MKS EZ are not safe without the plastic clips
#1
MKS EZ are not safe without the plastic clips
Today I proved to myself that MKS EZ pedals are unsafe without those plastic clips.
Two weeks ago I started to experiment using the EZ pedals without the plastic clips (and making positively sure before each ride that the pedals are properly locked). Well, today after 2 miles of so, the right pedal came loose.
I am using MKS EZ Promenade with Power Grips but apparently the shoe has enough lateral play to push in the metal locking ring.
BTW, I heard that MKS came with a new model of EZ pedals that do not use the plastic clips. Any info on the new model?
Kam
Two weeks ago I started to experiment using the EZ pedals without the plastic clips (and making positively sure before each ride that the pedals are properly locked). Well, today after 2 miles of so, the right pedal came loose.
I am using MKS EZ Promenade with Power Grips but apparently the shoe has enough lateral play to push in the metal locking ring.
BTW, I heard that MKS came with a new model of EZ pedals that do not use the plastic clips. Any info on the new model?
Kam
#2
Hooligan
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 1
From: Base of the Rocky Mountains, Canada. Wonderous things!
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Hooligan 3
I have a pair of the MKS EZY superior "Esprit" pedals. They do not need the plastic clips, the retention device is spring loaded and returns to position so that no clip is needed.
So far, I find them highly enjoyable. The retention system is very secure, and there is no danger of losing any little plastic collars. One downside is that they were difficult to install, the space behind the collar was not enough to slip a pedal wrench behind, and I had 3 in the shop to try it with
I eventually installed them using a cone wrench and shimming the handle out to pedal wrench length. This is practical so long as you can take care not to bend the cone wrench, and to have it well seated before starting - they are not nearly as robust as pedal wrenches.
So far, I find them highly enjoyable. The retention system is very secure, and there is no danger of losing any little plastic collars. One downside is that they were difficult to install, the space behind the collar was not enough to slip a pedal wrench behind, and I had 3 in the shop to try it with

I eventually installed them using a cone wrench and shimming the handle out to pedal wrench length. This is practical so long as you can take care not to bend the cone wrench, and to have it well seated before starting - they are not nearly as robust as pedal wrenches.
#4
Hypocritical Cyclist
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Bloomington , IL
Bikes: 07 Surly Steamroller, 1984 Ross 290s
I have smallish feet also (11 in men's) and have had no problems in 400 miles. I tend to pronate (turn my feet out) pretty heavily when I ride, so that make a difference. I saw a tip somewhere that you can use fishing line to tie the clips on.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 575
Likes: 2
From: Cheshire, North West England, UK
Bikes: Brompton S2L-X, Bridgestone Moulton, 1963 & 1966 Moultons, Scott Mountain bike
I ran without the clips for a year with the Damon MU SL without any problems (well not with the pedals anyway).
Last edited by PDR; 06-22-09 at 08:56 AM.
#7
usually not to much grumbling is heard about accidential release without the black or yellow split rings.... however we do have extra rings and also the new superior pedals in stock
Thor
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accesso....htm#promenade
Thor
https://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accesso....htm#promenade
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC Canada & La Quinta CA USA
Bikes: Birdy Red 8 speed, Birdy Blue 21 Speed, Birdy Monocoque 24 Speed, 2002 Devinci Desperado, 1996 Rocky Mountain Hammer Race
AR-2 EZY
First tried them without the clips and the right pedal came loose
Came loose however is not the same as coming right off and it did not cause a big problem, I just stopped, snapped it in put the clips on and carried on.
Used clips for about a month then eventually lost one
Have run without clips since then (couple of months) with zero problems
The retention collar was initially a bit stiff and I suspect that my initial problem may have been that either I didn't get it locked in properly or I bumped it and it was too stiff to snap back into place.
Bottom line: They seem OK without the clips provide you make sure that they are properly snapped in but you may need to take a bit of care initially.
David
First tried them without the clips and the right pedal came loose
Came loose however is not the same as coming right off and it did not cause a big problem, I just stopped, snapped it in put the clips on and carried on.
Used clips for about a month then eventually lost one
Have run without clips since then (couple of months) with zero problems
The retention collar was initially a bit stiff and I suspect that my initial problem may have been that either I didn't get it locked in properly or I bumped it and it was too stiff to snap back into place.
Bottom line: They seem OK without the clips provide you make sure that they are properly snapped in but you may need to take a bit of care initially.
David
#10
cyclopath
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,264
Likes: 6
From: Victoria, BC
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad
I've had an MKS EZY QR pedal come off within the first hourwhen I tried it without the clips. I went back to using the clips.
#11
Aging hipster

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 201
Bikes: Origami Swift, Surly Ogre, IRO Mark V Pro, home made bamboo cargo bike, eddy merckx corsa extra, Airnimal Joey commute, UGADA Tikit
i used to use toe cages and straps, and the pedals would come off every time I used them without the clips.
installed powergrips recently, and have completely stopped using the clips, with zero accidental releases.
so go figure....
installed powergrips recently, and have completely stopped using the clips, with zero accidental releases.
so go figure....
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Am a MKS user too (AR2 EZY), with no [accidental release] problems to date.
Recently saw the new design with spring loading. Maybe they were stiff, but it was a little irritating rotating the sleeve and getting the set screw into the notch. I think there could have been a better way to do this?
Am curious what the long term assessment will be of the new design - if it's too sensitive for dirt getting in, how well it will turn after a while, etc. Doesnt seem like necessary to pay an extra $20 or more for the design -the pedals already aren't inexpensive.
ps - does anyone know if there's a real weight limit to the pedals? As they have a very small shaft that goes into the hole, does that mean certain weights are no good?
Recently saw the new design with spring loading. Maybe they were stiff, but it was a little irritating rotating the sleeve and getting the set screw into the notch. I think there could have been a better way to do this?
Am curious what the long term assessment will be of the new design - if it's too sensitive for dirt getting in, how well it will turn after a while, etc. Doesnt seem like necessary to pay an extra $20 or more for the design -the pedals already aren't inexpensive.
ps - does anyone know if there's a real weight limit to the pedals? As they have a very small shaft that goes into the hole, does that mean certain weights are no good?
#13
I had today another indecent of a MKS pedal coming off during the ride. I switched recently to MKS clipless and I thought that because the show has less lateral move, it is safe to ride without the plastic clips. After a total distance of about 5miles, the right pedal came off today (but stayed bound to the shoe). This incident was with different couplers, pedals and bike than the first incident about 6 months ago.
From now on I plan to use the clips, even with the clipless pedals.
Kam
From now on I plan to use the clips, even with the clipless pedals.
Kam




