Which Pedals?! | Fyxation Mesa Pedals & Gates Straps "Review" | Flat Pedals, Toe Cages, Clipless

I mostly ride flat pedals and vintage-style toe cages "clips" on my bicycles but last summer I fell in love with the Fyxation Mesa Pedals with their Gates Straps. The nylon velcro straps made bike touring way more comfortable for me and it turned out I also ended up liking them for everyday riding. Clipless riders are always gonna be clipless but you may dig these for your commuter bicycle. Bike pedals don't need to be controversial and you don't need to ride only one type.
I started filming this video with my GoPro Hero 8 way back in June - the talking parts are filmed with my newish Canon EOS R5
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[@vagnsteen5130]

Thanks for the video and your impression of the Fyxation Mesa pedals. Love CF by the way.

[@Blainerowe3]

Thanks for a concise (but necessary) perspective, Sir! Finally got my first fixed gear last week, and this gave me the valuable information I needed before making the retention investment!

[@TimFitzwater]

Just have to find what makes most sense for you - this is what works for me!

[@ivopires5116]

love your vans. it shows that you ride hard not just getting the best stuff and getting pretty on the photos.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I've worn Vans since Highschool - I think I've watched them come in and out of style three times now! Great for riding though!

[@grandpashreddypants]

Great simple explanation- appreciate your open minded approach. I'm awaiting a Priority Ace of spades and I think I'll order the straps.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks man! Just looked those up and they seem like an excellent choice.

[@grandpashreddypants]

@@TimFitzwater Did my first 50+mile in 3 hours. The Ace is a beast. I went with Shimano SPD and Specialized shoes. Happy I did for the kind of riding in doing. Got up to 36 MPH on the single speed (55/20). Couldn't have done that with straps.

[@MsShamma96]

Great video and have me more rethinking my pedals with the straps

[@TimFitzwater]

I just ended up picking up another pair for a different bike - I really dig them.

[@briangoodman8990]

Hey man, really dig your videos. This one helped me out as I'm a toe cage guy looking for a solution like that flat with straps you showed. Thanks!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Glad it was useful! 😎

[@rogerhart612]

Really enjoy your videos. Down to earth. I live at the other end of the state NE of Dayton. A little town call St. Paris.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! A few years ago my girlfriend and I went down to Dayton, rode the bike paths and hit some great breweries and restaurants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2LUpHqnn6ieldU

[@sheilastallard]

Excellent Tim!! only use flats on my small wheel Brompton. Hubby as ditched all his clipless pedals going to stick new soles on his shoe's so he can use them on flats!!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! I really didn’t know about modern-style flats until my friend opened a shop.

[@caseychop1]

you answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome!

[@MulksBikes]

man, I came across this today researching fixie pedal straps. For years I've battled with using Time clipless, Look clipless, and a variation of platforms, I've never been able to get on board with one clipless shoe/pedal combo and so I have been pushing a couple different sets of platforms lately. However, I know I'm missing out on benefits of the clipless setup, and for long distance I'm noticing I play around with foot placement too much even with hardcore pins. I noticed @Matt Reyes ride some sweet straps on their Fixies in SF, then thought "what about using straps for rando/gravel/bikepacking?" Obviously not the first to have this idea. I'ma check it out dude - great vid, Tim!

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I always see them in his videos and I think it was part of my motivation to try them out. I think I want to get another set for my gravel bike now.

[@SF_Native]

Man, I needed this video. lol. I grew up riding BMX bikes, then moved into single speeds and fixies. I recently (last week) picked up a carbon road bike. My first bike with actual gears! haha! It came with clipless pedals, which I have zero desire to learn nor put the time and effort in since I'm so comfortable with pedals and cages. I don't need to PR nor compete, I just want to do some long rides with hills for fun. I've also torn both meniscuses from (muay thai and jiu jitsu) so that twisting motion isn't good for me.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - people want to get so up in arms about this - it’s ride what works for you and makes you happy! (Not that it matters but the research doesn’t show clipless to be any faster anyways)

[@MattyBrad]

Sane story as you mate. Been 3years on the road. Used toe clip, no strap with no problem. Tried clipless last week. Worst experience I've ever had on a bike. Didn't fall. Constantly worried I would. Couldn't wait to get home

[@andrewmshuff]

Riding cages on my bike here. Regular shoes are the way to go! Glad to see you review some pedals. Love it.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@sarahs5575]

Love this and relate to your reasoning. Thanks for the vid and info!

