One of the most annoying things to happen when riding a bike is having your feet slip off the pedals. For anyone that considers biking as more than just a hobby having your feet slipping is something you must fix. The good news is that there are quite a few ways you can get rid of this problem. The easiest way is to buy the best bike pedal strap and add them to your bike or replace them with larger platform pedals.
Alternatively, you could consider using cleats, but that would require buying a good pair of cycling shoes or regular non-cycling shoes that work well with bikes.
Look:
Being a fan of cycling myself, I have tried countless solutions to keep my feet on the pedals. I don't particularly like wearing shoes with cleats or toe clips because the shoes that are compatible with them are stiff and uncomfortable. I cannot walk on the roads when I am wearing cycling shoes, and I don't want to spend extra dollars on good touring shoes.
As a result, I came across a wonderful invention that solved my problem at one go: Bike Pedal Straps.
Here are the top options to consider.
6 Best Bike Pedal Straps:
- Outgeek Bike Pedal Strap
- Fat Cookie Outdoors Fixie Bike Pedal Straps
- Fyxation Gates Best Fixie Pedal Strap
- Origin 8 Pro-Grip II Pedal Straps
- SEQI Bike Pedals with Clips and Straps
- ZSFLZS Bicycle Pedal Straps
Outgeek bike pedal strap - Best Pedal Straps overall
I've recently tried the Outgeek Bike Pedal Strap and was impressed by its versatility and quality. Outgeek has chosen high-quality nylon for these straps, which I found to be both strong and durable. This material choice also lends to its impressive wear resistance, a crucial factor for avid cyclists like myself.
The straps come in a variety of four colors: black, red, green, and blue, catering to different style preferences. I personally went for the black one, finding it to be sleek and matching well with my gear. Its total length of 18.5 inches accommodates almost all shoe sizes, which I tested by fitting it with various shoes I own. The adjustable nature, thanks to the Velcro mechanism, makes it a one-size-fits-all solution, easily adaptable for different users.
I primarily used it on my single fixed gear bike, but it's also suitable for mountain bikes and BMX bikes. The lightweight design is a significant advantage, making it an ideal choice for adult-sized bikes without adding unnecessary bulk.
Rating Key Features:
- Durability: 9/10
- Adjustability: 8.5/10
- Compatibility with Bike Types: 8/10
- Ease of Installation: 9/10
- Style and Color Options: 7.5/10
From my experience, the installation process is straightforward, involving just four simple steps. The versatility extends further as it can also fit into children's bike pedals, making it a family-friendly accessory.
However, it's important to note a few cons. While the stitching on the straps is sturdy, indicating good craftsmanship, there have been some complaints about the Velcro being on the wrong side of the strap in a few instances. This could be a minor inconvenience during the initial setup but doesn't detract significantly from the overall quality of the product.
Pros
Cons
Origin 8 Pro-Grip II Pedal straps
If your problem is slippery pedals, the Origin 8 Pro-Grip pedal straps are ideal for you. The main priority that Origin 8 set for itself is to make a pedal strap with the best grip. The large Velcro strap cover can hold your feet in place regardless of how intense your workout session or cycling tour might be.
In addition to the large Velcro strap, one distinctive feature of this pedal strap is that the design is an anti-slip tension construction that ensures your cycling shoes stay in place from the start till the finish. You can get it in black or white.
Pros
- The large Velcro is strong with tight stitching
- These straps are thick and sturdy
- These straps will fit the form of your feet with every use
- They are a safer option over pedal clips of the same price range
Cons
- They cost a little more than the other cheaper bike pedal straps.
Fat Cookie Outdoors Fixie Bike Pedal Straps
What is better than regular bike pedal straps? Fat Cookie's fixie bike pedal strap is the answer! These fixie bike pedal straps are 5cm wide and 45.5 cm long. You can strap them into just about any platform pedal by putting the two straps through the holes, keeping the broader side on top to go over your foot.
You can even put it on any type of bicycle as long as your pedals have mountain holes or tunnels in the cage. Moreover, they are impressively durable and will securely hold your feet in place.
Pros
Cons
Fyxation Gates pedal strap - Best Bike Pedal with Strap Option
These US-made pedal straps by Fyxation have made its mark among the cycling enthusiasts thanks to its wide range of color options and the excellent quality of the materials used. Fyxation has designed them specifically for Fyxation Gates pedals which is a bike pedal with straps included, the mesa 61 pedals, and the gates Slim.
Since this is a product that you always step on, it will likely lose its shape after some time. However, thanks to the stiff lower strap, the product will not shift or become loose. There is no other design flaw that might get in the way of its effectiveness. It is durable and serves the purpose of holding your foot on the pedal well enough.
As long as your pedals have a hole through which this strap can pass, you can use it on your bike.
Pros
Cons
SEQI Bike pedals with clips and straps
It was not our intention to save the best for last, but it will end that way! This strap and pedal clip is a multi-functioning product. The material of the clip is resin and alloy, making it extra durable. You can use it on any 9/16 spindle bike in the market.
