Introduction
The pedal or toe strap is a popular tool for most bikers due to its numerous benefits. Toe straps help to get the most benefit from cycling, helps to ride efficiently, and also for keeping the feet on the pedals. It also offers a comfort level that is greater than using toe clips or cleats. Everything to know about using toe straps are stated below.
Advantages of toe straps
- It is cheap
- It offers convenience for bikers
- It is straightforward to install
- You can use toe straps with regular shoes and still enjoy the biking experience
- It keeps your feet secured to the pedals
Disadvantages of toe straps
- It can come apart easily
- Toe straps do not have floats for changing the angle of your foot within a range
- It is hard to get into straps and harder to get out of them.
- Toe straps do not have fine adjustments like the clipless pedals and cleats.
- The adjustment of toe straps is usually not perfect, and it can get uncomfortable.
Toe Strap Compatibility
Before you can make use of a toe strap, you need to know if your bike is compatible. Toe straps are generally designed for road or track riding. Your bike pedals need to have slots in the spindle body behind the spindle around the back or a slot in the pedal cage. If your bike pedal does not have these slots, toe straps will not work, and riding with toe straps will be dangerous.
Use of toe straps
The main aim of toe straps is to hold your foot in position while biking for better pedal stroke and more pedaling power. You should not use it on their own as it will not work.
How to install double toe straps
- Feed your leather strap through the slot in the pedal cage, starting at the side away from the bottom bracket. You can use pliers to pull the strap if it is too tight for your fingers. Alternatively, take off the pedal cage and put it in your leather strap.
- You can then Install the cage back on your bike.
- Put your straps through the loop at the top of the clips.
- After threading the straps, check if buckle parts of the strap are about two inches from the outside edge of the pedal.
- Buckle the straps and snug the straps to ensure it fits in comfortably.
- Adjust the straps to make sure they are fastened to the pedal and your foot, but it is also loose enough so you can safely remove your foot from the pedals and straps.
- Repeat the steps above for the second pedal.
- Ensure you check both pedals and straps periodically to ensure it functions properly.
Note: The straps should not be tight when you are street riding. The straps need to be tight for velodrome or road race.
Here is a link to a video showing how you can install double toe straps (Credit to Ivan Fernandez):