[@TimFitzwater]

You're welcome!!

[@ferdinandmelchor4242]

dude! i love your review just found out about your channel awesome!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! 😎

[@cornelst]

Thank you for this unpretentious yet very informative talk about pedals. You are right, people should relax more about the question. But style and routine make strong opinions - unfortunately. Cheers!

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - when something works for certain people they have strong beliefs if will work for everyone else too.

[@thomasmcroy1756]

Just ran across your channel. Greetings from Oregon. I love messenger straps, especially in the winter when pedals get slippery. I use those same fyxxation straps with a pair of nylon Deity pedals on a cross bike. Works great as a clipless and toeclip alternative. If its good enough for Jimmy Johns riders.....

[@ghostdog7306]

🎉 my road bike has toe clips and straps, I used to use cleats but not anymore I don't like the shoes. My mountain bike old Bear trap pedals with a half clip and no straps gives me plenty of push and foot comes out easy. The gates look interesting and worth a try.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. I wouldn't recommend the Gates Straps for anything too off-road - but as mentioned love them for on road.

[@rjbtv2025]

Thanks for the explanation for my young'uns. Love from Toledo.

[@TimFitzwater]

You are welcome!

[@sheilamarini1113]

Thanks for the review, getting new bike I'm old school cage user, and think this maybe great for me, going to give them a try

[@TimFitzwater]

I still think they are great.

[@elisapowells]

I completed my first ride today. I could get my foot only in one cage. This is helpful to know about the velcro.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - glad it could help!

[@justinschultz4325]

Nice review. I just purchased a pair for my road bike.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - check back to let me know how you like them after some riding.

[@caleonard35]

What’s the verdict? I’m thinking of flat pedals for my road bike. Clipless get uncomfortable on long rides for me.

[@samuelmjlfjell]

I got the fixation pedals with straps too.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Been a longtime clipless guy, but put flats on my fat bike this summer. I use on MTB trails and want to be able to get a foot down quickly. Also, like you say, I want to be able to use winter boots. My question for you: where should my foot be positioned on the pedal? Used clipless for so long, I’ve never really thought about it. Been experimenting but haven’t figured it out yet. Nice review!

[@TimFitzwater]

I still tend to go for the ball of my foot - but that is the problem with flats - sometimes your foot slips on a tricky part of a trail and you can't adjust until a flatter part. It really just takes getting used to and also knowing that you won't always have the optimal placement - imo. Thanks!

[@frankducett9]

Very practical, informative and strangely 100% correct (because I have the same views)

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! Thanks!

[@bb1039]

very cool, great way to adress cheers

[@MrLele3000]

Hi, great video, really helped me push myself away from flat and not towards clip"less" but rather to the most flexible pedals there are - pedals with straps! Can you tell me the name of the outro song you used in this vid?

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome- so glad it helped! I’ll be honest - I always mean to link any music I use but forgot this time and now I don’t remember. It’s from Free Music Archive though.

[@michaelmagee6428]

Pedals for me: Road: Shimano 105 or Ultegra clipless; mtb or adventure/gravel: Time Speciale 8 clipless

[@walthaim]

Appreciate the video. I've been riding with vintage toe clips for about a decade now, but have been so often 'tucking' them away whenever I ride in running shoes or dress shoes, or since it is summer, chacos. (so they are getting less use)... BUT after just getting back from tour on the C&O+GAP, I feel specific pressures from the straps on my feet that would get uncomfortable.... In the process of figuring out what move is next for me.

[@TimFitzwater]

For my two main bike I'm now just running flats. Diety Bladerunners to be exact - they aren't cheap but I love the low profile and the pins are super grippy.

[@Steve-hh9gs4yo2i]

Started with cages went to speedplay , shimano SL, now back to straps lol.

