Toe Clips—universal?
 

Hi all,
I'm installing a set of Lyotard 45s on my SL cranks and wanted to add toe clips (the old steel types with the leather straps). I'm wondering if its a universal fit- could I just buy an old campy set or a newer MKS set?
Thanks,
Ash

While pedal and toe clip designs are not universal, there is one standard that convers the vast majority. Your Lyotard fit this category. Most non-standard designs are easily recognizeable as non-standard, such as the various low profile, aerodynamic pedals of the early and mid-1980s. I beleive that the only concession for toe clips on the 45s is that you have to use a backing plate and nuts.

They also come in different sizes for different foot/shoe size! S,M,L... Proper foot placement on the pedals is important!

Good point, I'm just about to fabricate a custom set for my son, who has size 15 feet.

Yeah, make sure you get the right length. BTW, If you happen need a Large, (11-12?) size I have a set of NOS of chrome Balillas you can have for the price of shipping if you like. Just a thought. They're just sitting here doing zip.

If the OP passes, I'd take them, as one of my nylon Christophes snapped on my last ride with clips/straps...

Also remember to check the front wheel turning clearance - Some cages will scrape the front tire when turning sharply...

OK Pars. I note the OP doesn't have enough posts to PM yet so, if he doesn't respond here with the want, they're yours.
Remind me, will ya? I might forget.

I would think that most bikes have enough toe overlap to scrape the front tire when turning sharply and it is really not an issue that needs to be considered. The only bikes that don't have toe overlap have exsessively extended forks that would seemingly cause overly slow steering.

Although the Campy toeclips are my personal favorite, they have a triangular tab to help guide the toe of your shoe into the clip:

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/campy-toe-clips.jpg

If the Lyotard pedals don't have an opening in the center of the front cage plate (the mod. 45 cage design seems to have changed several times over the years), then the Campy toe clip won't fit.

You should have no problems with a standard MKS or Christophe toeclip, though, as long as you avoid the models with the wide mounting bolt pattern.

Oh yes OneSpeed - Just love that long slow steering comfortable ride on my 74 Peugeot and 72 Motobecain...

The only one I really had a problem with toe overlap was my Univega - So I went to medium cages instead of extra large - I had to do this because I often ride at slow speeds on twisting paths in the State Park...

Hey guys, thanks for all the info and responses. Im
a size ten shoe, and as much as I'd love to accept Balillas, I think they'd be a bit big for me... Then again I only ride in my boots, so they'd probably end up being ideal. Thoughts? You guys are too kind!

You can make them Longer... by, adding a spacer between the toeclip and the front of the pedal. | <> |

BOOTS? What kind of boots?

Haha. I knew someone would say something. I ride in the city and longer 50+ mile rides in my RM Williams and Wolverine boots. I've worn nothing else for twenty years and they're the most comfortable on my foot. I'm a little crazy, I know. I'm a photojournalist, so I need to be dressed for all occasions- board room to breaking news. Boots for that bill.

I can dig it. But I've, sadly, never seen a pair of Wolverines that will fit in any toe clips and straps that I'm aware of.

Hmmm. I guess I'll have l ride in my RMs with clips then. Or just ride without them altogether. Thanks for your kind offer all the same!

You might be able to get away with half clips or if those wouldn't work, perhaps power grips? Never used either myself.

Does it really make that much difference?