Folding or Non-Folding Pedals?
#1
Hypocritical Cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bloomington , IL
Posts: 211
Bikes: 07 Surly Steamroller, 1984 Ross 290s
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Folding or Non-Folding Pedals?
Hi all,
Still not ready to buy what will most likely be a dahon speed p8 from thor, but I still figured some basic part shopping and planning would be in order.
I'm not too keen on the stock resin folding pedals, and I've got some excellent bontrager pedals w/ cartridge bearings that should work great w/ powergrips, which I prefer.
So do folding pedals make a big difference when folding? I'm only looking to to store it in the backroom at work, in the trunk of a car, or on a train(mainly the latter two).
The other nice thing about the pedals is that they have a hex wrench fitting which makes them a bit easier to remove should I need to.
So whats your pedal preference? And how badly do non-folding pedals affect the fold?
Still not ready to buy what will most likely be a dahon speed p8 from thor, but I still figured some basic part shopping and planning would be in order.
I'm not too keen on the stock resin folding pedals, and I've got some excellent bontrager pedals w/ cartridge bearings that should work great w/ powergrips, which I prefer.
So do folding pedals make a big difference when folding? I'm only looking to to store it in the backroom at work, in the trunk of a car, or on a train(mainly the latter two).
The other nice thing about the pedals is that they have a hex wrench fitting which makes them a bit easier to remove should I need to.
So whats your pedal preference? And how badly do non-folding pedals affect the fold?
#2
Bicycling Gnome
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: 55.0N 1.59W
Posts: 1,877
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I don't need to fold it small, and I often don't, I put on ordinary strong metal mountain bike pedals with really good grips. I've used plastic folding pedals of the cheap sort and thrown them out. The worst sort wear out in no time. I have some lightweight alloy MKS pedals which fold great and look like they'll last well, but are a little too slippery in the wet for powering uphill out of the saddle. Any serious non-folding business to do and I swap to my ATB pedals. Obviously, folding gets compromised by this; how much depends on the design of the bike.
Last edited by EvilV; 02-02-09 at 01:49 PM.
#3
Infinite Regress
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 341
Bikes: Dahon Speed Pro TT (2008), Jamis Aurora Cyclocross (2005), Trek WSD 2100 (2007)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My Dahon (speed pro tt) does not have folding pedals. There have been some instances, such as bringing the bike on a crowded commuter train, where I would have preferred to have folding pedals. However, in most instances (especially the situations you're describing) folding pedals won't make a bit of difference.
#4
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
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...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
Folding pedals are, for me, a necessity.
Unfortunately folding pedals are, in my experience, junk. The really junky ones that came with my bikes were nasty, but folded up fairly well; the relatively expensive MKS ones that I got afterwords are not much better mechanically, and don't fold up as well.
As far as I can tell, folding pedals are one of those brilliant inventions that have not actually been invented yet.
If you can live without them,
Unfortunately folding pedals are, in my experience, junk. The really junky ones that came with my bikes were nasty, but folded up fairly well; the relatively expensive MKS ones that I got afterwords are not much better mechanically, and don't fold up as well.
As far as I can tell, folding pedals are one of those brilliant inventions that have not actually been invented yet.
If you can live without them,
#5
Female Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 915
Bikes: Citizen Tokyo (Silver), Schwinn Collegiate (1980's)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Folding pedals are essentual for me. I can't have a folding bike with non-folding pedals. I need the bike to fold up to as narrow/small a package as possible. And trust me, the pedals not jutting out on both sides does make a difference.
I'm looking upgrade my folding pedals to something slightly lighter and easier to fold. The stock folding pedals are pretty bulky, heavy and hard to fold/unfold easily.
I'm looking upgrade my folding pedals to something slightly lighter and easier to fold. The stock folding pedals are pretty bulky, heavy and hard to fold/unfold easily.
#6
cyclopath
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 5,264
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
I saw a set of removable QR MKS pedals at Bike Friday which looked pretty nice...decent sized flat metal platform and the hydraulic QR fitting they use is easy to operate. I don't need to remove my pedals often or fold them, but it's a nice feature to have if you don't compromise the functionality of pedal in the process.
