Socrate

Hey everyone,

I ride a fixed gear (with brakes) all day every day: to the grocery store, to my friends' house, for joy rides and for the occasional long commute. However, I've recently bought some nice leather shoes and I need to get new pedals. Right now I use a metal trap and straps that can really scratch up my shoes if I'm not careful. So I'm thinking of buying some foot straps and plastic pedals, like this:



Does anyone have experience with these? Do they work fine? Here's my real worry: I want to shave off the little plastic nibs, because they're going to dig into the leather soles. Is that exceptionally dangerous? (more dangerous than my regular, moderate traffic antics) Or useless?

Or do you have any other tips? Thanks.

chenghiz

I don't have experience with those particular straps but I do use straps like those, and I've been very happy with them. I wear Sambas pretty much all the time and my Schwinn's metal cages really scratched up the toes, but the straps don't, so that's a plus.

Are you referring to the plastic nubs on the pedals? Do your shoes actually have leather soles? That strikes me as odd... and I'm not sure I'd recommend doing it because I don't know how much grip your shoes would have on the platforms without them. On the other hand if you're braking with brakes instead of resisting with your legs, you probably could get away with it because your feet don't need as much traction on the pedals.

riot2003

I think there are quite a few nice BMX pedals out there without the little plastic nubs on them. Possibly look into that instead of having to modify a pedal. The nylon foot straps are pretty rad. I'm pretty happy with mine. I suggest you check out the catalinas on the bikeage store. I think they're sold out at the moment but coming out with version 1.5 for a really good price soon.

You have leather shoes with leather soles that you ride in? Seems like maybe a different shoe would be more appropriate.

nickpoiron

I have a pair of holdfasts and although I had a little trouble getting used to them, I love them now, and they are definitely better than straps and cages for scuffing up your shoes. The only thing that I can see you having trouble with is, at least with my setup, the side of my sole is getting worn away but that might just be something I'm doing wrong.

also +1 on suggesting the catalinas, that price is great.

Socrate

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Yeah, I'm talking about the plastic nubs, and yes the shoes have leather soles. I am braking with brakes.

Yeah okay I'll look into this... any suggestions? Something with a rubber grip??



Actually I think I'm going to buy these "LARS" footstraps because all of the shops around me carry them, and the shop owners recommend them. I would order something if it was definitely better...? Non-plastic-nibby pedals?

nickpoiron

I dont know about those straps in particular but I would say that the Catalinas are better because 1. You would be supporting a fellow member and the DIY spirit and 2. everyone that posted reviews on here says there great.

Sherblock

Buy a cheap smooth road pedal, MKS has quite a few with no screws in them to ruin the soles. Then buy the MKS cages that have leather on them, not only do they not grind against the ground, they also don't ruin leather (using sambas as well).

It looks classy and is surprisingly function able.

adriennevan

These might work:

https://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...toe-clips.html

Thirteen.

I've never heard of the PRYME footstraps before but I've just looked them up and they look to be pretty affordable and seems to be of rather high quality. They are only 1/2 the costs of other more widely known brands.

Sherblock

Ah, thanks for finding a link of what I was talking about (even though it wasn't for me).

So really, why use footstraps when you can use toeclips?

Squirrelli

Because OP said he didn't want his leather shoes scratched by the metal clips when he rides his bike.

Sherblock

And those clips are covered in leather... and the base is smooth metal...

Scrodzilla

Why doesn't anyone make clips like that using black leather?

Sherblock

I don't even know if anyone else makes leather clips.... those might be the best available (new)

iBgearLess

Exactly what I was wondering.

iBgearLess

I have used BMX pedals (Odysee Twisted) with Holdfast straps and they work pretty well. I think they are mucg more comfy than toeclips and straps. I now use clipless and I am thinking about going back to the holdfast setup mainly for the convenience of them.