Removable Pedals - The Options?
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Dr Kickstand
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Removable Pedals - The Options?
I am in the process of putting together a thread on the Removable pedals options available on the market. I would like to know the models you use and your experience?
Also, a lot of folder riders have switched from folding pedal to removable pedals, any feedback?
Thanks
Also, a lot of folder riders have switched from folding pedal to removable pedals, any feedback?
Thanks
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Cannot comment on folding pedals, but I do use MKS pedals. They have a quick release coupler similar to that used in an air hose coupling. I think mine are called the AR2 and are a single sided platform pedal. I have power grip straps installed and the combo has been wonderful.
Here is a pic of my Bike-Friday with one of the MKS pedals removed and sitting on the floor next to it. The female coupling which remains attached to the crank arm is also visable in this pic.
https://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u...Picture120.jpg
MKS also has a double sided platform and a clipless pedal also with the QR option. The downside to the clipless pedal is it uses a spd look alike cleat that is not compatible with shimano spd.
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accesso....htm#promenade
Here is a pic of my Bike-Friday with one of the MKS pedals removed and sitting on the floor next to it. The female coupling which remains attached to the crank arm is also visable in this pic.
https://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u...Picture120.jpg
MKS also has a double sided platform and a clipless pedal also with the QR option. The downside to the clipless pedal is it uses a spd look alike cleat that is not compatible with shimano spd.
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accesso....htm#promenade
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+1 for the MKS EZ.
bicycleflyer, it seems that your PG installation is opposite of what described in the PG instructions. IIRC, the strap end with the cross screw should be on the side closer the the bike. Your configuration reduces the chance of pedal strike. Is it intentional?
kam
bicycleflyer, it seems that your PG installation is opposite of what described in the PG instructions. IIRC, the strap end with the cross screw should be on the side closer the the bike. Your configuration reduces the chance of pedal strike. Is it intentional?
kam
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If the PG were mounted backwards, you would have to insert your foot with the heel rotated inwards, which is kind of hard since your cranks or frame would be in the way.
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I have been using MKS EZ with toe clips (no straps). Switched out the stock folding Suntour pedals on the Dahon. They were slick when wet and felt chincy. Bought some SPD/platform combo pedals (Wellgo) and SPD cleats/shoes, to try out next.
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https://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/...powergrips.jpg
The hex screw is on the outer side of the pedal per the instructions. This is how I installed it but it increases the chance of pedal strike.
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Check out this picture on Thor's site
https://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/...powergrips.jpg
The hex screw is on the outer side of the pedal per the instructions. This is how I installed it but it increases the chance of pedal strike.
https://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/...powergrips.jpg
The hex screw is on the outer side of the pedal per the instructions. This is how I installed it but it increases the chance of pedal strike.
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Well I am glad you guys worked this out without me....
As to the slippery remark... I have never had a problem, but the power grips do help in that regard. But those spd/platform combos you mention are good pedals too. I use them on my full size road bike and used to use them on my bike-friday. The 6mm slot on the axle's end made quick work of removing them. Took maybe about 3 minutes, but the EZ pedals take about 5 sec.
As to the slippery remark... I have never had a problem, but the power grips do help in that regard. But those spd/platform combos you mention are good pedals too. I use them on my full size road bike and used to use them on my bike-friday. The 6mm slot on the axle's end made quick work of removing them. Took maybe about 3 minutes, but the EZ pedals take about 5 sec.
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A note regarding the MKS quick release based on my experience. They are difficult to remove from the crank. A standard 15 mm wrench or a pedal wrench are both to wide. I had to use a cone wrench when I want to remove these. There is no hex slot on them either.
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This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?
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This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?
The pedals themselves unclip from the bases quickly and without tools but it does take a moment longer than folding a pedal.
The primary advantages I see are:
- With the pedal unclipped, the base does not stick out from the crank near as far as a folding pedal.
- The base is smooth and is much less likely to scratch or catch on something than a folding pedal
- They are more solid than any folding pedal I have seen
- It's easy to switch platform types or switch pedals between bikes
- They will accept toe clips and or straps
- Removing the pedals is an easy extra deterrent to ride-away thieves
So far as I know, nobody else makes anything like them.
David
Last edited by energyandair; 04-16-09 at 08:30 AM.
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Shaymo, perhaps I wasn't clear enough. As per energyandair's comment, you don't need tools to unclip the pedals from the quick release: it truly is a quick release. The problem lies in removing the quick releases from the cranks: the only tool I could use was a cone wrench. When you compare this to the leverage you can get out of a pedal wrench as a comparison, I'm concerned about the part seizing.
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I'm not sure why I would want to take the quick release bases off while out on on the road so I don't bother to take a wrench.
The pedals themselves unclip from the bases quickly and without tools but it does take a moment longer than folding a pedal.
The primary advantages I see are:
- With the pedal unclipped, the base does not stick out from the crank near as far as a folding pedal.
