I've Finally Converted to Foot Straps vs. Cages/Toe Clips

For ten out of the twelve years that I've ridden fixed gear, I've ridden with toe clips/cages and straps because it's what I learned to ride fixed gear on. After getting sick of cages always scuffing up my shoes, I decided to try foot straps. I've finally been converted over.
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0:00 - 10 Years with Cages
0:52 - The Big Problem
2:16 - My Strap Setup
3:23 - Why Foot Straps Beat Cages
6:09 - Benefit of Cages vs. Foot Straps
10:12 - Sponsor: Wabi Cycles
11:20 - Fixie Famous Shoutouts
#fixedgear

[@SedatedGhostwriter]

Seeing Zack struggle with the left strap induces confidence, letting me know I'm not the only one.

[@yoepdeligt682]

Truth spoken... Have straps and platforms on a new bike mainly because I had them laying around. They're super comfortable once you're riding them, but sometimes getting the second foot in at a light or after a stop I'm sure makes for a comical sight.

[@farhanyudaputra6422]

ZACH IS WEARING DAD SHOES, MY LIFE IS COMPLETE 😂😂😂

[@yarryrob]

Next episode, Zach moves to Florida. Complains about Gen Z.

[@Quill13]

Agree

[@HHHmarcus]

One thing I've found more reliable than trying to flip the pedal and slide under the strap is to do a pedal stroke with the foot i leave in the straps with my other rising underneath the pedal, then catch the back of the strap with my toe and let that flip the pedal

[@mikkopitkanen3844]

Thats how I do it too.

[@Lovecraft_]

Try YNOT Straps on Odyssey Pedals. They're more rigid and not floppy at all, I've been using mine for 3 years and they are still very very rigid straps

[@mongoosearmygaming7701]

Best straps money can buy

[@michaelbosch9024]

I tried Ynot and hold fast. Ynot straps were way better. better designed for larger feet too.

[@mlevy88]

Which YNOT materials do yall go with for no floppiness

[@Lovecraft_]

@@mlevy88 i have the cordura in sport gold

[@bq_xp]

second the YNOTS much stronger feeling for someone with big feet

[@user-mi1yi2tn7u]

Thanks Zach for your program. I’m a 63 year old fixed gear rider. I ride fixed gear for what may seem like a strange reason, it’s quiet. I don’t like loud noise, even the free wheel clicking bugs me. I have a Wabi lighting. I like it but would prefer a bike with a little larger tire clearance.

[@almosgalambos1640]

Bro really said "only 60$" for a STRAP shortly after he announced he spent 500$ on BOOTS.

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

I live literally a couple blocks from the Hold Fast workshop in Baltimore so I *HAD* to put them on my Soma Rush. Excellent product

[@ihavsnot]

Hey Zack! Few tips from the FGFS guys 1. Run some heat shrink tubing over the webbing (where it doesnt interfere with the buckle) 2. Theres some "pedal flipper" tabs you can bolt onto the reflector holes 3. Practice - one of the most fun moves you can pull out is the Pedal flip mid trackstand loved the vid - shout out holdfast guys

[@zeddman]

is there a tutorial for 1? i don't quite understand

[@mafty_x]

The pedal flipper is suck a good call I'm buying one RN

[@Max-xl3ml]

straps are so good for winter riding too, that extra surface area also gives you a little extra warmth. Plus that extra security is great when there may be snow or water on the soles of your shoes.

[@SnoopPogg]

Since I started riding fixed gear a year and a half ago (thx Zach for inspiring me to finally dip my toe into it after like 7 years of waffling if I wanted to), I've only ridden with foot straps. I hated toe cages on my old road bike cause they always hurt my toes on longer rides. I've never had any issues with my toe straps. They don't flop like the ones Zach has in this video and are therefore not too bad to get into. My feet also are never killing me by the ends of long rides anymore. I also ride with plastic BMX pedals and like them a lot more than the metal pedals I have on my old dirt jumper bike, but that may just be because I whacked my shin on those metal pedals one too many times back in the day, and I don't want that to happen again.

