op: here's the breakdown of MKS pedals. All are loose ball bearings except for the RX-1 and Custom Nuevo pedals which are over $100. The Royal Nuevo is like the custom nuevo except with silver quill plates and loose ball (like a Sugino 75 crankset bottom bracke and other NJS BB's and headsets). Nothing wrong with loose ball except if you are using these "njs" products on the road in winter weather as a daily beater. It's just that if you spin a Sylvan type pedal you can immediately tell the difference in bearings from the RX-1, Custom Nuevo Wide, etc. The finish, materials, polish, bearings, and in general, aura of the pedal is totally different between the $20 and $120 offerings. As crazy as that sounds ...