Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Handmade pedal cages

Search
Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Handmade pedal cages

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-10-10 | 08:42 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Wherever I may roam....
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
From: Topton Pa

Bikes: A few bikes

Handmade pedal cages

Has anyone with too much time on their hands and the inability to sit still attempted to make their own pedal cages? I have a few sets of cages (one metal, way too small for me and the rest plastic that fit me but are way UGLY) sitting around. I've been looking at them and a light (a little dim) went on in my head, make my own out of stainless steel sheet metal. I don't think it would be too difficult w/ some patience and a few simple forms made out of wood. When/ if I get around to this I will post some pictures. If anyone has tried this, lets hear about it!
RobE30 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 09:38 AM
  #2  
due ruote's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 549
I believe it would have to be spring steel to work right.

[edit] Never mind that; I was thinking toe clips.

Last edited by due ruote; 08-10-10 at 03:04 PM.
due ruote is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 09:46 AM
  #3  
rhm's Avatar
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

I was thinking of making them out of old spokes... but never got around to it. Somewhere I saw a photo of a really old pair that were clearly made from twisted wire, which is what gave me the idea.
rhm is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 11:45 AM
  #4  
Grand Bois's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17,392
Likes: 40
From: Pinole, CA, USA
Originally Posted by due ruote
I believe it would have to be spring steel to work right.
Why do you think so?
Grand Bois is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 12:11 PM
  #5  
South Carolina Ed
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 320
From: Greer, SC

Bikes: Holdsworth custom, Macario Pro, Ciocc San Cristobal, Viner Nemo, Cyfac Le Mythique, Giant TCR, Tommasso Mondial, Cyfac Etoile

oak or ash?
sced is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 12:16 PM
  #6  
ScottRyder's Avatar
Photographer
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 102
From: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Originally Posted by Grand Bois
Why do you think so?
Are we talking pedal cages or toe clips?

Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive

IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
























ScottRyder is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 12:18 PM
  #7  
Grand Bois's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 17,392
Likes: 40
From: Pinole, CA, USA
I'm lost.
Grand Bois is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 12:30 PM
  #8  
ScottRyder's Avatar
Photographer
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 102
From: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Originally Posted by Grand Bois
I'm lost.
Me too.

Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive

IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
























ScottRyder is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 12:38 PM
  #9  
ilikebikes's Avatar
K2ProFlex baby!
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 59
From: My response would have been something along the lines of: "Does your bike have computer controlled suspension? Then shut your piehole, this baby is from the future!"

Bikes: to many to list

Originally Posted by Grand Bois
I'm lost.

your in the bikeforums C and V section. ;0)
__________________
You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
ilikebikes is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 01:05 PM
  #10  
Andrew F's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 904
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey

Originally Posted by due ruote
I believe it would have to be spring steel to work right.



Why do you think so?
Toe clips yes, but the topic is pedal cages so .... thin alloy plate would be better. I'd like to see some of the earlier designs replicated. Someone with a cnc machine could have some fun with this,
Andrew F is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 01:15 PM
  #11  
ftwelder's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,081
Likes: 10
From: vermont

Bikes: Many

I used to make cages for BMX pedals. At one point you could buy aftermarket cages for popular pedals.
ftwelder is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 01:20 PM
  #12  
khatfull's Avatar
FBoD Member at Large
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 8
From: Woodbury, MN
Originally Posted by ilikebikes
your in the bikeforums C and V section. ;0)
That doesn't mean we're lost, we're merely contemplative.
khatfull is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 01:33 PM
  #13  
Andrew F's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 904
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
That doesn't mean we're lost, we're merely contemplative.
Good idea, never thought of running a network cable into the bathroom.............guess I could go WIFI
Andrew F is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 01:39 PM
  #14  
Shimagnolo's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,102
Likes: 6,009
From: Zang's Spur, CO
Originally Posted by khatfull
That doesn't mean we're lost, we're merely contemplative.
Or retrospective.
Shimagnolo is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 02:18 PM
  #15  
Oldpeddaller's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,638
Likes: 14
From: Maidstone, Kent, England

Bikes: 1970 Holdsworth Mistral, Vitus 979, Colnago Primavera, Corratec Hydracarbon, Massi MegaTeam, 1935 Claud Butler Super Velo, Carrera Virtuoso, Viner, 1953 Claud Butler Silver Jubilee, 1954 Holdsworth Typhoon, 1966 Claud Butler Olympic Road, 1982 Claud

Originally Posted by ilikebikes
your in the bikeforums C and V section. ;0)
Celebrity visiting old folk's home to resident - "Do you know who I am?"
Resident, "No, but you go and ask Matron dear, she'll help you back to your room."

Sorry, meandered a bit there - Pedal cages, that's it. How about some plain 3 or 4 mm thick 20mm wide aluminium bar? Drill holes for mounting to the axle frame, toe clip holes if you use them - then file teeth in the top of the front and back plates with a saw sharpening file, drill and cut patterns to your hearts content, polish them and bolt them on? Never even thought of trying it, but if I could get the right metal? Anyone done this?
Oldpeddaller is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 04:17 PM
  #16  
WNG's Avatar
WNG
Spin Forest! Spin!
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,956
Likes: 18
From: Arrid Zone-a

Bikes: I used to have many. And I Will again.

