MKS Steel Toe Clips (X-Large, Chrome)

What these MKS toe clips are

These are MKS’s standard steel toe clips: a chrome-plated steel cage that bolts to the front of the pedal and holds a single toe strap. Retailers list them as NJS approved, the certification used for keirin track racing in Japan. That makes them the default clip for MKS Sylvan Track pedals on fixed-gear and track bikes.

This page covers the XL size in chrome. MKS sells the range in S, M, L and XL. In Japan, XL is labelled LL, and MKS sells an even smaller SS size there. The LL/XL is not just longer: it’s also taller over the toe. That’s why it works with street shoes, sneakers and boots that would be pinched by a smaller clip.

Sizing MKS toe clips

Choose by shoe size first, then by how bulky your shoe is. MKS clips run small, and a clip that’s too short pushes your foot back from the pedal axle.

• Retailer guidance: One UK retailer’s chart puts M at UK 6 and under, L at UK 6–9 and XL at UK 10 and up.
• Runs small: Several US retailers note MKS toe clips run about one size small, so a medium fits more like other brands’ small.
• Bulky shoes: Skate shoes, hiking shoes and boots need more height. XL is the tallest standard MKS size.

To check fit, put the ball of your foot over the pedal axle. Leave a small gap between the tip of your shoe and the inside of the clip. If your toe touches the clip, go up a size. If your foot sits well forward of the axle, go down a size.

Which MKS pedals they bolt to

MKS steel toe clips bolt to pedals with mounting holes in the front cage plate. In the MKS range that means the clip pedals:

• Sylvan Track and Sylvan Track Next, the classic fixed-gear setup.
• Sylvan Road and Sylvan Road Next. Their cage plates are almost flat, so MKS recommends clips and straps with them.
• Sylvan Touring and Touring Next, double-sided touring pedals that take clips.
• GR-9, a compact road pedal designed for clips and straps.

Flat MKS pedals like the Allways are designed to be ridden without clips. All the MKS options are compared on our MKS pedals page.

Setup and fit notes

1. Bolt the clips on. Fit each clip to the front cage plate and snug the bolts. Recheck them after the first few rides.
2. Fit the strap. Thread a toe strap through the pedal body and the clip’s strap slot, with the buckle on the outside. A single twist inside the pedal body helps stop the strap sliding.
3. Set foot position. Ball of the foot over the axle, a small gap at the toe.
4. Set strap tension. Tight enough to pull up on the pedal, loose enough to slide out when you stop.

How they compare

Compared with MKS’s stainless cage clip, the chrome steel clip is the traditional track part. It carries NJS approval and is made of formed steel. The stainless clip uses rounded stainless wire, which won’t rust where scratched and is gentler on shoes.

The MKS Deep steel clip is a taller version of the chrome clip, aimed at street shoes. If you want retention without anything over your toes, Power Grips bolt diagonally across the pedal instead.

Care and wear

Chrome lasts well if you keep it clean and dry. Where the plating chips, for example from dragging a clip on the ground, bare steel can rust. Wipe the clip dry after wet rides and touch up chips with a little wax or oil. Replace a clip that’s bent out of shape, because a bent clip changes your foot position.