[@nathanielquetel2018]

Hold fasts are great used the same pair for 6 years, they've scraped the ground, been through all weather. They still look fresh, the purple dye is completely unworn. Bring the clips as close to the pedal as possible and they don't flop, in fact mine have stiffened a bit over time so they just retain their shape. When I bought them for 70 bucks I thought the price was insane but they're the only accessory I've never changed through two frames. Love em.

[@alistermccallum]

Still riding with Time ATACs and Urbanites.

[@bigverg]

I’ve had the same set of hold fast straps on my steamroller since 2015 and they are still going strong. Tried clips and clip less but always came back. Also, you’ll get better getting into them. I never have to reach down to help get into them.

[@Buddhakingpen]

If you want a less floppy foot strap, try YNOT. I got hold fast at first too a few years back. They were fine and durable. But then i got some YNOTs and the things just dont move. They're pliable enough to collapse under weight and allow your foot some room to breathe, but so stiff that they hold their shape at all times. It really simplifies things.

[@Lovecraft_]

Thats the best part about them, they maintain their shape at all times. Ive crashed in them, wet rode them, stomped on them trying to get my foot in, and them things are still holding up

[@seymour2113]

He should absolutely reach out to YNOT and get some straps

[@bparker]

​@@seymour2113 Yes! I bet Zach would like them even more!

[@markkubsch1257]

In Europe, where you can't really get Ynot or Hold Fast straps, Fyxation Gates and 8bar Veganski are good brands. Stiff, Holding their shape and very tough (and not too expensive).

[@event4216]

One upside of straps I can see is that when they touch ground they will deform instead of being scratched/marked like cages do.

[@0SW13]

but when metal cages touch the ground they make a cool scraping sound like someone just pulled out a katana

[@alistermccallum]

@@0SW13 you spent your time studying the blade

[@elijahdonaldson8118]

Also, if you add some starch spray to your straps , they will hold a more rigid form

[@olivierjasmin6210]

Benn riding these straps for a while, as great in my small canvas vans shoes as they are in my super bulky -40c winter boots through the Montreal winter. These things rock.

[@Blue-uc3mo]

i definitely recommend the Wellgo straps on eBay and Amazon, they have metal pieces that hold stronger than the velcro alone and the straps actually stiffen up the longer you use them, my Wellgo straps are basically locked in position

[@therealkakkamakkara]

Your straps a fresh from factory, with smooth clean nylon fibres. They will stiffen with time and use. I found anything nylon stiffens up once it's dried after having been in rain. I'm thinking this introduces contamination and frays the nylon fibers some. The particles and rougher surface stiffens the fabric. So wet the straps, especially the webbing and sides, stick your shoe in, leave indoors over night to dry. I had this issue too after moving the straps to a different set of pedals. I probably took the opportunity to clean them as they were off, so they got floppy again. I might also have played around with how much the front and rear strap was tightened. If I remember right, I think I had them setup wedged shaped, ie tighter in front, cause that's how your feet look. But that also pulls the front down and forward, so they will be harder to slip through (when webbing is floppy). I believe I made some slight adjustment so front and back where more equal. Can't say I noticed any difference in how they felt riding.

[@Hazel_Heart]

These videos always make me miss my Wabi, I always had to go with clips because I wear big boots all the time

[@wranian]

I have Cinelli straps which have lasted through Finnish winters, and riding fixed gear almost every day for several years. They are quite stiff so hold their upright position quite well. I agree with everything Zach says. I think it is safer to ride with straps too.

[@momojes_3]

I feel like I've selected for this issue by only having vans slip ons as my non-bikey shoes so they work great on both straps or cages. I recently converted to cages from clipless since I got tired of wearing clipless shoes at the grocery store and have so far enjoyed them. I find that they feel better than straps but I also know folks like straps better since they're easier to deal with than cages. Looks-wise both work well plus straps look cooler because of all the cool fixie edits but your mileage may vary.

