I skipped for the first time last night. With cheap Nashbar straps and clips that cost a total of $10, I just realized that my first skip could have been my last. This leads me to believe that I need new straps.

These Silva ones caught my eye ($20). I like the look with the wide padding part. I found two opinions of them on this forum: one person liked them, but another said something broke off of them. Here's a picture. Has anyone had them for a while, and can they let us know more about them?

http://i6.ebayimg.com/01/i/05/04/4f/6e_1.JPG

I also read about the Errebi double straps--they crack in several months. So maybe I should just splurge for the Toshi ones. But how long do the Toshi ones last? Significantly longer than the Errebi? The guys who have these, please respond, b/c I am very interseted. I've read some people's opinions, but they have only had them for several months and cannot attest to their long-term durability vs. Errebi's.

These Cinelli single straps by BensCycles also interested me. They are about $20. Anyone have any experience with these?

http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imag...e_straps_b.JPG

Please post any of your experiences with other toe straps, and the names of ones which you've had break on you.... I did some searching and could not find any good solid answers as to which ones I should get. Thanks!

i've been using a $10 set of mks leather straps off of bensbikes for the last 6ish months, no problems, but those silva ones look good, where can you get them?

I only ride platform pedals on my track bikes. You know, the BMX style ones. Everyone says I should use a front brake, but I just tell them to "piss off."

edit: I also do not know how to skid or skip

eBay...!

fast and danger

fast and dangerous are my middle name...

I don't know if they make them any more but look out for the EAI laminated straps. They seemed thicker than others I saw and have held up over a long wet Northwest winter so I'd say they're good.

jesus, you're nuts

oh yeah, I can also ride in backwards circles.

Sweeeeeet... Ill Mitch song.

guess i'll post this here as well.

i'm a huge fan of laminated straps... like the cinellis in the first post.
for those talking about using 2 single straps. i've got some ancient laminated alfredo binda straps on some old campy pista pedals. they're beat to hell, but are still super solid... and far superior to single straps, in hold and feel. the 2nd strap is looped through the front hole on the pedal. helps with slippage.

http://www.dynagroove.com/users/fabi...py_double1.jpg
http://www.dynagroove.com/users/fabi...py_double2.jpg

to the point of making 2 singles a double strap... you can always go with the Gucci double strap holder. highly recommended. get them at freewheel hayes, sf:

http://www.dynagroove.com/users/fabi...s/IMG_8420.jpg

they even came in gold:
http://www.dynagroove.com/users/fabi...gucci_gold.jpg

i have the silva straps and they're holding up well -- the reinforcement layer makes a huge difference & the wide part of the strap keeps the strap 'open' making it easier to slip your foot in, as well as maintaining your foot angle on the pedal.

the only setback is that the leather layers tend to separate from the plastic layer but some glue fixes that up & you can always add those little buttons to the end.

Toshi and MKS fit-alpha straps are bombproof. They're laminated and have stout rivets. No matter what kind of strap you select, use leather conditioner every now and then, and keep an eye out for wear and tear.

stay away from nylon. ever time i skid or skip i have to readjust everything.

i just bought a set of toshi singles to replace some crappy campagnolo nylon straps i had and they are fantastic. super-duper thick, with two layers of suede sandwiching a nylon layer. the thickness keeps them "open" nicely and they feel absolutely rock solid. very expensive but a nice investment; this is a crucial part of your bike, especially if brakeless.

those silva ones posted above look to be pretty nice. i've seen and held the toshi singles, but never ridden them. they do look to be probably the nicest straps around. i have a set of the doubles and they are as good as it gets as far as safety and security and comfort go. putting nylon straps on your bike will only hurt you in the end. straps aren't a part worth skimping on; if they fail (and nylon straps fail continuously and constantly) you will get hurt badly. leather + nylon + leather laminate all sandwiched together makes for the best straps, and look for good buckles that keep tight. i had a set of binda straps for 6 years, the prior owner used them for 30 years before i got them, thats 36 years and one just broke finally last weekend. oddly, it didn't break at the buckle like i thought it might; it broke at the part where it comes out through the bottom of the pedal, all of the rubbing for so long against that metal edge finally stressed the leather enough. if you are running old straps make sure they are supple, and check for signs of stress every so often.

yeah just to follow up: the toshis are head and shoulders above any other strap i've had. i didn't realise just how much "give" there was in the other canvas and nylon straps i've owned. these feel more like clipless—direct communication.

worth every penny

Although I can't speak for the other straps you are considering, I do own the Silva straps. I upgraded from some cheap non-laminated straps and, obviously, the Silva's are far better. I don't ride brakeless, but rarely use my brake and these straps are quite sufficient. Under extreme tension (emergency braking), they do loosen up a slight bit. However, I suspect that some other laminated straps of comparable price may do the same.

One a side note, does anyone know if Freewheel ships? I want a set of the Gucci double strap holders.

they don't ship that i know of... but PM me and i can get them for you and ship them. it's all love here on BF. (the retail at like $30 though!)

Check out Scafell Pike Co.'s toe straps. Made by the Amish of durable bridle leather (the stuff they use for horse harnesses). Stiffer than anything on the market so they won't stretch of slip.

Responding to a 10-year old thread, FTW.

Again...