OEM folding pedals - concerns
#1
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From: Thornhill, Canada
Bikes: MEC Origami Folder, QU-AX Uni, United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
OEM folding pedals - concerns
After 2+ weeks of owning/riding a Folder, I've become less than confident that the OEM folding pedals will hold up.
The 2 plastic "tabs" that connect the pedals look like a failure waiting to happen.
I've been reading about MKS and Wellgo folding pedals and they seem to be a good option.
I think I need to do my first upgrade.....


The 2 plastic "tabs" that connect the pedals look like a failure waiting to happen.
I've been reading about MKS and Wellgo folding pedals and they seem to be a good option.
I think I need to do my first upgrade.....


#3
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Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
MKS Ezy pedals have a quick release mechanism so you can remove the pedal. The part of the mechanism that remains on the crank arm is much smaller than the typical folding pedal, but that does mean you have to worry about where to put that separate pedal you just removed, which might be dirty to handle.
#4
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From: Thornhill, Canada
Bikes: MEC Origami Folder, QU-AX Uni, United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
I'm looking at the quick release pedals but I'll probably end up misplacing/loosing one.......
#5
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I've been stomping on the stock pedals of my Zizzo Liberté for 5+ years now without issue. I don't fold them often these days, so there's been no wear from that, but I do stand often on the small hills and rises in town and stand on them on dirt trails that I ride from time to time
I have noticed some flex if my foot is placed further from the crank arm so I take care to position my foot closer and more over the part of the pedal that doesn't fold.
I have noticed some flex if my foot is placed further from the crank arm so I take care to position my foot closer and more over the part of the pedal that doesn't fold.
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#6
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From: Thornhill, Canada
Bikes: MEC Origami Folder, QU-AX Uni, United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
I found the OEM pedals are short so placing my feet closer to the crank caused the inside heel to occasionally hit the rear horizontal frame. Changing footwear with a narrower heel solved that issue.
I noticed on the Helix site that they use Liteplus folding pedals. So I ordered a set.......
I noticed on the Helix site that they use Liteplus folding pedals. So I ordered a set.......
#7

I put mine at the end of the axle so the holder is right there when I fold it.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Brompton S6L/S2E-X/M6L-X/S12 T Line

#8
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Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"
The MKS removable pedals do not have this problem. As mentioned, there is a bit of awkwardness with the greasy spindle when the pedal is off the bike. I use "strapless" toeclips, and am able to simply hang the pedal ofer the frame or part of the rack. BTW, you probably only need to remove one of the pedals; on my Dahons and Terns it is the right pedal.

Here are both pedals stashed on the rack. In practice, only the right pedal needs to be removed.
#9
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Madison, WI
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
I see above that you have ordered some other folding pedals.
If they do not work out for you and if you try the MKS Ezy pedals that remove easily, all you need to do is get a small saddle bag that is big enough to hold both pedals. Or, maybe you can leave one on the crank arm?
If they do not work out for you and if you try the MKS Ezy pedals that remove easily, all you need to do is get a small saddle bag that is big enough to hold both pedals. Or, maybe you can leave one on the crank arm?
#10
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From: Thornhill, Canada
Bikes: MEC Origami Folder, QU-AX Uni, United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
I received/installed my Liteplus pedals today.
The red anodised aluminium construction seems to be very nicely done. Looking forward to many rides.....


The red anodised aluminium construction seems to be very nicely done. Looking forward to many rides.....


#11
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The failure mode I had on my original folding pedals on my Dahon Speed, was the stamped bearing cups; Pressed into plastic body, which doesn't have a high stiffness modulus, the cups could expand a tiny amount under load, so that one cup eventually failed via a radial crack. I grabbed the first pedals I had access to, which were platform ones with cage and strap off a hybrid bike I have, ALSO plastic body, but they seem to have held up for a lotta years and miles now, though they have no seals on the inboard side, so if I get caught in the rain, I need to overhaul the pedals. I should look for some good folders, though I fold mine quite rarely and the pedals are not an issue, but if I fly I'll want pop-offs.
#12
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From: Thornhill, Canada
Bikes: MEC Origami Folder, QU-AX Uni, United Motocross BMX, Specialized Langster, Giant OCR, Marin Muirwoods, Globe Roll2, VROD:)
Well, after a few rides I am very happy with the new pedals!
Not only do they look great (imo) but they spin smoothly and the folding mechanism is precise with a solid "click".
If they're good enough on a Helix then they should be good for this Old Fart's folder
Not only do they look great (imo) but they spin smoothly and the folding mechanism is precise with a solid "click".
If they're good enough on a Helix then they should be good for this Old Fart's folder
#13
I like quick release pedals, but I have indeed lost a couple over the years. I eventually set up a routine like I have whenever I leave my house, I check to make sure I have it. When I walk out the door from home, I touch both front pockets and my rear pocket to make sure I have my phone, my keys, and my wallet. When bagging my bike, I squeeze the pedal pocket before walking away from where I packed my bike.





