hmmm ... guessing cuz it was just newer & possibly better (in riders eyes)? I gave up strapped toe cages when my last teen bike was stolen. past cpl decades been using the mini cages w/o straps cuz I like some foot retention & these provide enough for me. only tried cleated shoes & pedals (refuse to call them clipless) because I got some for free, then shopped for what I preferred. but still only use them on my road bike. the hybrid & mountain bike still have the mini cages w/o straps