When I first started riding fixed gear, I used a toe cage and a single leather strap. It was okay but the strap dug into my foot and it didn't give me a secure fit when slowing/backpedaling or skidding. When I switched to clipless, it was a massive improvement.
When running clipless, I was wearing Shimano SL shoes (super stiff carbon sole) and Look Delta pedals.
Then a few years back I decided to go with straps again and went with a MKS dual laminate (laminate = plastic layer sandwiched between the leather layers to keep the leather straps from stretching) and MKS dual strap toe cages. Been running that setup for years. Super comfortable, good power transfer, never loosens, but easy to get in/out. Plus I can wear street shoes.
So this morning I dug out my Look Delta pedals (old Shimano 7400) and stiff carbon road shoes thinking it was going to make a massive difference again.
But nope. It was just marginally better. I could still clip-in/clip out easily but it wasn't a huge improvement like it felt in the past in regards to power transfer/control.
Cliffnotes: If you currently run a toe cage and single leather strap because you like the "classic" look but feel it's uncomfortable and not that supportive, try moving to a dual leather (with laminate) setup first, it makes a massive difference when adjusted correctly and using a good pair of stiff soled shoes (I use Reebok Classic low tops).
You don't have to buy the expensive MKS laminate straps either, these are really nice too for half the price.
https://www.retro-gression.com/collections/toe-clips-and-straps/products/exustar-laminated-double-straps#
Paired with these cages
https://www.retro-gression.com/collections/toe-clips-and-straps/products/mks-deep-twin-toe-clips#
I just run basic MKS Sylvan pedals.
https://www.retro-gression.com/products/mks-sylvan-track-pedals-all-black
Also, when threading the leather straps through the pedal cages, twist the strap before threading it out the other side. It keeps the strap from shifting around with use.
Like this…
https://i.imgur.com/oI5kKbI.jpg
My Reebok's have a lot of miles on them but not significantly worn out from the dual straps.
https://i.imgur.com/HwNhAbr.jpeg
by Regulatori
5 Comments
Very helpful perspective tysm
I see a lot of people not liking cages, the most important thing is to have LAMINATED straps. It’s a night and day difference.
I have two pairs of the Exustar straps when Wabi used to sell them, great straps
Loved your write up on this topic. Personally, I find there’s a massive difference between clipless and cages. Ran cages for years and then tried clipless and haven’t looked back. Actually sold all my pedal and cage setups. I think the power transfer can’t be beat, where your shoe is literally locked into your pedal whereas your shoe is held in but not truly locked in with cages. It’s probably not that much of a difference in reality, but scientifically speaking clipless will always have slightly better power transfer. What sucks about clipless is the clippity clopping everywhere (SPD-SL/Look) and cleats wear out so quickly.
I feel called out