Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Pedals + Toe Clips/Straps Recommendations

Hello all,

This sexy beast will soon be mine: http://www.masibikes.com/bikes/fixed/fixed-uno-drop-2012

Obviously, it needs a new set of pedals with clips or pedal straps. I just have two questions to throw out there for discussion and recommendation:

1) Should I go with clips or with pedal straps (like these YNOT ones which look pretty awesome: http://www.ynotcycle.com/products/pedal-straps/)? I have toe clips on my dedicated path bike, but I'll be using my new Masi for commuting mainly, and I'm thinking that the pedal straps may be less secure, but definitely more comfortable and less rough on my shoes. Also, before anybody recommends, I'm not going for clipless pedals - I don't want to have a pair of biking shoes just to commute.

2) I've done plenty of searching, and these pedals are highly recommended: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/mks-sylvan-track-pedals However, I was thinking something a bit smoother and more platform like, something like this: http://www.danscomp.com/products/465238/Animal_Hamilton_Pedals_(Unsealed).html# Not sure if anybody has had experience with any of these pedals, but maybe you could throw some other recommendations at me.

Thanks!

I use the Retrogression pedal straps (he's out of stock ATM) with the Animal PC pedal (http://www.danscomp.com/products-PARTS-PEDALSPLATFORM/465237/Animal_Hamilton_PC_Pedals.html) they are cheaper lighter and in truth last almost as long. it you are going to use straps the poly carbonate pedals are easier on the material

and I quit running clipless for much the same reason

I use MKS GR-9s and clips with All City doubles. Though if I was purchasing today, I'd probably go with the Urban Platform and Wellgo double clips. I used BMX pedals and straps for a while, but it can be a pain in the ass to get into the pedal from time to time. They felt great while I was riding though.

Oh, and my next major purchase will be a set of Shimano SPD pedals and DZR shoes. You can have it both ways.

Urban Platform and Wellgo double clips are my spring change as well

1) Should I go with clips or with pedal straps (like these YNOT ones which look pretty awesome: http://www.ynotcycle.com/products/pedal-straps/)?

2) I've done plenty of searching, and these pedals are highly recommended: http://www.retro-gression.com/product/mks-sylvan-track-pedals However, I was thinking something a bit smoother and more platform like, something like this: http://www.danscomp.com/products/465238/Animal_Hamilton_Pedals_(Unsealed).html# Not sure if anybody has had experience with any of these pedals, but maybe you could throw some other recommendations at me.

I'd go for toe clips, personally. Those "Animal" pedals are butt-ugly. If you want something more platform-like, why not the new MKS "Urban" pedals (http://www.retro-gression.com/product/mks-urban-platform-pedals)?

http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/66497861/300.jpg

Although the Urban's look and probably feel great, I'm hard pressed to spend double what Sylvans/GR9s would cost.

can't use straps with Urbans they are a clips only pedal.

can't use straps with Urbans they are a clips only pedal.
Orly?

I made you guys an Instagram.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7664864954_48a144dd33_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/misskaz/7664864954/)

can't use straps with Urbans they are a clips only pedal.

They look like they have slots for the metal toe clip and slots for the strap. Can you explain why not. I'd like to get a set of these for my bike so I have more options to use my light hiking shoes with agressive soles.

what about these? MKS Urban Platform pedals in silver:
271776

but the OP was asking about this kind of strap, not clips and double straps

http://www.ynotcycle.com/wp-content/gallery/pedal-straps-top-bottom-halves/ynot-custom-straps-radioactive-razzle-reflective-stripe.jpg

http://www.ynotcycle.com/wp-content/gallery/pedal-straps-top-bottom-halves/ynot-custom-straps-ghost-purple.jpg


there isn't a place to comfortably or safely fit them on these

http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/66497909/MKS_urban_platform-6-wm.jpg

at least according to Scrod when I asked him

You probably could with a pair of needlenose pliers and some long bolts for the front, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to.

can't use straps with Urbans they are a clips only pedal.

Hogwash!


Although the Urban's look and probably feel great, I'm hard pressed to spend double what Sylvans/GR9s would cost.

They also have sealed cartridge bearings and will most likely last forever.

But yeah, velcro-type straps aren't very compatible with them.

GR-9's + MKS clip + exustar doubles cut to singles (my current setup)

MKS Sylvan Tracks + Velcro straps (my former setup, and my wife's current setup)

Both are pretty solid, but the MKS sylvans can get uncomfortable.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think if I'm going to go the toe clip route, it'll be GR-9s + MKS clips and straps. If I'm going to go the pedal strap route (like these YNOT ones: http://www.ynotcycle.com/products/pedal-straps/) then it'll be those + http://www.danscomp.com/products/465238/Animal_Hamilton_Pedals_(Unsealed).html#

Anyway, just two other questions:

1) Has anybody had experience with your feet slipping forward in toe straps? I think the main benefit to toe clips would be that your foot cannot push further forward than the cage allows.