[@oxywoxy-qw6uc]

Regarding you difficulty getting into the straps, it looks like the lower strap material is too thin and therefor doesn't hold its shape, I use the YNOT straps which have a considerably thicker strap (I think its plastic reenforced) and its a much more solid unit that doesn't bend over the front when pushing your foot in. Not to dis your straps but I did start off with a cheap pair (£5) and they had thin Velcro and did a similar thing to yours, so the YNOT's where a considerable upgrade, would recommend :). and as to the longevity of them I wouldn't worry about them going floppy, actually quite the opposite, I found that they became more rigid as the got whet/dry and more worn in. I would also add that they are lighter and more aero if that's your thing. happy riding!

[@ypaut]

these straps look amazing

[@post_historic]

Been through sets on sets of these and I can help you get a better fit. You want to tighten the mounting straps are as tight and close to the pedals as possible. Doing this makes them ridgid and gets rid of all of the floppies you're experiencing. If I remember correctly, the guy who runs Hold Fasts manufacturing facility (Sew Lab USA in Hamden, Baltimore) is named Jeremy ( been years since I lived there) Absolutely wonderful guy who always refused to take my money when I wore out a set.

[@cmbuilds7433]

I feel all this pain. You will get better with the straps it just takes practice 🎉 Pro tip for hold fast straps> leave one pedal how it comes in the packaging and use it as a reference when looping the straps 😅

[@xo_starboyy111]

Hey Zach, so yeah you’re right about them stretching as well as the Velcro. At some point I even started wearing them loose. And it is about personal preference as my friend loved them to be tight. I knew they would loosen up over time, but fresh out the box, they are stiff, so I had them loose, and also it was just in case I needed to pull out of them. But too loose and they rub on the floor which brings down their life span. And if you’re a master at skids and use them all the time, all that force stretches them. Skids, skid stops, or pulling up when wanting to go fast. I’ve had them straight up rip on me because I pulled so darn hard. I bought more cause they looked cool but they kept ripping on me. And when they got wet it sucked. Also my friend and I did have trouble at first getting them through the petals. Also I think it’s funny how if you wear a solid color shoe and the strap is also another solid color, it looks like you’re wearing slides to bike around. I remember thinking, “Why is Blocboi Fame wearing slides while riding his bike?” And my friend pointed out that they weren’t slides and that they were straps. I think if they made them with buttons instead of velcro, or some sort of hybrid. And really thick strong nylon, like seatbelt material, with strong stitches and shoot maybe rivets for extra support, they would be so crazy good! Shoot even throw on some 3m to be seen at night, GOLDEN! I mean they down seem hard to make, you may be able to gather up materials and put them together to make up some.

[@theSnowman414]

Hold Fast straps have been my go to for over a decade. Super solid. I've had the same pair on my first fixed gear. They do not stretch much over the life. Getting the straps on while riding will become 2nd nature. I have pedals that require me to slide on flipping forward & others I slide on backwards.

[@SupernovaFeelGood]

Hello, I 've been using BLB straps on Hope F22 pedals for a long time: rigid straps : very good !

[@dannystarkridesfixed]

I’m a fan of both options but I did convert to straps like 4 or so years ago and have been using them only and enjoyed the switch. And I also think they’re more comfortable for me at least but I don’t have a preference. It does take awhile to get used to putting your shoes into straps esp if you’re not used to them and you don’t have them set up properly around your shoe.

[@heavyload75]

Say soon goodbye to hold fast if you keep riding them with sabot pedals. Had to use cable ties to prevent those pedals destroying the fabric. Finally, replaced them with Gorditos and found my sanity. Don't like straps, but I need them to reduce the toe overlap on my Tyrant Legacy. I ride my other FG bikes with MKS combo (s. steel cages/touring next or sylvan track next pedals and fit a sports double straps).

[@spoudaois4535]

I like straps because I can back my foot out if I am turning sharp enough for toe rub against the front wheel.

[@jlgmgc]

I was thinking about switching to straps this season. This video helps inform me. Maybe I should try a stiffer strap setup?

