Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Clips/Straps

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-09-11 | 08:35 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 22
Clips/Straps

Is there anything that's as easy to adjust on the go as Hold Fast, but cheaper and maybe a bit more grippy?
pavement_nyc is offline  
Reply
Old 11-09-11 | 08:42 PM
  #2  
yoked
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 1
From: S
Try this:

https://bit.ly/sC4Vaf

But seriously:

https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...s-straps-combo

https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...twisted-pedals
homebrewk is offline  
Reply
Old 11-09-11 | 08:42 PM
  #3  
Kayce's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 0
From: St Louis
Lots of companies have ripped of Hold fast, theyre pretty easy to find. Most people here will say get the Retrogression ones.
Kayce is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 12:18 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
really cheap?
MEC plastic cage + nylon straps. $10 including straps and taxes.
MEC steel cage + leather straps. $15 including straps and taxes.

But the easiness to adjust depends on how you thread your straps. I can adjust my nylon straps faster than anyone can their hold fasts.
pkpyro is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 12:45 AM
  #5  
Jaytron's Avatar
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA

Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic

Originally Posted by pkpyro
really cheap?
MEC plastic cage + nylon straps. $10 including straps and taxes.
MEC steel cage + leather straps. $15 including straps and taxes.

But the easiness to adjust depends on how you thread your straps. I can adjust my nylon straps faster than anyone can their hold fasts.
MEC is a canadian company no? Do they ship to the US at a decent price?
Jaytron is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 12:48 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jaytron
MEC is a canadian company no? Do they ship to the US at a decent price?
They ship at better prices than US companies charge for Canadian customers. Never really had to ship US, but I suppose it wouldn't be more than $10 for a set of clips / straps, would it?

Though with shipping costs in consideration, it'd be probably better to just hit up a LBS and get some decent quality ones for $20~ if your LBS has such.
pkpyro is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 09:16 PM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 22
Ok guys, maybe I wasn't clear, by "on the go" I mean literally WHILE I AM RIDING. So no, not standard clips + straps
pavement_nyc is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 10:15 PM
  #8  
Robofunc's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: St. Petersburg, FL

Bikes: Schwinn, Bottecchia, Miyata, projects

I adjust my standard clips and straps while riding. It's easy.
Robofunc is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 10:38 PM
  #9  
carleton's Avatar
Elitist
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 94
From: Atlanta, GA
Originally Posted by pavement_nyc
Is there anything that's as easy to adjust on the go as Hold Fast, but cheaper and maybe a bit more grippy?
Originally Posted by pkpyro
really cheap?
MEC plastic cage + nylon straps. $10 including straps and taxes.
MEC steel cage + leather straps. $15 including straps and taxes.

But the easiness to adjust depends on how you thread your straps. I can adjust my nylon straps faster than anyone can their hold fasts.
Originally Posted by pavement_nyc
Ok guys, maybe I wasn't clear, by "on the go" I mean literally WHILE I AM RIDING. So no, not standard clips + straps
Man, you are asking a lot. Either:

- Deal with the limitations of velcro straps being hard to adjust.
- Deal with flimsy nylon straps
- Invest (meaning actually spend money) in some quality straps like Toshi or something of similar quality. Not the cheap, single ply leather stuff.
- Invest in clipless pedals and shoes. As they say, once you go clipless, you don't go back to clips and straps. This is true for most people.

Clipless is a superior system in several ways, but does involve you changing shoes. The longer you spend on the bike (ride time) the more valuable they become. It's like this:

RIDE TIME: 5 minutes -------------------- 30 minutes --------- 1 hour ------ 2 hours --- 2+ hours
PEDAL TYPE: Platform --- Clips & Straps --- MTB Pedals --- Road Pedals ---------------------------

This isn't an exact correlation. It's a thing to express a point.

Basically, if you are riding clips and straps for 15 minutes or less at a time, don't complain. if you are riding clips and straps for more than 15-30 minutes at a time, don't complain...upgrade.

Again, these aren't hard-n-fast rules. Just something to think about.
carleton is offline  
Reply
Old 11-10-11 | 11:01 PM
  #10  
Jaytron's Avatar
Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
Likes: 28
From: San Jose, CA

Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic

Originally Posted by pavement_nyc
Ok guys, maybe I wasn't clear, by "on the go" I mean literally WHILE I AM RIDING. So no, not standard clips + straps
How can you adjust straps, but not clips+straps while riding? I don't understand.
Jaytron is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 01:11 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Jaytron
How can you adjust straps, but not clips+straps while riding? I don't understand.
+1
I've never seen a fixed gear rider adjust their velcro straps while "on the go" at a reasonable speed. In fact, the downtime of them awkwardly fumbling down at every revolution to adjust would be probably made up if you adjusted it then jumped on the bike. That being said, I guess it's more reasonable for SS... but I don't really see the need for straps like Hold Fast if you're riding SS.