OK, are we discussing toe clips? Or pedal plates? Sounds like toe clips in the OP's post.
If one's handy, I'm sure it could be done...especially for unobtainable models like the Shimano platform pedal clips.
Those in stainless steel would be wonderful.
WNG is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 04:22 PM
  #17  
ScottRyder's Avatar
Photographer
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 102
From: The other Cape, Cape Ann
Originally Posted by WNG
OK, are we discussing toe clips? Or pedal plates?
Ha! Tried that already! I still don't know .. why would anyone make pedal cages? Clips, yes, but cages? OP, please help us out here!

Scott
__________________
ClassicFuji.posthaven.com.archive

IG @scottryder.surf.cycle
IG @scottryder.fine.art
























ScottRyder is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 04:35 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 1
By the keywords use in his post, the OP is definitely talking about toe clips.

Continue with your daily business, people.
DRietz is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 06:43 PM
  #19  
jfmckenna's Avatar
Tiocfáidh ár Lá
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,483
Likes: 132
From: The edge of b#

Bikes: A whole bunch-a bikes.

The only thing I have to offer to the OP, being some one who works with his hands is, if you have a vision then go for it! I work in wood, can't imagine the difficulties of metal but obviously you are not afraid to take it on, so do it!
jfmckenna is offline  
Reply
Old 08-10-10 | 09:03 PM
  #20  
Thread Starter
Wherever I may roam....
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
From: Topton Pa

Bikes: A few bikes

This is what I have in mind. I may have used the wrong word to describe what I had in mind.... I had Shimano 600 clips in mind when I thought of this but, they would also be nice to add to my Gippemme pedals too
https://www.yellowjersey.org/toeclips.jpg
RobE30 is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-10 | 08:49 AM
  #21  
due ruote's Avatar
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,472
Likes: 549
Originally Posted by RobE30
This is what I have in mind. I may have used the wrong word to describe what I had in mind.... I had Shimano 600 clips in mind when I thought of this but, they would also be nice to add to my Gippemme pedals too
https://www.yellowjersey.org/toeclips.jpg
Well in that case, I'm going to go back to my earlier assertion that you need spring steel. Other metals will fatigue too quickly. I don't know if there's such a thing as stainless spring steel, or how you'd work it.
due ruote is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-10 | 08:57 AM
  #22  
rhm's Avatar
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

I trust someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe spring steel results from heat treatment done after the metal is formed into its final shape. Basically, you take the right kind of steel, bend it to the shape you want it to have, and then you apply the heat treatment. It's not rocket science, but you have to know what you're doing.
rhm is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-10 | 02:10 PM
  #23  
dit
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
From: Middle TN

Bikes: 2 Centurian Ironman, Rossin Genisis, Greenspeed GT3, Stowaway (wife)

rhm......Bingo......If you want to use stainless wire I say go for it. They may not last for 50 years but without abuse I bet they would last at least 10 years. I bet some old stainless spokes would work great. I think it is a great idea. I may give it a whiz myself when it cools off a little. 104 here today.
dit is offline  
Reply
Old 08-11-10 | 03:30 PM
  #24  
Oldpeddaller's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,638
Likes: 14
From: Maidstone, Kent, England

Bikes: 1970 Holdsworth Mistral, Vitus 979, Colnago Primavera, Corratec Hydracarbon, Massi MegaTeam, 1935 Claud Butler Super Velo, Carrera Virtuoso, Viner, 1953 Claud Butler Silver Jubilee, 1954 Holdsworth Typhoon, 1966 Claud Butler Olympic Road, 1982 Claud

Originally Posted by Oldpeddaller
Celebrity visiting old folk's home to resident - "Do you know who I am?"
Resident, "No, but you go and ask Matron dear, she'll help you back to your room."

Sorry, meandered a bit there - Pedal cages, that's it. How about some plain 3 or 4 mm thick 20mm wide aluminium bar? Drill holes for mounting to the axle frame, toe clip holes if you use them - then file teeth in the top of the front and back plates with a saw sharpening file, drill and cut patterns to your hearts content, polish them and bolt them on? Never even thought of trying it, but if I could get the right metal? Anyone done this?
Oh, toeclips, not pedal cages.

Much easier I would have thought, but they are cheap enough to buy NOS & fully chromed. If you want to make wire ones, Google pictures of the old "GB" models of the 1950's. They seem very simple and effective (and being made of round section wire, they don't cut into leather shoes).
Oldpeddaller is offline  
Reply
Old 08-12-10 | 06:31 AM
  #25  
rhm's Avatar
rhm
multimodal commuter
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,810
Likes: 597
From: NJ, NYC, LI

Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...

Velobase has these, don't know much about them:

https://velobase.com/ViewComponent.as...=103&AbsPos=21
rhm is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BarryII
Recumbent
10
10-27-16 04:21 PM
Winblows
Bicycle Mechanics
9
08-29-15 04:36 PM
hz10
Bicycle Mechanics
5
04-29-13 09:00 AM
episodic
Touring
6
09-06-11 11:06 AM
kvangundy
Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area
1
06-04-11 08:11 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.