The material for the strap is high-quality nylon. You can adjust it according to the size of your feet. It gives you the control you need while pedaling. In case you have any concerns or complaints and want an exchange, you have two months to reach out for the same.
Pros
Cons
ZSFLZS bicycle pedal Straps
We all know that rubber is an extremely durable material. The bike strap by ZSFLZS is 100% high-quality rubber, which is wear and tear-resistant. Each strap is 13 inches long and 2.3 inches wide. This length is good enough to strap in almost every shoe size.
The extra-wide width also adds to the comfort level of this strap. This feature ensures that your feet stay on the pedal and feel comfortable. The designers have styled this strap to fit most exercise and stationary bikes.
Pros
- The extra width does a better job of keeping your feet on the pedal
- It will fit almost all types of indoor exercise bikes
- They are longer than the original rubber straps
Cons
- It is not for outdoor bikes
FAQs on bicycle pedal straps
What is the difference between toe clips and clipless pedals?
Unlike toe clips, which are attached to the front of a flat pedal and wrap around the toes to hold the foot in place, clipless pedals are a type of pedal that uses a cleat on the bottom of the cycling shoe to "clip" into the pedal, providing a more secure and efficient connection between the rider and the bike.
Why might someone choose to use flat pedals over clipless pedals?
Flat pedals, also known as platform pedals, provide more flexibility and maneuverability for the rider compared to clipless pedals. This can be beneficial for beginners or riders who prefer a less committed connection to the bike, as well as for certain types of cycling such as BMX or downhill mountain biking where quick release is necessary.
How do toe clips and toe straps work to prevent foot slipping on pedals?
Toe clips, also known as toe cages, are attached to the front of a flat pedal and wrap around the toes to hold the foot in place. Toe straps, on the other hand, are long straps that are attached to the pedals and wrap around the top of the foot, pulling it back onto the pedal. Both toe clips and toe straps work by applying pressure to the foot to prevent slipping on the pedal.
What Is The Use Of Pedal Straps?
Pedal straps keep the feet attached to the bike's pedals when riding it. They are like harnesses for the feet. The primary purpose of a bike pedal strap is to utilize the upward pulling motion when pedaling. Without a bike pedal strap, only the downward push is effective.
A pedal strap, therefore, maximizes the results by utilizing both pulling and pushing motions during pedaling.
What Are The Bike Pedal Straps Attached To?
As the name itself suggests, we attach the bike pedal straps to the pedals. When riding a bike, you can put your feet through the straps, and this will help keep the feet attached to the pedals at all times, even when you are lifting them.
Can Bike Pedal Straps On A Fixie Be Dangerous?
The purpose of a bike pedal strap is to prevent the feet from lifting off the pedals when riding a bike. So, in theory, there is no danger to using pedal straps. However, in case of a tumble or accident, being unable to let go of the bike completely can become dangerous, especially if the accident is more severe than usual.
This benefit is perhaps the main disadvantage of a pedal strap, but you can easily prevent it by being more careful and alert about your surroundings.
Are Bike Pedal Straps Sold Separately?
Yes, manufacturers mostly sell bikes without pedal straps attached to them. Pedal straps are devices whose purpose is to offer an additional advantage to the rider and is therefore optional. However, there may be instances where bikes can come with a pair of attachable pedal straps as an add-on feature.
Things To Look For - Bike Pedal Straps Buyers' Guide
If you are thinking of getting yourself a bike pedal strap, there are certain things which you should remember about these things, that will help you find yourself the right pair of straps.
You might also be interested in: 9 Cycling Shoes That Will Fit a Wide Foot
Get The Right Fit
First and foremost, you want to make sure you get the right fit. Unlike clipless pedals or toe clips, which can be difficult to get used to, pedal straps are easy to adjust to the size of your feet. This ensures that your feet are secure and won't slip off the pedals, giving you more confidence while you ride.
If you want to put the straps on an adult bike, you should search accordingly. Likewise, there are options for kid's bikes too.
Choose The Right Material.
Another important factor to consider is the material of the straps. Some materials, like rubber, are durable but may not be ideal for outdoor bikes. Nylon, on the other hand, is a wear-resistant and long-lasting material that can be used on any bike, whether you're riding indoors or outdoors.
Choose Your Preferred Style.
Finally, if you are especially concerned about your aesthetic and visual appeal, there are a lot of different types of bike pedal straps you can find. While some designs are simple and basic like slip ons, there are colorful and unique pedal straps.
Some pedal straps come in many different colors. If you want the strap to match the color of your bike, you can choose accordingly.
Conclusion
For a dedicated cyclist, cycling is not just a hobby, but it also becomes your passion. As human beings, we strive to achieve a level of excellence in the matters that interest or excite us or for which we are passionate about.
When riding a bike, adding a simple pair of the best bike pedal straps can significantly provide more confidence and improve your performance.
It will help to channel all the movements involved in pedaling and maximize the results. The different bike pedal straps we have included in this article are among the best in this category and are all excellent choices for you to own, today or in the future.
Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Daniel White