Who it's for
Good fit
- Riders who use clips in rain, salt or winter and don't want rust
- Commuters who care about scuffs on everyday shoes
- Medium-to-large feet once the small sizing is allowed for
- MKS Sylvan and GR-9 owners who want a lighter-looking wire clip
Look elsewhere if
- Very large feet or bulky boots (choose the chrome steel clip in XL)
- Keirin-spec builds that need NJS-approved parts
- Riders who want to ride without a strap (see the half-length MKS Cage Clip Half)
Compatibility
- Pedals
- Pedals with toe-clip mounting holes in the front cage plate, such as MKS Sylvan Track, Sylvan Road, Sylvan Touring and GR-9
- Strap
- One toe strap per pedal (not included)
- Sizing
- A US retailer notes it runs one size smaller than labelled, so Large fits like a typical Medium
- Largest size
- Large at most retailers; for bigger feet use MKS's chrome steel clip in XL
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless steel has no plating to chip, so scratches won't rust
- Rounded wire is gentler on shoe uppers
- Light, open look that suits classic and touring bikes
- Bolts to the same MKS clip pedals as MKS's steel clips
Cons
- Runs about a size small, and Large is usually the top size
- Retailers list MKS's chrome steel clip, not this one, as NJS approved
- Some sizes can be hard to find at times
- Needs a separate toe strap
What the MKS stainless cage clip is
This is MKS’s Cage Clip in stainless steel, size Large. Rather than a formed and plated steel strip, it’s a cage of rounded stainless wire. Retailers point out that the rounded wire avoids scratching your shoes. Stainless has no plating to chip, so the clip doesn’t rust where it gets scuffed.
It does the same job as any toe clip. It bolts to the front of the pedal, sets how far forward your foot sits, and guides a toe strap that holds your foot down.
How it differs from MKS chrome steel toe clips
MKS sells two main full-length clips, and they suit different riders.
| Stainless Cage Clip (this page) | Steel Toe Clip, chrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Rounded stainless steel wire | Chrome-plated steel |
| Rust | Won’t rust where scratched | Can rust where plating chips |
| On shoes | Rounded wire, gentle | Formed steel edges |
| Sizes | Medium and Large (some list Small) | S, M, L, XL |
| NJS approved | Not listed as approved | Listed as NJS approved |
Choose the stainless Large if you ride in wet or salty conditions or use clips with shoes you care about. Your feet should also fit a size that runs small.
Choose the chrome steel XL if you have large feet, wear bulky shoes or boots, or are building a keirin-spec bike that needs NJS-approved parts.
Sizing the Large
MKS sizes its clips on the small side. One US retailer says the stainless cage clip runs one size smaller than labelled, so this Large fits about like another brand’s Medium. MKS publishes a size diagram for the stainless clip, which is worth comparing with your shoe if you’re between sizes.
Check fit with the ball of your foot over the pedal axle. You want a small gap between the tip of your shoe and the inside of the clip. If your toe presses on the clip, you need a bigger clip. Since Large is the top size for this model at most retailers, that means switching to the chrome steel XL.
Fitting these toe clips to MKS pedals
These clips bolt to pedals with toe-clip mounting holes in the front cage plate. In the MKS range, that’s the clip pedals:
- Sylvan Track and Track Next, for fixed-gear and track bikes.
- Sylvan Road and Road Next. MKS recommends clips and straps here because the cage plates are almost flat.
- Sylvan Touring and Touring Next, double-sided touring pedals.
- GR-9, a compact road pedal designed for clips.
MKS’s flat pedals, like the Allways, are designed to be ridden without clips.
- Bolt on the clips and snug the bolts. Recheck them after the first few rides.
- Thread a toe strap through the pedal body and the clip, with the buckle on the outside.
- Set foot position: ball of the foot over the axle, a small gap at the toe.
- Set strap tension so you can pull up but still slide out at a stop.
Care and wear
Stainless needs little care: rinse off road salt and grit, and wipe it dry. Check that the mounting bolts stay tight, and replace a clip that’s been bent out of shape in a fall, because a bent clip moves your foot off the axle.
Alternatives to consider
MKS Steel Toe Clips XL (chrome)
Longer, taller NJS-approved chrome clip for bigger feet and bulky shoes
MKS Cage Clip Half
Half-length version of the Cage Clip, usable without a strap
MKS Deep Steel Toe Clips
Taller chrome steel clip designed for street shoes
Power Grips standard strap set
Diagonal strap retention with no clip over your toes
MKS Cage Clip Stainless (Large): FAQ
What size is the MKS stainless cage clip Large?
It's the biggest size most retailers stock. One US retailer notes it runs one size smaller than labelled, so it fits roughly like other brands' Medium. If your toes touch the clip with the ball of your foot over the axle, move to the chrome steel clip in XL.
Is stainless or chrome better for toe clips?
Stainless won't rust where it's scratched, and the rounded wire is kinder to shoes. Chrome-plated steel is the traditional NJS track clip and comes in an XL, but chipped plating can rust.
Which MKS pedals do these toe clips fit?
MKS's clip pedals with mounting holes in the front cage plate: the Sylvan Track, Sylvan Road and Sylvan Touring (including the Next versions) and the GR-9. Compare them on our MKS pedals page.
Do I need toe straps with these clips?
Yes. The clip positions your foot and the strap holds it down. Any standard toe strap works, such as EVO nylon straps. See our toe clips and straps guide.