User submitted reviews
Review by KendallsqCommuteVery solid, don't slip, and lighter than expectedby KendallsqCommuteCycling EnthusiastBoston, MA3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I replaced the Shimano A-530 (SPDPlatforrm) pedals on my commuter bike with these. My commute is less than 5 miles, with lots of traffic lights, so I never wear shoes with cleats anyway. Having access to both sides in street shoes makes for a much easier commute. These are very solid, very well finished. I've been riding them for several months in rain, and now snowsalt, and they still look like new. Good grip with street shoes or Showers Pass booties. They're very traditionally shaped, so they don't distribute weight quite as well as a bigger platform. They're comfortable enough, don't weigh a ton, and don't have any sharp edges.
Reviewed 12/12/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by KendallsqCommute was helpful/No, review by KendallsqCommute was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I replaced the Shimano A-530 (SPDPlatforrm) pedals on my commuter bike with these. My commute is less than 5 miles, with lots of traffic lights, so I never wear shoes with cleats anyway. Having access to both sides in street shoes makes for a much easier commute. These are very solid, very well finished. I've been riding them for several months in rain, and now snowsalt, and they still look like new. Good grip with street shoes or Showers Pass booties. They're very traditionally shaped, so they don't distribute weight quite as well as a bigger platform. They're comfortable enough, don't weigh a ton, and don't have any sharp edges.
Review by SlowBikerWork great with sneakers and last foreverby SlowBikerCycling EnthusiastLongmont, CO3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.This is the third set of Sylvan Touring Pedals I have bought. I use them on grocery-getter and commuting bikes I have set up for myself, my wife and a friend. I like to use them with Power Grips foot retention straps so that I can ride in any kind of shoe and have more power than with pedals alone. These pedals are the best for that type of system because the little serrations on the edge of the pedal hold on to my shoes, even Converse shoes, yet the serrations are not so big that I feel them when I are pedaling in thin soled shoes. The other awesome thing about these pedals is that they last for ever. I have just beat the crap out of mine over the last 5 years and they still pedal nice and smooth.
Reviewed 5/12/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by SlowBiker was helpful/No, review by SlowBiker was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is the third set of Sylvan Touring Pedals I have bought. I use them on grocery-getter and commuting bikes I have set up for myself, my wife and a friend. I like to use them with Power Grips foot retention straps so that I can ride in any kind of shoe and have more power than with pedals alone. These pedals are the best for that type of system because the little serrations on the edge of the pedal hold on to my shoes, even Converse shoes, yet the serrations are not so big that I feel them when I are pedaling in thin soled shoes. The other awesome thing about these pedals is that they last for ever. I have just beat the crap out of mine over the last 5 years and they still pedal nice and smooth.
Review by vitalyless than primeby vitalyCycling Enthusiastwillamette valley4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.These pedals are decent and solid enough for what they are, but a poor value compared to the MKS Sylvan PRIME pedals available from other vendors. The primes have a better finish quality and appear to have better materials and workmanship than these. In any case, if you do get these, be prepared to open them up, grease them properly, and adjust the bearings before installation. Straight from the tin these are very rough, barely lubed, and not adjusted to spin smoothly.
Reviewed 7/3/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by vitaly was helpful/No, review by vitaly was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
These pedals are decent and solid enough for what they are, but a poor value compared to the MKS Sylvan PRIME pedals available from other vendors. The primes have a better finish quality and appear to have better materials and workmanship than these. In any case, if you do get these, be prepared to open them up, grease them properly, and adjust the bearings before installation. Straight from the tin these are very rough, barely lubed, and not adjusted to spin smoothly.
Review by Live2RideAn understated gemby Live2RideCycling EnthusiastBeautiful NC5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.It took me years to finally complete the Cyclist's pedal circle of life (Platforms - Toe Clips- Clipless-Back to Platforms). But when I did, I looked around for a good pair of platforms. Most available are rather flimsy or the burly DH/BMX style, none of which suited my needs for a light, stable and well built platform pedal for racing/speed riding. Finally a touring friend of mine recommended these. I ordered them as they were cheap enough and when they arrived I didn't have high hopes. The packaging was a minimalist (a plastic bag), no flashy packaging, no user manual, nothing. I put them on with some skepticism. That was two years ago. This thing is the best kept secret in the industry! I have now put them on all my bikes. Rock solid and stable and they can be taken completely apart and serviced. I highly recommend these. FWIW they are Made in Japan. Gorgeous.
