also, isn't it a somewhat common practice to twist a few times when threading through underneath? perhaps just a way to shorten the straps if you have smaller feet, as a way of keeping length down but also to prevent slipping and such.

s2sxiii,

There are several ways to run doubles, depending on your pedals and in particular how your foot is shaped. A lot of people don't like two straps running parallel, because one of them ends up cutting at an angle into the top of your arch, and with good laminated straps today (and they come with much better buckles these days, too), there's not much need for more than a single if you get a good strap to begin with. The best singles I've found are the Kashimax (which unfortunately is ludicrous at about $90 a pair now) and the MKS Fit-alpha tan ones (which you can get from Bensbike on eBay for $39 a pair). These are laminated, have great buckles, and will last you for years with no stretching or breaking -- when they wear out, the leather is literally worn away. I prefer the MKS Fit-alpha tan ones to the black ones because the latter have a black suede finish which seems to get cut by the buckle more.

One important thing to note about toe straps (both double and single) -- they come in varying lengths. The Kashimax have the longest straps, followed by the MKS Fit-alpha (which are still about an inch shorter). Some of the rest are too short for anyone over a size 8 or so so check them out before buying.

Back to mounting doubles on RX-1 pedals: I have to ask why you want doubles on such a lightweight pedal. If you're going to blow out a good laminated single, you're likely to pull the backplate on RX-1's. It's like putting Paris Roubaix wheels on a super-lightweight time trial bike.

Anyway, the strap gets fed (with help from a pair of needlenose pliers), down the outside of the pedal between the angled black extension of the rear frame and the silver body, then through the slot in the frame (this is where you need the pliers). Feed it up through the tab that points forward and has a slot in it and then back down to go through the pedal body slot on the inside. Bring it up inside the black bent tab on the inner side of the rear frame, thread it through the loop in the toe clip, and to the buckle.

Here's where you have options. Some riders prefer to put the rear strap in this position and run the front strap similarly right in front of the pedal axle. Others put the front strap in this position and simply run the rear strap in and out of the two horizontal slots on the back of the rear pedal frame. This moves them further back where they hold your foot more effectively and potentially avoid clamping on your arch the wrong way.

In either case, you can either run the rear strap (wherever it's located) through the loop on the toe clip (which is the traditional method), or let the toe straps cross each other coming up the inside of the pedal, have the front strap move to the rear and get the toe clip loop, and then have each strap connect to the opposite buckle (front strap to rear buckle, etc.). This may be better for your arch and it and it definitely clamps down well.

What you're trying to accomplish here, if you're a serious track sprinter, is two things: First, to keep your cleats in your rear pedal frame, and second, to keep your forefoot down flat on the pedal so it doesn't flop around. The former is the key one since modern shoes have better sole shapes that take care of the latter problem pretty well. Again, plenty of superb sprinters and kilo riders don't ride doubles any longer. Also, by the way, many track riders are now riding without toe clips. They worsen overlap with your front tire, they have to be bent around to avoid tearing up your shoes or poking into the top of your feet, and for some pedals they are almost impossible to find now. All a toe clip does is suspend the toe strap out there conveniently so your foot can flip in. With modern laminated toe straps, they tend to stay upright on their own (old strictly leather ones became limp as a noodle), and if you need to stomp on your pedal (like in an uphill start from a stoplight) you don't have to worry about them dragging on the pavement. It's worth a try.

If you want the best of both worlds, you can mount a pair of straps to most clipless pedals -- that's the new trend in track racing. Much more versatile, and you don't have to have your toe strap clinched down so tight because it's the only thing that keeps your foot from coming out of the pedals.

give it to your dentist - she/he will know what to do with it. Just keep an open mind, okay?

I have never had this problem with laminate straps, only the straight nylon/leather ones.

my dentist is the former neighborhood bully. He lived next door, and once hung my best friend from a fence by his underwear. I don't like my dentist, and i can't have an open mind about him.

Double straps, made by Gucci!!!

Oops, I mean made by SteveMac

https://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2005...RobBorders.htm