I've been abusing the stock pedals on my Tikit for about a year and they work quite well. The only time I don't love them is when it's really wet out as they get slippery.
I bought some MKS EZY pedals last winter because they had a grippy metal platform. They worked great when it was wet, but the platform was curved and I didn't find that particularly comfortable. I haven't put them back on this winter and have just been making do on the odd wet day.
I've been abusing the stock pedals on my Tikit for about a year and they work quite well. The only time I don't love them is when it's really wet out as they get slippery.
I bought some MKS EZY pedals last winter because they had a grippy metal platform. They worked great when it was wet, but the platform was curved and I didn't find that particularly comfortable. I haven't put them back on this winter and have just been making do on the odd wet day.
Last edited by vik; 02-02-09 at 05:20 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Derby UK
Posts: 50
Bikes: Claud Butler Mountain Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The reason that folding pedals wear out rather quickly is that inevitably the two bearings are close together.
Personally, I favour quickly detachable pedals which have a bearing at each end spread well apart as for normal pedals.
These are also a useful anti theft device when removed from the bike since a thief can't pedal off with the bike.
Personally, I favour quickly detachable pedals which have a bearing at each end spread well apart as for normal pedals.
These are also a useful anti theft device when removed from the bike since a thief can't pedal off with the bike.
#8
Hooligan
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Base of the Rocky Mountains, Canada. Wonderous things!
Posts: 1,431
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Hooligan 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I prefer the aforementioned MKS quick release pedals over standard folding pedals.
I've used the symmetrical, non-curved flat MKS pedals, they're quite nice. Am considering between a set of those, or the clipless version, for my new Pocket Llama.
This is something i'm thinking about as well, as its either the MKS Promenade, MKS Cube, or something from Crank Brothers, probably the Eggbeater or Candy 2Ti. Can get Crank Brothers at cost, which is the dilemma
I've used the symmetrical, non-curved flat MKS pedals, they're quite nice. Am considering between a set of those, or the clipless version, for my new Pocket Llama.
This is something i'm thinking about as well, as its either the MKS Promenade, MKS Cube, or something from Crank Brothers, probably the Eggbeater or Candy 2Ti. Can get Crank Brothers at cost, which is the dilemma
Last edited by Abneycat; 02-02-09 at 06:42 PM.
#9
Hrumph!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 253
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I too have MKS EZY pedals on both my bikes. I also have size 13 feet and find the larger platform (available on one side) quite sufficiently grippy in all weather conditions but the (smaller) flip side feels somewhat precarious beneath my formidable field mouse flatteners.
Still, like them enough to own two pairs. Makes my folder extra compact and I like that. A lot.
Also, what thief of convenience (as most random street thieves are) wants to steal a bike without pedals?
I'm just sayin'...
Still, like them enough to own two pairs. Makes my folder extra compact and I like that. A lot.
Also, what thief of convenience (as most random street thieves are) wants to steal a bike without pedals?
I'm just sayin'...
#11
cyclopath
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 5,264
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Do you know anyone who sells flat MKS EZY pedals in Calgary?
#12
Bicycling Gnome
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: 55.0N 1.59W
Posts: 1,877
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got the MKS FD6. It's an OK folding pedal but far too slippery in the wet for UK use unless you stay in your seat on hills.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New York City
Posts: 364
Bikes: 2006 Dahon D7, 2015 Kona Minute
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another vote for MKS AR-2 EZY detachable pedals. I got these as an upgrade when I found that my folding pedals were waaay too slippery in the rain, and wouldn't accept toe clips. I put Power Grips on the MKS AR-2s and I find that the Power Grips make a convenient hanger when the pedals are off the bike. I just fold up the bike and hang them off the handlebars. Works great.
#16
747 Freight Pilot
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ohio, USA
Posts: 458
Bikes: Rivendell, Bike-Friday Pocket-Rocket and one home made fixed gear
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another vote for MKS AR-2 EZY detachable pedals. I got these as an upgrade when I found that my folding pedals were waaay too slippery in the rain, and wouldn't accept toe clips. I put Power Grips on the MKS AR-2s and I find that the Power Grips make a convenient hanger when the pedals are off the bike. I just fold up the bike and hang them off the handlebars. Works great.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Victoria BC Canada & La Quinta CA USA
Posts: 351
Bikes: Birdy Red 8 speed, Birdy Blue 21 Speed, Birdy Monocoque 24 Speed, 2002 Devinci Desperado, 1996 Rocky Mountain Hammer Race
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How does the MKS EZY AR-2 compare to the MKS EZY MT-E in actual use? It looks as though the MT-E might be a bit wider which is not a bad thing if you cycle with hiking boots.