Reviewed 5/5/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Live2Ride was helpful/No, review by Live2Ride was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
It took me years to finally complete the Cyclist's pedal circle of life (Platforms - Toe Clips- Clipless-Back to Platforms). But when I did, I looked around for a good pair of platforms. Most available are rather flimsy or the burly DH/BMX style, none of which suited my needs for a light, stable and well built platform pedal for racing/speed riding. Finally a touring friend of mine recommended these. I ordered them as they were cheap enough and when they arrived I didn't have high hopes. The packaging was a minimalist (a plastic bag), no flashy packaging, no user manual, nothing. I put them on with some skepticism. That was two years ago. This thing is the best kept secret in the industry! I have now put them on all my bikes. Rock solid and stable and they can be taken completely apart and serviced. I highly recommend these. FWIW they are Made in Japan. Gorgeous.
Review by AnonymousExcellent productby AnonymousPut on my electric bike so my shoes wouldn't slip while pedaling.
Reviewed 1/24/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Put on my electric bike so my shoes wouldn't slip while pedaling.
Review by AnonymousCan't beat MKS peddles, metal and solid and they do not breakby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastDenver1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.These aren't the ultra light state of the art peddles but I'm out there for the health of it so what's a little more weight
Reviewed 2/15/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
These aren't the ultra light state of the art peddles but I'm out there for the health of it so what's a little more weight
Review by AnonymousSimple and Greatby AnonymousCycling Enthusiastflorida4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.They feel strong under your foot. The pedal rotates around nicely and the bearings feel substantial (no grinding). Not harsh on the shoes (some pedals really dig in and destroy the shoes). Does not hurt your leg if they should hit your shin, but also hold your foot in place when pedaling. Both sides of the pedal are the same so there is no need to look down to find the correct side. Pleanty of space for your toes. You wear normal sneakers/shoes. And last, not expensive. The only pedal I will purchase from this point forward.
Reviewed 9/9/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
They feel strong under your foot. The pedal rotates around nicely and the bearings feel substantial (no grinding). Not harsh on the shoes (some pedals really dig in and destroy the shoes). Does not hurt your leg if they should hit your shin, but also hold your foot in place when pedaling. Both sides of the pedal are the same so there is no need to look down to find the correct side. Pleanty of space for your toes. You wear normal sneakers/shoes. And last, not expensive. The only pedal I will purchase from this point forward.
Review by mitnegahThese are excellent for roadtouring, Great with toeclips and straps. Very lightweight and good looking as well. by mitnegahCycling Enthusiastindiana3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Used on all my touring and road bikes. I don't like clipless and these provide excellent grip on virtually any soles.
Reviewed 6/28/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by mitnegah was helpful/No, review by mitnegah was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Used on all my touring and road bikes. I don't like clipless and these provide excellent grip on virtually any soles.
Review by AnonymousGood pedalsby AnonymousI've been using these for a few months now, and really like them. Look great on my vintage road bike.
Reviewed 9/19/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've been using these for a few months now, and really like them. Look great on my vintage road bike.
Review by RichRiesAdventureretro look good functionby RichRiesAdventureCycling EnthusiastMadison, INBoth pedals were super notchy when I got them, but I expected that from the reviews. A little time with simple tools and grease got them repacked and properly preloaded and they spun fine. I bought them for my new Kona Sutra SE touring bike. They look great and provide positive shoe contact. I'd recommend them and I'd buy them again.
Reviewed 3/25/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by RichRiesAdventure was helpful/No, review by RichRiesAdventure was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Both pedals were super notchy when I got them, but I expected that from the reviews. A little time with simple tools and grease got them repacked and properly preloaded and they spun fine. I bought them for my new Kona Sutra SE touring bike. They look great and provide positive shoe contact. I'd recommend them and I'd buy them again.
Review by thecerkinExcellant low cost upgradeby thecerkinCasual CyclistVancouver, WA.5 of 6 customers found this review helpful.Not being happy with the original stock plastic pedals, I replaced them with these. A MAJOR step up (no pun intended) as these have a more agressive bit to the platform meaning that my feet don't slip anymore!
Reviewed 2/17/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by thecerkin was helpful/No, review by thecerkin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Not being happy with the original stock plastic pedals, I replaced them with these. A MAJOR step up (no pun intended) as these have a more agressive bit to the platform meaning that my feet don't slip anymore!
Review by AnonymousWork well after you adjust the ball bearings inside. by Anonymous10 of 12 customers found this review helpful.Decent quality pedals, but I think the manufacturer has the bearings on too tight. As a result these pedals do not spin very freely and spin with some resistance that is noticeable. You can fix this yourself if you are familiar with working with loose ball bearings and cones. It took me about half an hour to do both pedals. As another reviewer did I unscrewed the caps, added more grease, and put the ball bearings back in put didn't screw on as tight to relieve pressure on the bearings. They now work fine, but would be nice if they were better adjusted out of the box.
