Power Grips Bicycle Pedal Strap Set – The Original Hands-Free Pedal Straps Provide an Easy Entry and exit Way to Increased Power for All Levels of Cyclists Without The Need for Special Shoes.

I used these with MKS Sylvan Touring Bicycle Pedals, while wearing a pair of Nike Free Runs for a week long 500 mile trek across Oklahoma, and they were fantastic. I have a $300 pair of Sidi's and look pedals that I've used for 10+ years, but for this type of on/off the bike touring, I wanted something that would be easy and comfortable on and off the bike. This setup was perfect. One would think, if you buy into the whole pedaling efficiency thing, that I could not climb as well or ride as fast or efficient, but I can tell you that I did not miss a step, and I was very comfortable on/off the bike. While other folks were fumbling around in there shoes at rest stops, I was walking around like normal. There were very few people that passed me on the flats or on the hills, and like I said, I had no problems on the bike. After my experience with the Power Grips, it has changed my entire perspective of pedaling. When clipped in we have the perception that we are pulling up, when the reality is that we do that very little. There is research on the net that shows that professional cyclists pull up a very small percentage of the time, and these guys are the best in the world. What we actually do is pull back, and with the PGs you are able to do this (once setup for your shoes) quite well. I have also made several fast club rides and had no problem beating and keeping up with the same folks as I do with my Sidi/Look combination. There may be a bit of loss of efficiency, and if I were racing in a Crit or something where I had to hammer hard, I would most likely switch back, but for the type of riding most everyone who is reading this does, you will not miss a beat. There is also some good information on this topic on the Rivendell and Sheldon Brown websites that may be worth your time. All I can say is that I'm a believer.

I ride a recumbent tadpole trike and have been concerned with foot slipping off pedals and dragging under the bike. These power grip straps are amazing and have completely eliminated my concerns. You slide your foot in at a bit of an angle and when you straighten the foot, the strap locks your foot in place. The friction on the strap grips your foot and holds it firmly in place. I purchased the large size and have them installed in the shortest mounting hole so I may have been able to use a regular size strap. The length and width of the straps are bigger than I anticipated but seem to be sturdy enough to hold up to weather and usage. They may not be great for two wheel bikes but if you do not have to pull your foot out when you stop, these are great.

I really like these Power Grip straps; they work surprisingly well to fix your foot to the pedal in lieu of toe clips and straps. As others have noted, they are pricey; however $20 for the standard version is still within reason, as a quality set of toe clips and straps will run you at least twice that much.Are they well priced? Well, maybe not. Are they a pragmatic, economical solution compared to other options? Certainly.In any event, they work great. I originally bought the extra-long strap set, thinking that I may need to use them to accommodate my boots, however I do not recommend them. I work in a job that essentially requires boots, and they're the only pair of shoes I really own anyway, so I wear them all the time. I really didn't like the construction of the extra long strap; it's not one contiguous strap, but rather two straps stitched together. I wasn't too confident in their construction, but they're made of a very heavy fiber and I figure they're fine, but not at all attractive. Perplexingly, the extra long straps use the same mounting system but a totally different system of adjustment, using pre-punched holes and screws rather than a simple retaining nut.I like the system on the original straps as it's more finely adjustable. I never actually adjusted mine anyway; after taking them on a 30 mile trail I loosened them sufficiently that my feet slid into them comfortably. I found that my size 10 Timberland boots fit into the original strap set just fine, and will be returning the extra-long straps (which I might add are $10 more for just a couple of inches of cloth).You'll have to get used to using them, though. I find that the best way to work with them is to stand over the top tube of your bike while keeping one foot permanently lodged within the strap, with the pedal rotated 45 degrees to the forward from the top. Then just stand on the pedal and in one smooth motion lift yourself onto the seat, and while slowly moving forward from the lift, slot your other foot into the other pedal. It's a lot faster and more convenient than dismounting completely and having to fit your feet back into both.

Posted before and after installation photos. Bought these primarily because they are safe and easy to get in and out of...don't want to have my shoes locked to the pedals if I drop the bike. It will take several rides to get used to them. I started by installing only the right-side strap then after getting comfortable with it installed the left-side strap. The straps and hardware are of quality material and are very comfortable to ride in. They can be adjusted to fit the shoe. I have a man's size 11 shoe so got the larger one...375mm. It is a little difficult to figure out at 1st which holes to install the straps in but looking at the instructions and thinking a bit will make it clear.