I just broke another toe strap and all I had for a replacement was one of the shorter ones I've relegated for strapping spare tubulars under the seat. I know there are vendors on the web that carry toe straps, but does anyone know of a source for ones that are a decent length? After looping one of the short ones around the inner pedal frame so it won't keep slipping around, there's barely an inch left over to pull it tight, and it comes out of the buckle each time I loosen it.

For reference, how long are straps that are not long enough? Do you prefer nylon, leather or does it matter? You can also buy toe stap buttons to prevent the short straps from coming out of the buckle and for providing better grip while tightening. I'll check the shop inventory after receiving your reply.

The ones I find too short are about 16" long overall (15" leather part). I have some on other bikes 17" and 18" long that work fine without a button. I kept the button from the one that broke, so I'll use it on the short strap and get by for now until it stretches a bit. I've had nylon web straps before, but can't remember why I stopped using them; maybe the stiffer leather ones offered an easier opening to get my foot into. The one that broke was actually leather with a plastic core, but I guess that idea didn't work.

Plastic cored toe straps, what was the name on the hardware? Binda was the best of the period, the Extra's having a middle plastic layer, The Best back then (30 years ago), of course nothing lasts forever.

Any racer in the know back then used Binda's or Binda Extra's, as to length, just ditch the tennis shoes perhaps...

No name. Got them at the LBS years ago, probably a ripoff. They're a light colour with holes every 1/2" most of the way.

The short ones are Christophe (Made in France) and ALE (Made in Italy). The longer ones I like are black AFA and white AFA LAPIZE (Made in France). Yes, I heard of Binda, but was probably too cheap to buy them.

eBay. Some on sale now the MKS brand - leather extra long - I use 'em and there perfect - I like the extra length 'cause it's easier to pull and tighten. I know whatcha mean about those short ones. Mine are red leather.

Well, I believe I solved the toe strap problem. After checking a few on-line vendors and seeing long nylon toe straps for ATB use, I stopped in at the LBS and picked up a nice pair of hefty black nylon ones, 18" long, for $5. Seems I never leave there without dropping a bundle, because I ended up getting a new helmet. I'd also been looking for a wimpier 6-speed freewheel than the 13x21 that came on my Ultimate because the hills are getting tougher for an old geezer. Ended up scoring a NOS Shimano 14x28 for $20. It works perfectly with no adjustments, except won't climb the 28T cog while on the 52T ring, which the NR derailleur isn't supposed to do anyway.