[@TimFitzwater]

It seems flat pedal are getting more and more popular. As I say in the video I think the straps are kind of the best of both worlds.

[@shannontrainer5857]

@@TimFitzwater Having to look and reach down to undo your straps every time you stop isn't easy.

[@MattyBrad]

I run toe clips. No strap. Like you said, clipless is better I every way. But you need to be comfortable and confident on the bike.

[@liammcgough9969]

I agree, I like toe clips and straps for daily commuting. I use plastic toe clips because they don't have sharp edges and flex just a little. And just like you said you don't have to wear specific shoes to ride. Just get on and go.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - cages just keep it simple. I do ride flats more and more these days though - they are so good with the large platforms and pins now.

[@lesthanrocketscience1828]

Interesting thoughts on pedals, it looks like more people are making this switch all the time. I noticed some video clips with the white stuff on the ground. Care to share what your winter/snow riding gear and bike setup looks like?

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks. Interesting you should ask about the Winter set up - we are supposed to get a bunch of snow tomorrow so my plan was to make a video about just that. Spoiler alert - it is an early 2000s Trek MTB with 45 North studded tires.

[@MsShamma96]

When you said ride what you like you had me right there.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - people always want to claim what they ride is the best and everyone should use it - I think people need to find what works best for them. We don't all ride the same.

[@virgilfulton4426]

With the velcro straps setup, what prevents your foot from small movements in back-and-forth direction, as you instinct-ly press down and pull up during rotating the crank arms? Do the little studs grip your street shoes enough (along with the straps) to basically set your feet tightly enough to prevent this?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - you actually have to be careful. I’ve had a few nervous moments trying to pull my Vans Old Schools out during sudden stops. That is why I mention keeping one side a little looser for city riding!

[@jacobjarvis1335]

I use pedals with removable studs so I have grip but still can pull my foot out quickly.

[@ashurany]

Have both and like both for different reasons, but if I could only have one type, it would be flat pedals. More convenient & I love the ability to jump on my bike on a whim and go ride....and when I have those whims, I'm not reaching for my drop bar road bike w/clipless, but my commuter or hardtail w/flats.

[@TimFitzwater]

Makes total sense.

[@dieyoung8259]

Great job! I have a question, I have a weak foot from and injury. Tried to ride a bike and couldn't because my foot kept slipping off the pedals. Do you think straps will help, thanks.

[@TimFitzwater]

I would think so. Not having my feet slip is why I really like them. If you have a decent local bike shop I would ask them for advice too.

[@dieyoung8259]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks

[@mr.facker9131]

Non cleats shoes is the best 👍

[@123moof]

Knee issues made me give up on clipless. My right knee has old injuries, probably from racquetball, and the twisting motion to unclip kept re-inflaming things. I've been happy with the On-Up compositve pedals, as they have a little more grip in the center so that I rarely have any slipping, unlike my Chesters on a different bike.

[@TimFitzwater]

Interesting. I almost feel like dialing in a set of clipless could be beneficial for certain pains but I get why it isn’t for you. I’ve seen both those pedals but haven’t tried them. I really love the Deity Bladerunners and have even bought another set for my latest build. A little pricey though.

[@Poopyheaddd]

I’m on the same boat right now. I dislocated my femur bone when I was younger, and I switched over to speed plays because I heard it was good for knees. The past couple of weeks, I have noticed I’ve been getting a lot of pain on my knee and hip. I might have to go back to my flats. I was going faster on my flats as well.

[@tbull1545]

love toe clips grew up on them. i just hate how you have to use them or they drag on the ground. this is why I'm trying flats bc I want to be able to just hope on my bike and tool around the yard I don't want to keep flipping the pedal. idk I guess its my ocd. lol

[@TimFitzwater]

This video is a little older - I mostly ride flats now....but just today rode an older bike with cages and it hurts when I hear them dragging!

[@tylerbrea742]

I like the sound of toe cages

[@TimFitzwater]

The idea of toe cages or the literal sound? I rode my Peugeot the other day and remembered why I truly do like them - normal shoes and the feeling of clipless!