Don't MKS also have a new one that does not need a securing "stopper" ring
Does anyone know a good on line source to get the MKS pedals and the Power Grips at the one place?
David
Don't MKS also have a new one that does not need a securing "stopper" ring
Does anyone know a good on line source to get the MKS pedals and the Power Grips at the one place?
David
#18
Hooligan
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Base of the Rocky Mountains, Canada. Wonderous things!
Posts: 1,431
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Hooligan 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
How does the MKS EZY AR-2 compare to the MKS EZY MT-E in actual use? It looks as though the MT-E might be a bit wider which is not a bad thing if you cycle with hiking boots.
Don't MKS also have a new one that does not need a securing "stopper" ring
Does anyone know a good on line source to get the MKS pedals and the Power Grips at the one place?
David
Don't MKS also have a new one that does not need a securing "stopper" ring
Does anyone know a good on line source to get the MKS pedals and the Power Grips at the one place?
David
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I Love Folding Pedals
To me folding pedals are a necessity. I take Metra quite a bit into Chicago and in crowds they just help make the bike that much easier to move around and to store the bike on the train. I have a Dahon Jack that does not come with the folding pedals - I took the ones off my old Bazooka Navigator. I also bought folding pedals for my daughters' non-folding bikes to make it easier to store in the back of the van w/o pedals getting caught in spokes or taking up more room. I'll personally never have non-folding pedals again.
Oh, and if you ever happen to take your bike to the Indiana Dunes via the South Shore a folding bike in a carrying case is mandatory. Metra's rules say it is during rush hour but I've never had a conductor yet tell me to put it in the case, as long as it is folding.
I like the pedals in abneycat's links. I have no problem with the plastic ones myself, but I dod like the spring-activated ones. I don't care for the ones where you have to turn a thumbscrew to lock and unlock them - I found a pair on eBay and replaced them after a few months. One of the screws fell out with little prodding or effort.
Oh, and if you ever happen to take your bike to the Indiana Dunes via the South Shore a folding bike in a carrying case is mandatory. Metra's rules say it is during rush hour but I've never had a conductor yet tell me to put it in the case, as long as it is folding.
I like the pedals in abneycat's links. I have no problem with the plastic ones myself, but I dod like the spring-activated ones. I don't care for the ones where you have to turn a thumbscrew to lock and unlock them - I found a pair on eBay and replaced them after a few months. One of the screws fell out with little prodding or effort.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: York UK
Posts: 3,027
Bikes: 2X dualdrive Mezzo folder,plus others
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 107 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
The old style unpainted alloy Wellgo FP8 was a good folding pedal from my experience, this seems to have been replace with the quicker to release but short lived black anadised FP8 version. The older verions came on my Downtube and are the only folding pedals other than the MKS FD6 mentioned earlier that have lasted any time.
The old FP8 were 3 years old and were still working perfectly when I sold the Downtube bike that had this pedal on from new.
However the pedal is a little slower than others to fold as a small sprung lever needs to be pulled upwards whilst the pedal is folded. OK,but a little more fiddly than others. This pedal is all alloy looks good and I never noticed any problems with slipping. It looks like durabliity has been sacrified for faster folding,first impression in the bike shop I guess.
Now the bad news ,I do not think they are still availabe as the wellgo site only mentions the fp7,and the black FP8 which is a good pedal ,but will only last around one year in my experience.
Wish I had swopped the pedals of the Downtube now before selling it !
I have used many of the detachable and folding pedals and the only options seem to be as follows.
1)just use standard pedals if they dont get in the way
2)SPD are just compact as folded pedals
3)detachables work well, and have the advantage of being able to swop from bike to bike or from (MKS) clippless to standard .Also anti theif derrent.\but cost more £40-£80 for clippless.
4) The MKS folding works well but some find it slippery.
