Folding/removable pedals?
 

I picked up my first folding bike recently, a Bike Friday New World Tourist, and I'd like either folding or easily removable pedals for it. I was hoping to get some advice as to what works (and what doesn't) and where to buy since they're not that readily available. I happen to be a fan of MKS pedals but I can be talked into buying something else. Also I'm not looking for clipless since I want to be able to run any shoe with the pedals. This is what I see so far:

(1) MKS FD 7. Easy to find in a lot of mail order places and cheaper than some other options. Not the best platform for pedaling though.

https://www.amazon.com/Mks-Fd-7-Fold...a-440745308119

(2) MKS Allways, "Ezy superior/rinko." Rene Hearse has them but I don't see them elsewhere (maybe a eBay vendor has them).


https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...erior-rinko-2/

(3) MKS Lambda Ezy superior. Same mechanism but different platform than the allways. I see them on eBay and vendors out of the US as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202418950133

Any preferences on these? Should I look at a different make of pedal? Where is a good place to buy them? I do not a flat pedal and I'm leaning towards the bmx style (Allways/Lambda) as I use that style on my MTB and road bikes and like them.

If you go removable instead of folding, get a holder that retains the pedal to the bike when it's uncoupled from the crank arm.

Going MKS, go with the EZY Superior rather than the Ezy.

I'm seeing some removable RockBros pedals on eBay. Now you know as much about those as I do.

Perhaps Wellgo B257 Quick Release II?

The Brompton folding pedals are kinda cool, 'cause they fold up a lot tighter than most other folding pedals. The right one is rare and pricey. They're better with an attached Bromfoot. They don't fit on most modern cranks, though.

I had no problem putting them on my XootrSwift.

Interestingly, I have three of those pedals...the folding one, the Brompton one, and the removable one.

The FD7 folding one works okay. I like it better than the Brompton one. it's cheaper. a small nub sticks out, instead of essentially a flat chunk of metal.

For your bike, the EZY superior is worth the extra price. I have it on my xootr Swift and never really remember it's removable.....it just works beautifully.

edit: I see a few options available on Amazon

Folding and removable.

I am sure I've had every manufacturer of inexpensive (<$20) folding pedals on my folders/smallwheel over the last 15 years. I weigh 250+ so I put a lot of strain on them. I consider them disposable and of inconsistent quality, but all folder rides are under 10 miles.

On the touring/road bike I've using the removable Lixada, they work well and it makes it easier to fit bike in back seat of Corolla. Trusted them for the 40 mile NYC 5boro ride. I endorse.

https://www.amazon.com/Lixada-Mounta...24900733&psc=1

I bought my MKS Ezy pedals over a decade ago, I have no clue what model they are. At that time they did not make a SPD pedal that was compatable with Shimano cleats so I bought a pedal I could use with toe clips, but you certainly could skip the toe clips.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bc9887c2e6.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b9b5f3b001.jpg

The toe clips and straps are generic, not MKS.

I am happy with them, but I should point out that my folder does not get a lot of miles on it so I can't talk about high mileage durability.

Those are "AR-2" as can be seen on the rear of the pedal. I have a couple pairs of these, one pair with over 15,000 miles on them. I ride in all kinds of weather (in Chicago) and my experience is that these pedals require a fair amount of lubrication service because the seals on the in-board bearings are not very good. Bearing service is straightforward, but I found that a good front mudflap goes a long way toward minimizing the need for service.
I use "strapless" toeclips, which do a nice job of ensuring a proper foot position and no slipping when the pedals are wet. The toe clip hangs down, which makes the pedal easy to slide into. Without straps, they are very easy to get out of.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a606fb5895.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c0384e86f5.jpg