[@sketchy0078]

I've used Fyxation pedals and straps for years and they keep shape so you can get into them easily. I definitely prefer them to cages and double straps.

[@mikemann2692]

My favorite hold fast set up was fxynation pedal slim gates awesome

[@standoffmania7213]

zack wearing the best drip with the casual drip

[@w1tnessx]

The longevity of good double straps for cages vs fgfs straps straps would end up stretching after about 6 months of riding. Ive had my toshi straps with mks sylvan pedals for over 6 years no issues

[@chadisnumberfoot]

I find that on Holdfasts I was having the same struggle occasionally getting my foot in whereas with YNOT straps I haven't had the same issue. Could be because they are stiffer, the adjustment, or could be the different pedal (both cheap bmx style).

[@TBrownProductions]

tighten the 2 nylon straps on the straps and then loosen the top velcro which well help prevent flop - also bring fixie points back

[@Imjamul9692]

Love your videos Zach. I am from Bangladesh. In my country pedal foot straps are just $2.5 & pedal foot cages are $23.6

[@tommyofastora]

I just got a pair of the Powergrips pedal+strap combo and the straps are pretty dang stiff. Haven't ridden with them yet but seems like a major pro

[@ZanderLexx]

You should try the Cinelli ones . They have some plastic tabs on the sides. I think they keep the straps in shape so they won't move around. I have some cheap ones now made in my country, they are fine most of the time, but they also have the problem to move or get crumpled and my right foot can't get in the first time. I will order the Cinelli Mike Giant version. Look it up! I think the tab is made of metal !

[@therealkakkamakkara]

Hold Fast straps are the best. I've tried several straps (after running clips and scuffing shoes). They are neat and not bulky, and you can quickly adjust them in one move to different sized shoe (because they aren't layers upon layers of velcro and thick nylon). Unfortunately for me Hold Fast are hard to find in Europe, and shipping, customs and taxes are too prohibitive for small order. So if anyone knows a seller in EU - Do tell!

[@yeboi6860]

i use pedal straps with a more stiff bottom section which holds them up into the shape of my shoe, couldnt ride anything else tbh.

[@thomasmann6416]

Those flower straps must look nice with your Red Wings... ;)

[@bparker]

YNot straps plus Shadow conspiracy pedals FTW

[@69lolgamer]

Metal or plastic?

[@bparker]

@@69lolgamer Personal preference, really. I have the metal pedals, which are going to be more durable, and are even serviceable. The downsides to the metal pedals would be cost and weight.

[@7612387601283659]

Please make a tutorial for adjusting foot straps. I have not been able to find a good one!

[@zonderlyng9111]

I'm actually riding BLB Straps and they are super stiff when it comes to get into the straps, so they are always easy to get into

[@Sandor3497]

@Zach Gallardo, how often do you change your tyres, and have you ever had the tyres go back on you with cracks on the side wall?

[@arm4238]

@zachgallardo as much as i love HoldFast and their straps, I will say -be wary of the part of the foot strap that goes into the pedal, especially with aluminum pedals: as you pull on the straps and things rub against each other its not uncommon to see fraying over time from the aluminum edges of the platforms. Just something to keep an eye on so you know when to replace them.

[@tay-lore]

I've always ridden with just straps and have always thought I should upgrade to cages. But I've always really loved the feel of the straps. So if cages don't feel as direct, I might just need to get nicer straps when I upgrade

[@maxsievers8251]

I tried cages but they're too short and narrow for my feet. Even without the cage I didn't like that the wrong side was the one facing up when left alone. Why do I have to fight with the pedals every time I get on the bike? So I replaced the pedals with dual sided flat pedals. I can also change them to dual sided SPD pedals if I want to feel connected to the pedals.

[@jameswatson3029]

Try Power Grips. They are easier to get into, diagonal side entry into a loose strap, which then tightens when you straighten your foot in the pedal.

