mks platform pedals usable w/o clips?
 

hi,
looking to order a pair of mks gr9 platforms online. wondering if they can be gripped decently without toeclips. my longer rides go about 10-15 miles.
cheers.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=126279

Not sure if this thread addresses what you want specifically, though.

If they don't, you can always buy Forte Campus pedals from Performance, Mallets, or M324s from Shimano.

I have the Gr9 pedals. They work great with Power Grips, but I think they would be far too slippery for use without some kind of restraints (plastic mini-clips might be an option).

Those pedals have very little relief and are not a good choice for riding without some kind of strap. Better to get a double sided cage pedal instead. There are quality pedals available. Or, get some clips and straps to go with the MKS pedals.

The MKS Touring pedal is also a good choice as you don't have to flip it over when not using straps. I've ridden them in the rain with slippery leather soled loafers without straps with no trouble.

+1. A great pedal.

They'll work fine without straps or clips. What you can do is just install toe-clips without straps. This will let you pull up slightly to unweight the upstroke-leg from the pedal so you don't waste energy pushing it up with the downstroke leg. The clip will keep your foot from lifting off the pedal and getting out of sync.

I ordered the GR-9's with matching MKS mini-clips from Ben's Cycle in Milwaukee. The combo from their eBay store was around $35.00. The mini clip is a stainless half-length clip with no strap loop, and works great with all my street shoes.

Hey, I think I got mine there too.

I currently have the GR-9's with Power Grips on my fixie. However I used them for about 6 months without the straps with no problem. I liked the GR-9's because I had some bad foot pain and the GR-9's have a big void in the center of the pedal where the pain was. People are probably going to dissagree with this, but i think if your foot keeps slipping off the pedals it's because of bad technique. If you spin faster and have a smoother pedal stroke they won't slip off.

I wonder about that myself. I've never used toe clips or power grips, or clipless, or any sort of retention system on any of my street bikes. Every single one of them had platform pedals, and my feet never slipped off of their own accord, yet I get this "your feet will slip off if you don't have toe clips" thing from the forum members here a lot.

same here. the only pedal slip i've experienced was from riding around on tiny spd pedals with street shoes. interesting experience. it's actually quite doable!

i ordered gr-9s with mini clips a couple days ago. thanks for all comments!

I completely agree with this. Personally, I think everyone should start out on platform pedals to give the largest amount of float to protect the knees. Then when you can push 100% AND spin like mad AND not slip off, then you've got smooth technique and are ready for clipless.

Im using Bearclaw pedals and power grips,works great, a nice platform with plenty of up pull,O defects i guess you would call it....

Hmm, I did this without even knowing it. Except I put toe clips on the platform pedals and have used them enough to like the toe clips. Even if I do have to look down to find the opening instead of looking where I'm going etc...