Toe straps recommendations
03-28-24 | 05:46 PM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,378
Likes: 5,297
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
I like the MKS "Fit α Sprint" straps. They're the closest thing to the old Alfredo Binda straps I've found. The strap is leather, with a plastic mesh laminated in to reduce stretching under load (like the Bindas had). Nice stainless steel buckle.
https://www.amazon.com/MKS-Fit-Alpha.../dp/B002YQ44VO
https://www.amazon.com/MKS-Fit-Alpha.../dp/B002YQ44VO
03-29-24 | 05:52 AM
#3
Tinker-er
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 1,570
From: Mid-Atlantic
Bikes: 1956 Rudge; 1981 Miyata; 1994 Breezer; 1987 Raleigh Mtn Trials; 1952 R.O. Harrison; 1994 Concorde; 1949 Rotrax; 1964 A.S. Gillott; Early 60s Frejus; ~1979 RRB track; Unknown Interwar track
New ones. That's really it. Lately, I've been riding Christophes but I don't care about brand really, as long as the strap is in excellent condition and can hold more than my weight. Carry spares. I buy extra sets just to have around in case one breaks or I find is too worn and needs replacement.
04-21-24 | 11:21 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 14,171
Likes: 5,299
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I loved the old Bindas. Normals were fine. I wasn't strong enough to need the synthetic re-enforcement. Now I go to Portland Leather and have them cut me 1/2" strips of good cowhide. Treat it with Snowseal or the (probably slightly better) Obenau's Heavy Duty LP. Rivet to Zephal toestrap buckles with SS pop rivets. Use leather black if I want black ones.
My replacements work just as well, last roughly half the time of the Bindas and cost, by comparison, peanuts. (I do have a drill press which makes drilling out the rivets easier.) Those toestraps work hard. On fix gears. Always pulled tight and I'll pull as hard as my age allows going up steep hills.
My replacements work just as well, last roughly half the time of the Bindas and cost, by comparison, peanuts. (I do have a drill press which makes drilling out the rivets easier.) Those toestraps work hard. On fix gears. Always pulled tight and I'll pull as hard as my age allows going up steep hills.