[@edcarrascal4072]

Oh, that strap doesn't have a final lock that secures the velcro. I hope that velcro won't fail in the middle of a hard ride. I recommend finding a pair that has that locking strap.

[@mafty_x]

You would be surprised They do their job super well

[@fredhenderson6303]

Have you tried the mks half clips with leather sewed on the cage?

[@zanecatterall6783]

The reason for your issues with straps there is the same reason you like the pedals. The studs protrude a fair bit and “bite” into your shoes. Some people like this but it will also wear the soles of your shoes over time more. This is why I prefer any standard bmx branded bmx pedal with the bearings correctly set up and greased with straps. They’re strong, big and also don’t wear the straps unlike metal pedals. Would love to see how you find it

[@zanecatterall6783]

Forgot to add that the bite is making your chances of sliding straight in less likely. Then also at the end of the day it’s muscle memory 😅

[@kirillgankin9237]

Learning how to get in quickly at all speeds is the same as you gave a tip on other video. It just takes more time, and easier to forget. Been riding fixie for 5 years, took me like 2 to master it. Quit for 2 years for a roadie and feel like a total newb again. No workarounds - practice. Also - $60?! Every AliExpress straps will do, they're all effectively the same

[@itsjonormous]

bro really said he likes the stubs on the bmx pedals with straps because his shoes slip out of his default setup where he's running urban MKS pedals 😂

[@Horus-Lupercal]

Haven, is that you? This is Bouncer/BillyT, lol.

[@inxlee]

Those are velo orange grand cru sabot pedals

[@Charusel]

Lil ranger homie…are you mad jealous or something? You go outta your way to complain about him being sponsored or nit pick anything you can. I think you’re supposed to go watch TerryB videos 😅 more your speed

[@andreuasencios3620]

I use both in the same bike, toe clips for my strong leg and straps in the other side of the pedals, only reason is to be able to start moving without the need to adjust my feet on the straps side, thing that impossible with toe clips in both sides.

[@111crackerjack]

How so you like the VO Sabot pedals?

[@snakejuice8962]

Try the Primo Tenderizer Pedals best pedals. Straps eventually scuff up shoes and I just wash them safely lol

[@kobeldc3760]

The beginner foot straps are fun, they allow you to really find your footing and what you’re going to be like as a rider

[@radiosaladstudios4656]

Thought.. what if you tighten the rear strap and loosen the front one? Would that stiffen where your foot goes in and leave room for the bigger toe? Just curious. Throwing darts. You rock.

[@BigBeezyBtown]

I bought thin bendable metal and imbedded it in between two strips of velcro, then installed it into my Cinelli straps. Always a perfect hoop, unless you accidently smash the non skid leg side, but it'll reshape easily. Only weighs a few grams. Video on my channel on how to do it.

[@markkubsch1257]

I prefer straps over cages/toe clips, but I have clips on my Soma Rush, because here toe overlap is a minor issue and I use MKS adjustable steel clips (combined with MKS Touring Next pedals) to have no worries. I disagree that straps are more difficult to get into, it's just a matter of practice and time. By the way, Zach: get yourself some indoor sport shoes with a flat, hard and stiff sole, it'll make a big difference, not only in handling, but also in riding quality (and they don't have to be Adidas Samba's or Vans, cheap ones that fit reasonably well will do the trick).

[@danielphilipnavarro4061]

Always excited for new content

[@Fxd_bean]

ponyfactory or kovi are my favourites and i always file my pins of my oddesy or cult peddles

[@coolpool1964]

It's great we have Bogdan in Lviv who makes these great straps. I love my kovi pro-series ones. Good guy and great job he does.

[@travisalbert276]

Hold fast straps look so nice, but mine are also way too floppy. I have a set of fyxation straps which really hold their shape, and are a breeze to install and adjust. But my hold fast straps look so much cooler. Honestly, the difference is noticeable enough, i would go fyxation.

[@little-alien]

I think you might have your straps a little tight. Try loosening them a little so you can get a little more shoe into it. Ive been ruding holdfast straps with bmx pedals forever. Theyre great, easy to get into and reliable. Plus i love being able to wear whatever shoes i want.

