I suppose it could work, but there would be some serous slack on the outboard side.

It really looks to me like this clip/strap setup is meant for use on a MKS Sylvan style pedal, something wider and possibly more symmetrical.

I'm also limited with what I can do these straps since I wish to be able to return them.

MKS gR9's with doubles!

http://distilleryimage9.s3.amazonaws.com/6a09ea9c44a111e19896123138142014_6.jpg

Wellgo RO25B with doubles:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/scrodzilla/BF/wellgo-doubles.jpg

It's not rocket science here, folks.

I ended up doing something sorta in between what Scrod did and what was pictured on the first page. Crossed over underneath seems to help angle the buckles properly toward where the straps come out of these big, wide toeclips.

235878

I only took a quick ride on them but so far they feel great. Mucho thanks to Scrod and everyone else. And yeah, I tend to overthink everything.