Power Grips Straps: Standard vs XL, Kits and Fit

What are Power Grips straps?

Power Grips are wide straps that run diagonally across the pedal. The diagonal is the trick: put your foot in at an angle and the strap is loose; straighten your foot and the strap tightens across the top of your shoe.

You get some of the foot location of a toe clip with no clip in front of your toes, and you can still ride in normal shoes.

The Power Grips lineup explained

The range splits into strap sets for pedals you already own and complete pedal kits. The Standard and XL sets share the same micro-adjust bracket and differ only in strap length; the Fixie set skips the bracket and bolts to the pedal body. The Sport kit uses a resin pedal with a steel cage, while the High Performance kit is all aluminum.

Which Power Grips should you buy?

1. Check your pedals. A metal cage that takes toe clips and straps means a strap set will fit. No cage? Buy a pedal kit.
2. Measure your shoe around its widest part. Power Grips’ guidance is XL for shoes over 12 inches around, which winter boots often are.
3. Kits: check your crank thread first. Most adult cranks take 9/16” pedals; one-piece cranks on some kids’, BMX and cruiser bikes take 1/2”. The left pedal is reverse threaded, see our reverse-thread guide.

How Power Grips compare to toe clips, clipless and magnetic pedals

Option	Shoe	Retention	Exit
Power Grips	Any flat-soled shoe	Moderate	Angle foot and lift
Toe clips and straps	Any shoe	Firm when tightened	Loosen strap or pull back
Magnetic pedals	Shoe with a steel plate	Moderate to strong	Twist or lift
Clipless	Cleated cycling shoe	Firm	Twist heel out

Toe clips from brands such as MKS suit track and vintage bikes. Clipless holds you most securely but needs cycling shoes. Power Grips are the easiest step up for commuters who want to keep their own shoes.