[@Dein104]

Hey Zac. How do you get into toe cages without looking ?😢

[@tedl8090]

I love my cages. I run an almost identical setup to yours except I use metal cages and GR-9s rather than 10s. I routed both straps through the rear strap hole and have no desire for more stiffness and my feet don't feel like they'll fall out. I think that riding with boots in general is going to be subpar in terms of riding experience, and shoes get scuffed up anyways. Why buy shoes, especially boots, if you are always concerned with how they'll look through actual use?

[@mikerossi4741]

I like them both, but foot straps come in handy on the bike I ride to church in when I have cowboy boots on. Can’t do that with toe clips.

[@jennydude9852]

Love the videos, i was just looking for new pedals. But 1 hour to figure out how Velcro works? fr?

[@elijahdonaldson8118]

Why no clipless pedals and have you ever been on the Velodrome?

[@lucretiuscaro]

Why don't you use Vans to ride your bike like everyone else?

[@joshuachandra6677]

My experience with straps is if it's a little off just keep pedaling and focus on your toes picking it up and in no time your feet will be completely in

[@ChrisB...]

I like the straps being slightly floppy, yours seem too tight IMO. My shoes actually lift off the pedals a tiny bit when I'm pulling up on the pedal stroke, it just feels right. It took about a week to get good at catching the pedal and strapping in with confidence.

[@fakejail6428]

Humanity!

[@user-gk3en8ri4k]

Cinelli straps have no flop. Maybe give those a shot.

[@lefty_joe]

The straps looks really good, those pedals though... Try aluminum premium bmx pedals, you'll not regret.

[@antonmilius5197]

crankbro eggbeater 2 + adidas velosamba made with nature 2 is my choice maybe until the end 💕

[@kratakiis]

yeah my cheap $30 velcro amazon straps hold their shape much better than the $55 ones which leads to me never missing a foot insertion even in awkwardly sized shoes, plus they have lasted 5 years of moderate abuse.

[@B_COOPER]

Zach dressed like that dork that reminds the teacher to assign homework

[@timboha8191]

Tighten the straps so the buckle is as close as possible to the pedal, then adjust the foot size by undoing the Velcro and redoing with the foot in. This stops the straps flopping about. When you change shoes, just adjust the Velcro over the foot again, the buckles never need touching once installed.

[@v3ktor172]

Good

[@lukasyaksic9494]

Would recomend to swap those straps for ones that are more rigid, they seem too floppy haha

[@andrewnieto1806]

I thought i’ve seen him review straps before

[@TonysbrotherMike]

Zach start rocking chuck Taylors ladies love them so your girl will be stoked and they go in n out of staraps the best

[@birdsswim]

Boots.... fixed.... straps.... my head hurts

[@Truth_Spoken]

Why would you use either.

[@mrmrlee]

Cages always created pressure points on my feet and made my toes numb. Very unpleasant, I never liked using them.

[@event4216]

Wrong sized cages, I assume. They comes in several sizes, have smaller size in a closet 'cause they dud to me you describe. Replaced with larger and no issues since then.

[@matte6416]

tf happened at 2:11 ???

[@OmarG_]

Your left strap is just to loose gotta adjust it haha

[@seanmadeup22]

Cages For Life.

[@JT-ny7ll]

Restrap Diagonal straps on MKS Sylvan touring pedals work really well, very easy to get into and out of, and the diagonal allows some adjustment of tightness by moving foot a bit while still being really secure.

[@neverwasteddays]

ynot footstraps are much stiffer and you wont have that flap problem

[@roydrink]

$500 boots?? My bike cost a little more than half that!

[@Buddhakingpen]

zachs a super hipster that pretty much buys premium everything.

[@snakejuice8962]

No you have the strap set up wrong. Mines doesn’t push that forward you need to find the sweet spot you’re just new to it

[@JoshMusicandVideos]

little glitch at 2:12

[@seanc5718]

Sabot is pronounced SAY-BOH