[@mom_im_losing_it]

I ride toe clips also flats with straps

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice. 😎

[@solb101]

I got a bit confused at the end. You say you prefer cages for the fixed foot position on the pedal but then you say you like the fixation straps for the same reason?

[@TimFitzwater]

I think I mostly meant that I like having the option on long rides, tours or in some situations where you just are feeling uncomfortable. You can dial in foot placement with the straps but also change it up. My knee is really sore today after a long soggy day. out on flat pedals - I think part of the problem was my numb feet weren't falling in the right place all the time.

[@solb101]

It may be time for some nice woollen socks.

[@jefferyobryan6351]

Bought a pair of Look petals/shoes in the 90s and instantly hated them. Don't like feeling locked in, what if you have to bail in some unforeseen emergency. Its like roller skates vs skateboard, the skateboard you just step off, the roller skates not the same option. I ride both Campagnolo nuevo pista and big flat petals, but always strapless. I guess different strokes for different folks.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - pedals are a lot like saddles - very personal. I love Brooks saddles but have acquired three from friends who hated them. With pedals you just have to find what works for you and your riding style - thats also why I have different pedals on different bikes. I agree - I like my flat pedals w/o straps for the bikes where I may have to bail on (gravel bike/mtb) I like the straps and cages for bikes that I do long bike trail rides on - like touring.

[@jefferyobryan6351]

@@TimFitzwater I've been doing brooks saddles for 46 years, the b66 and b17s are the ONLY saddle for me. Just ordered a new b17 with the copper rails and big copper rivets on ebay for $160, going on my vintage 1971 Raleigh international 👍👍👍

[@TimFitzwater]

@@jefferyobryan6351 Nice! If you feel like it we have a little online community that goes with the channel and we share our bike photos and advice - would love to see it. discord.gg/zPajfAY9

[@Summitperry]

Can I fit a work boot in the strap

[@TimFitzwater]

I would think so - they have a lot of room for adjustment. I haven’t ridden mine in the cold with my winter cycling boots yet but I believe they will work.

[@russellmiller4467]

You look like a doctor Spock from star track

[@Anthraxxx1985]

are strap pedal easy to take off? sorry i am starting wan to buy it ,and i noob for it

[@TimFitzwater]

All pedals really only have one or two methods to remove - either a hex wrench on the inside or an open ended on the outside of the crank. Search GCN removing pedals. The straps themselves are Velcro so pretty easy - Fyxxation has a video on their YT Channel of how to do that. So I'd say yes - very easy but watch a vid to make sure you are turning the wrench in the right direction.

[@Anthraxxx1985]

@@TimFitzwater wow thank you for the info, thats really helpfull, bless u and stay healthy

[@shannontrainer5857]

No. You have to take your eyes off the road, look and reach down and unloosened.

[@TimFitzwater]

@@shannontrainer5857 No you don't. I don't tighten them down that hard in the first place. But even if you do you do not need to look at your feet to know where they are.

[@joeisaaca8668]

link for the straps?

[@TimFitzwater]

www.fyxation.com/products/gates-pedal-straps

[@IceColdtvx]

Anyone link the pedals and straps plz in uk store ty

[@TimFitzwater]

I’m not in the UK but I’m sure you can just ask at their website www.fyxation.com/

[@IceColdtvx]

@@TimFitzwater ok ty :>)

[@brandonnunez3644]

I am a fellow cyclist, who rides fixed gear bikes mainly, I am still searching for the perfect clip less pedal that doesn’t unclip when I go to skid if anybody has recommendations, I would appreciate it.

[@TimFitzwater]

I don’t ride fixed but my mechanic friend recommended SPDs because “you can tighten them as much as you want”.

[@brandonnunez3644]

@@TimFitzwater thanks !

[@JOHNGIBS]

YEAH CLEATS SUCKS 😫

[@gabbygrace3016]

I watched your video today to see why people use toe cages. President Biden demonstrated how dangerous and how unnecessary toe clips are.

[@TimFitzwater]

To each their own was the point of my video - The President is vetoing anyone's use of clips.