Originally Posted by
Robofunc
I have a set of MKS GR9s on my '84 LeTour. They don't need special toe clips and the quality is very good. I've been using mine for almost two years now with no issues whatsoever.
At $35 shipped brand spanking new on ebay, those MKS GR-9s are good value, especially if you're inclined to ride with soft-soled shoes. The substantial platform (rather than just a couple of cage plates) is great with shoes that might otherwise be uncomfortable to ride. Good for wide feet, too (no 'spike' at the outer edge, as with Campy SL and Campy clone pedals such as the MKS AR-2). And takes, as
Robofunc notes, standard toe clips. Also great with half clips (i.e. compact clips with no straps), such as those available from Velo Orange or MKS. That latter setup serves me well on my Nishiki, which gets pressed into service for all my errands and for rides up to a couple of hours when I'm home in Vancouver. I like 'em.
I also like the basic MKS touring pedals (for a double-sided option), or Suntour pedals for function & style (Cyclone, Sprint, Superbe), though the latter are not cheap.
Those clips for the triangular Shimano pedals really are getting hard to come by. I have a pair of 600Ex pedals with one XL metal clip and one broken size-Large resin clip, and I've temporarily retired them in favour of a pair of Suntour Sprints with matching, non-broken clips and straps.