Regular clips + straps, again, depends on how you thread it. I adjust and fasten mine as I'm riding my FG to work or to school because I change my shoes often (casual shoes, dress shoes, runnerse, converse, tricking shoes) and I don't have any problems.
pkpyro is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 01:31 AM
  #12  
LesterOfPuppets's Avatar
The space coyote lied.
15 Anniversary
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,726
Likes: 10,983
From: dusk 'til dawn.

Bikes: everywhere

Yep, if you've got 'em threaded right, clips and straps are easy to adjust on the go. Just grab the strap at the top of your stroke and it'll tighten on the downstroke. I used to run straps with buttons but I'd too often get the straps too tight because I'd have too good a grip on the button, plain strap end tends to let go when the straps at just the right tension for me.

Before the stoplight, just reach down and tap the buckle real quick.
LesterOfPuppets is online now  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 08:07 AM
  #13  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

Originally Posted by pavement_nyc
Ok guys, maybe I wasn't clear, by "on the go" I mean literally WHILE I AM RIDING. So basically, something which defies the laws of physics and doesn't exist in the actual world.
fixed.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 09:15 AM
  #14  
carleton's Avatar
Elitist
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,966
Likes: 94
From: Atlanta, GA
I adjust my Toshi straps when I'm riding at the track. You have to ride slowly, though.
carleton is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 09:25 AM
  #15  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

I adjust my doubles while riding too. I just think the OP has a different mindset - especially considering that typical straps are much easier to adjust "on the go" than any velcro-type straps ever will be.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 09:34 AM
  #16  
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
Veteran Racer
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas

Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels

Originally Posted by carleton
I adjust my Toshi straps when I'm riding at the track. You have to ride slowly, though.
Yes, on the track where you are not constantly starting and stopping. As you roll off on the infield or apron, you tighten the straps just once. Then, as you exit the track, you loosen the straps just once. When riding in urban traffic with lots of starting and stopping, this is too much of a hassle IMO. Sometimes you have to stop suddenly, and don't have time to loosen the straps to remove your foot, which results in a tipover. Anyways, I use clipless on all but one of my FG bikes, which uses wide velcro straps and bmx platform pedals so I can use normal shoes. I don't adjust the velcro straps, just have them loose enough so I can get my shoes in. It's not as secure as clipless, of course, but good enough for normal around town use.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 09:41 AM
  #17  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

I've never had to adjust my straps while in traffic. In the first 20 feet as I'm rolling away from my house (or wherever), I adjust my straps if need be and go.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 10:33 AM
  #18  
yoked
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 1
From: S
This conversation makes me want clips and straps... I just can't get over disengaging my foot quickly.
homebrewk is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 10:45 AM
  #19  
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
Veteran Racer
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas

Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels

Originally Posted by Scrodzilla
I've never had to adjust my straps while in traffic. In the first 20 feet as I'm rolling away from my house (or wherever), I adjust my straps if need be and go.
Not everyone can do sweet tarck stands.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 11:06 AM
  #20  
Scrodzilla's Avatar
Your cog is slipping.
Titanium Club Membership
Sheldon Brown Memorial - Titanium
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26,053
Likes: 100
From: Beverly MA

Bikes: EAI Bareknuckle

I mentioned nothing about track stands.
Scrodzilla is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 11:12 AM
  #21  
jimmytango's Avatar
Hi, I'm Bryan.
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,650
Likes: 0
From: Chicago

Bikes: 2010 Focus Mares

A track stand isn't necessary. Just keep them loose enough to be able to pop your foot out. It results in the loss of a little power transfer, but on the street do you really need full power?
jimmytango is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 11:21 AM
  #22  
Kayce's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 0
From: St Louis
Pulling up adds little power to your pedaling, the real loss in running loose straps is when using them to pull up to slow down or stop.
Kayce is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 11:32 AM
  #23  
TejanoTrackie's Avatar
Veteran Racer
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas

Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels

Originally Posted by Kayce
Pulling up adds little power to your pedaling.
When sitting I agree, however, when standing such as climbing or starting off from a stop, it does make a significant difference.
__________________
What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman

Originally Posted by Dcv
I'd like to think i have as much money as brains.
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
TejanoTrackie is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 08:37 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
I have to wonder what kind of riding you do when you need maximum efficiency with your FG on city streets, don't bother to learn track stands and are damn fixated on riding velcro.
pkpyro is offline  
Reply
Old 11-11-11 | 09:23 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
what?
mauricelm is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.