Reviewed 1/5/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Decent quality pedals, but I think the manufacturer has the bearings on too tight. As a result these pedals do not spin very freely and spin with some resistance that is noticeable. You can fix this yourself if you are familiar with working with loose ball bearings and cones. It took me about half an hour to do both pedals. As another reviewer did I unscrewed the caps, added more grease, and put the ball bearings back in put didn't screw on as tight to relieve pressure on the bearings. They now work fine, but would be nice if they were better adjusted out of the box.
Review by WheelsHubberthGreat choice when you don't want toe clips or cliplessby WheelsHubberthCycling EnthusiastWine CountryRebuilt a bike for a friend and it had toe clips. That wouldn't work for him so I purchased a pair of these. He loves them great support ,no slipping. Built very well should last a lifetime.
Reviewed 1/30/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by WheelsHubberth was helpful/No, review by WheelsHubberth was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Rebuilt a bike for a friend and it had toe clips. That wouldn't work for him so I purchased a pair of these. He loves them great support ,no slipping. Built very well should last a lifetime.
Review by AnonymousSolid pedalsby AnonymousPortland Good value, classic look
Reviewed 9/15/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Good value, classic look
Review by AnonymousSolid pedalsby AnonymousPortland Good value, classic look
Reviewed 9/15/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Good value, classic look
Review by AnonymousGreat touring bedals.by AnonymousDaily CommuterLittle Rock, ARReplace my wife's old pedals with these.
Reviewed 7/1/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Replace my wife's old pedals with these.
Review by SoCalRiderGood pedals but a bit narrow for everyday useby SoCalRiderCycling EnthusiastSoCal6 of 6 customers found this review helpful.Work as intended, but when standing up, more platform would be nice. Of course more platform adds weight, but might be worthwhile tradeoff. Still, good value for money,and seem reliable after few months of use.
Reviewed 11/15/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by SoCalRider was helpful/No, review by SoCalRider was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Work as intended, but when standing up, more platform would be nice. Of course more platform adds weight, but might be worthwhile tradeoff. Still, good value for money,and seem reliable after few months of use.
Review by NO KevinQuality steel pedal for everyday useby NO KevinCycling EnthusiastNew Orleans5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.For the money, MKS seems to have the best pedals. I have these on one bike and an older pair of track pedals on my other bike. Both work solid, bearings are smooth etc. My only complaint is they seem a bit longer and stick out more than most pedals. They were prone to hitting the ground on tight turns with my fixed gear.
Reviewed 7/16/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by NO Kevin was helpful/No, review by NO Kevin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
For the money, MKS seems to have the best pedals. I have these on one bike and an older pair of track pedals on my other bike. Both work solid, bearings are smooth etc. My only complaint is they seem a bit longer and stick out more than most pedals. They were prone to hitting the ground on tight turns with my fixed gear.
Review by bikerjeffExactly What Wife Wanted for Her New Bikeby bikerjeffCycling EnthusiastEastern WA3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Bought wife a new high end road bicycle. New experience for her for sure. She didn't want to mess with toe cages or clipless quite yet, but wanted pedals as easy to find with her feet as are on her comfort bike. These fit the bill perfectly. Bearings are excellent and they are light enough.
Reviewed 1/23/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by bikerjeff was helpful/No, review by bikerjeff was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Bought wife a new high end road bicycle. New experience for her for sure. She didn't want to mess with toe cages or clipless quite yet, but wanted pedals as easy to find with her feet as are on her comfort bike. These fit the bill perfectly. Bearings are excellent and they are light enough.
Review by AnonymousBasic, functional, durable, user-serviceable.by AnonymousCasual CyclistMassachusetts7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.I've been using MKS Sylvan Touring Pedals for years now on my commuter bikes. I wanted something high quality, durable, and simple. These are all that. I typically find that when they arrive they are adjusted rather tightly, which makes them seem a little rough-turning. This is purely an adjustment issue. I don't know if that smooths out in use because I've always just unscrewed the caps, replaced the grease, and adjusted them to be tight enough to remove all the slack and still spin smoothly and freely. So 5 stars for a great product but -1 star for the bearings being adjusted so tight out of the box.
Reviewed 1/19/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've been using MKS Sylvan Touring Pedals for years now on my commuter bikes. I wanted something high quality, durable, and simple. These are all that. I typically find that when they arrive they are adjusted rather tightly, which makes them seem a little rough-turning. This is purely an adjustment issue. I don't know if that smooths out in use because I've always just unscrewed the caps, replaced the grease, and adjusted them to be tight enough to remove all the slack and still spin smoothly and freely. So 5 stars for a great product but -1 star for the bearings being adjusted so tight out of the box.
Thanks for your feedback! It's true that the Sylvan Tourings are a budget-oriented pair of pedals, and lubing and adjusting new unsealed pedals is never a bad idea to get the most life possible out of them.
Derek