2) What size is the threading on the crank arms on that Masi in the first post? 9/16"? Some pedals have options for 1/2", not sure if there's some kind of consistency to the sizing based on the type of bike or crank...

Thanks!

and I quit running clipless for much the same reason

Are there not any clipless shoes that are comfortable to wear walking around all day?

Your feet will not move forward in the pedals regardless of what style pedal you have. The benefit on the street of toe clips + straps is that it's easier to adjust them, which means you can get a secure fit no matter what kind of shoes you're wearing. Not so with those YNOT straps, as they require a good deal more adjustment to make a secure fit.

However.

When using straps on a fixed gear, it's less about your foot sliding forward or backward through a pedal stroke than being able to properly resist against the pedal when slowing down or stopping. To that effect, the YNOT straps will not slip. Ever. They won't stretch nearly as much either. You can allow yourself to leave them a little loose because there's more surface to spread the load against your foot, and you don't have to worry about snapping the strap because you're suddenly increasing the tension on them by 10-20x.

How important is this on the street? Not very. Unless you're tricking a lot, either setup will do the job.

Are there not any clipless shoes that are comfortable to wear walking around all day?
not that I have tried. I really like Lake spd shoes and have a set along with my eggbeater for if I know I'm gonna spend the day in the saddle. But its been a year since I have switched them out and I have done more than a handful of all day rides. On the other hand I have worn out 2 pairs of slip on Vans and a set of Samba's in that time which in total cost me about what my Lakes did....

Are there not any clipless shoes that are comfortable to wear walking around all day?

DZR shoes (http://dzrshoes.com/) are very comfortable.

I take that back I have tried DRZ's nice on the feet but the ones I tried hit the plate in my ankle and made my foot numb

DZR shoes (http://dzrshoes.com/) are very comfortable.

Nice. Bookmarked.

not that I have tried. I really like Lake spd shoes and have a set along with my eggbeater for if I know I'm gonna spend the day in the saddle. But its been a year since I have switched them out and I have done more than a handful of all day rides. On the other hand I have worn out 2 pairs of slip on Vans and a set of Samba's in that time which in total cost me about what my Lakes did....

I've only tried Shimano shoes. They've been OK for short walks off the bike, but I wouldn't want to walk around the city for hours with them. I'll have to take a look at Lake shoes. I just like the feel of clipless on a fixed gear a lot more than toe clips.

Your feet will not move forward in the pedals regardless of what style pedal you have. The benefit on the street of toe clips + straps is that it's easier to adjust them, which means you can get a secure fit no matter what kind of shoes you're wearing. Not so with those YNOT straps, as they require a good deal more adjustment to make a secure fit.

However.

When using straps on a fixed gear, it's less about your foot sliding forward or backward through a pedal stroke than being able to properly resist against the pedal when slowing down or stopping. To that effect, the YNOT straps will not slip. Ever. They won't stretch nearly as much either. You can allow yourself to leave them a little loose because there's more surface to spread the load against your foot, and you don't have to worry about snapping the strap because you're suddenly increasing the tension on them by 10-20x.

How important is this on the street? Not very. Unless you're tricking a lot, either setup will do the job.

Thanks for this. I'm a beginner fixed-gear rider (other two bikes are geared), so I wasn't really sure how to go. I think I'll be doing the toe straps instead of the clips because I have an admittedly large shoe collection (I'd prefer just to velcro the straps tight to whatever I'm wearing for the best fit). This also plays into why I don't want to do clipless, even though apparently you can find some fresh-ass biking shoes :b

GR-9's + MKS clip + exustar doubles cut to singles (my current setup)

MKS Sylvan Tracks + Velcro straps (my former setup, and my wife's current setup)

Both are pretty solid, but the MKS sylvans can get uncomfortable.

Any pics of the cut doubles? Was thinking of doing the same with my doubles to fit my mks singles for my urban platforms.

Nah, but maybe I'll post some later.

If you're careful and use the right blade, it'll come out neat and clean. I'm not the only one who's done it with good results.

Word on the street is you can still use doubles with single clips, just loop the second strap over the clip.

Any pics of the cut doubles? Was thinking of doing the same with my doubles to fit my mks singles for my urban platforms.

Why not just use the doubles like Kaz posted above? It's not rocket science, I promise.

That's how I(and many others) run their doubles. Works great.

Any pics of the cut doubles? Was thinking of doing the same with my doubles to fit my mks singles for my urban platforms.

Not the best pics, but basically if you use a sharp utility knife it'll come out pretty well.

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/leader-722-ts-6928_12.jpg

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/leader-722-ts-6928_13.jpg

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/leader-722-ts-6928_14.jpg

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/leader-722-ts-6928_15.jpg

The answer to all your questions:
MKS GR-9's, more comfortable for street riding and much better looking than BMX platforms.
Laminated Double straps on Retrogression, great quality and much cheaper than most other good double straps.
All City Double Plastic Cages, cheap and effective.