5)last option buy a pair of wellgo FP from Ebay each year and treat them as compumables,like tyres,brakeblocks
6)Hunt down some old sytle wellgo FP8.
I am currently experimenting with a MKS folding on the left and the detachable on the right.I have never tried the Brompton pedals, but the cost puts me off and I have heard mixed reviews on them.How long do owners of the non slip suntour folding pedal find it lasts? I have these currently fitted to a new Mezzo,long term durability?
Surley there must be a relatively faultless durable folding pedal out there?
The old FP8 were 3 years old and were still working perfectly when I sold the Downtube bike that had this pedal on from new.
However the pedal is a little slower than others to fold as a small sprung lever needs to be pulled upwards whilst the pedal is folded. OK,but a little more fiddly than others. This pedal is all alloy looks good and I never noticed any problems with slipping. It looks like durabliity has been sacrified for faster folding,first impression in the bike shop I guess.
Now the bad news ,I do not think they are still availabe as the wellgo site only mentions the fp7,and the black FP8 which is a good pedal ,but will only last around one year in my experience.
Wish I had swopped the pedals of the Downtube now before selling it !
I have used many of the detachable and folding pedals and the only options seem to be as follows.
1)just use standard pedals if they dont get in the way
2)SPD are just compact as folded pedals
3)detachables work well, and have the advantage of being able to swop from bike to bike or from (MKS) clippless to standard .Also anti theif derrent.\but cost more £40-£80 for clippless.
4) The MKS folding works well but some find it slippery.
5)last option buy a pair of wellgo FP from Ebay each year and treat them as compumables,like tyres,brakeblocks
6)Hunt down some old sytle wellgo FP8.
I am currently experimenting with a MKS folding on the left and the detachable on the right.I have never tried the Brompton pedals, but the cost puts me off and I have heard mixed reviews on them.How long do owners of the non slip suntour folding pedal find it lasts? I have these currently fitted to a new Mezzo,long term durability?
Surley there must be a relatively faultless durable folding pedal out there?
#21
小型自転車マニアック \(^o^)y
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Okinawa, Japan
Posts: 133
Bikes: Mu P8, customized Xootr Swift
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
MKS all the way.
Got MTE's on my Mu & EZY's on my Swift. Both with Powerstraps.
The pedals that came with my Mu were soft, slippery, and the bearings went out in one side in less than 2,000 kms of use..
Got MTE's on my Mu & EZY's on my Swift. Both with Powerstraps.
The pedals that came with my Mu were soft, slippery, and the bearings went out in one side in less than 2,000 kms of use..
#22
Senior Member
For me... it's folding pedals all the way. No, they're not as good as regular or detachable pedals, but they make multi-modal commuting a snap.
I do wish I could find a folding pedal that worked with power grips.
--sam
I do wish I could find a folding pedal that worked with power grips.
--sam
#23
Hypocritical Cyclist
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bloomington , IL
Posts: 211
Bikes: 07 Surly Steamroller, 1984 Ross 290s
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ended up with the MKS Promenade pedals, with powergrips. They work wonderfully, and I can fit them in my seat bag after I fold. I took one look at the stock pedals and realized it was well worth it.
Also after you remove them the bike takes up less space than with folding pedals, another bonus
Also after you remove them the bike takes up less space than with folding pedals, another bonus
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: York UK
Posts: 3,027
Bikes: 2X dualdrive Mezzo folder,plus others
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 107 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Whilst were mentioning pedals, any suggestion in making the MKS FP6 less slippery?
ie 1) using a file on the grips to get some sharper points ( used to do this with BMX pedals with mixed results).
2) Inserting studs like some platform pedals have. By threading and inserting small "grubsrew" type alley bolts. It looks to thin to do this however.
3)Fit another cage around the main body like some BMK pedals have.Using a spare cage and carriage bolts.
Any other/better suggestions ?
ie 1) using a file on the grips to get some sharper points ( used to do this with BMX pedals with mixed results).
2) Inserting studs like some platform pedals have. By threading and inserting small "grubsrew" type alley bolts. It looks to thin to do this however.
3)Fit another cage around the main body like some BMK pedals have.Using a spare cage and carriage bolts.
Any other/better suggestions ?