- The base is smooth and is much less likely to scratch or catch on something than a folding pedal
- They are more solid than any folding pedal I have seen
- It's easy to switch platform types or switch pedals between bikes
- They will accept toe clips and or straps
- Removing the pedals is an easy extra deterrent to ride-away thieves
So far as I know, nobody else makes anything like them.
David
The pedals themselves unclip from the bases quickly and without tools but it does take a moment longer than folding a pedal.
The primary advantages I see are:
- With the pedal unclipped, the base does not stick out from the crank near as far as a folding pedal.
- The base is smooth and is much less likely to scratch or catch on something than a folding pedal
- They are more solid than any folding pedal I have seen
- It's easy to switch platform types or switch pedals between bikes
- They will accept toe clips and or straps
- Removing the pedals is an easy extra deterrent to ride-away thieves
So far as I know, nobody else makes anything like them.
David
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While the statement that you need a thin wrench to install the base pieces for the MKS is correct, it is not something I carry on the road either. I have cone wrenches in my shop and those do very well. It is only an issue at installation or removal, not roadside.
If you do a search, there is a fellow that took straight shimano SPD pedals and machined an axle that would fit the MKS. It was a nice piece of work.
If you do a search, there is a fellow that took straight shimano SPD pedals and machined an axle that would fit the MKS. It was a nice piece of work.
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Shaymo, perhaps I wasn't clear enough. As per energyandair's comment, you don't need tools to unclip the pedals from the quick release: it truly is a quick release. The problem lies in removing the quick releases from the cranks: the only tool I could use was a cone wrench. When you compare this to the leverage you can get out of a pedal wrench as a comparison, I'm concerned about the part seizing.
Just thinking out loud here. If you are concerned with seizing, then why not remove the base pieces every few months and lube them with grease. This should alleviate that issue. A rainy day project?
#17
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I like and use MKS Promenade EZY on my Dahon Hammer Head 7.0 and Smooth Hound https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...8¤cy=USD
I like and use MKS CUBE EZ PEDALS on my Mu SL
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm
On my wife's and my Dahon Speed TRs we like the folding MKS MTS-2 EZY petals. Sorry no link to any photos.
Ciao,
o^o
I like and use MKS CUBE EZ PEDALS on my Mu SL
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/pedals.htm
On my wife's and my Dahon Speed TRs we like the folding MKS MTS-2 EZY petals. Sorry no link to any photos.
Ciao,
o^o
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I had MKS EZY's on my Swift till this week.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin... )
I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.
I've up't to Eggbeater's & after a couple days, I'm impressed.
~ They're not detachable, so I'll leave it at that.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin... )
I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.
I've up't to Eggbeater's & after a couple days, I'm impressed.
~ They're not detachable, so I'll leave it at that.
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Thanks for all the feedback here. VP components also make a range of quick release pedals(See https://www.vpcomponents.com/pedals.asp?pcat2=43).
Its clear to me now that quick release pedals have many advantages over folding pedals though usually a bit more expensive. I was also wondering, do any of the folding bike manufacturers ship quick release pedals as standard on any of their range.
Its clear to me now that quick release pedals have many advantages over folding pedals though usually a bit more expensive. I was also wondering, do any of the folding bike manufacturers ship quick release pedals as standard on any of their range.
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To add to the list above, beyond the obvious quality differences, the MKS pedals utilize a more traditional pedal design approach by having the bearings support the platform at the extreme ends.. folding pedals by design have the bearings much closer together.. the constant leverage on the closely placed bearings leads to pedal bearing failure at a much higher rate.. folding pedals work well for light use, but if you are really putting the miles in, then a more traditional design gets the nod from me..
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I had MKS EZY's on my Swift till this week.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin... )
I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.
They worked great for me w/my Mu, but when I changed'm over to the Swift, I had 2~3 sudden 'pop-offs' a week...
(NOT good seeing a pedal go flying off into a busy road, or mashing down at a start, and having the seat catch you at the groin... )
I figured out why I was gett'n sudden pop-offs; it was caused by me wiggling my feet more to get a snug fit into my PowerStraps, in combo w/harder pedaling.
With my Mu I didn't pedal as hard (more upright), nor wiggle me feets to get a snug fit as much as w/the Swift.
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I wonder if the old style clips with those little tabs were easier to take off:
https://www.thorusa.com/images/dahon/...es/mksring.jpg
Anybody knows if they are still available? I would like to try them.
kam
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Don't know if anyone else reads Alex Whitmore's Blog... but this got posted today
I hacked up my favorite MKS Grip King pedals to have a quick release MKS EZ axle. This lets them pop off of the bike in an instant to make the fold smaller. Taking axles out of $60 pedals and putting them into $50 pedals is an expensive solution, I wish MKS just offered these with the quick release axle as stock.
#25
Senior Member
This is an interesting point. From a daily commuters point of view, you don't really want to be carrying extras tools. Also, it would appear the MKS quick release pedals take longer to disconnect than for example to fold up a folding pedal. Is not the only advantage of the MKS quick release pedals over a standard folding pedal the ability to attach a power grip or the clip less feature. Also, are MKS the only manufacturers of MKS quick release?
--sam