Who it's for
Good fit
- Riders in winter boots, hiking boots or work boots
- Large or wide feet where the standard strap runs out of adjustment
- Commuters on metal cage pedals who want retention without cleats or clips
Look elsewhere if
- Shoes under 12 inches around: the standard set fits better
- Modern pinned flat pedals or plastic pedals without a metal cage
- Clipless pedals
Compatibility
- Pedals
- Metal cage pedals that accept toe clips and straps, such as the MKS Sylvan Touring
- Shoes
- Any non-cleated shoe or boot over about 12 inches around the widest point
- Tools
- 4mm Allen key for the bracket, plus a screwdriver or wrench for the mounting hardware
- Toe clips
- Not used: the strap replaces the clip and toe strap
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longer strap takes boots and bulky shoes the standard set cannot
- Exit by rolling the heel out, with no buckle to undo
- Micro-adjustable bracket fine-tunes the fit with one Allen key
- No cleats and no toe-clip holes needed on a metal cage pedal
Cons
- Too long for average shoes, which leaves the foot less secure
- Specified for metal cage pedals only, not modern pinned flats
- Holds less firmly than a clip with a tight strap
- Retention on one side only, so you may need to flip the pedal with your toe
What Power Grips XL is
Power Grips are a single wide strap that runs diagonally across each pedal, from one corner to the opposite corner. The XL set is the extra-long version of the same strap, made for footwear too big for the standard set. Power Grips are made by MRP, and the set includes the mounting hardware and Power Grips’ micro-adjustable bracket.
Who needs the XL size
You need XL if your shoe or boot is more than 12 inches around at its widest point, which is Power Grips’ own sizing rule. Shoe size alone is a poor guide: a size 9 winter boot can be bigger around than a size 11 running shoe.
How to measure:
- Put on the shoe or boot you will ride in most.
- Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the forefoot, over the top and under the sole.
- Over 12 inches: choose XL. Under 12 inches: choose the standard set.
If you ride in light shoes in summer and boots in winter, measure the boots. The bracket takes up some slack, but a strap sized for boots will not hold a slim sneaker as snugly as the standard strap.
How the diagonal strap works
The strap is loose when your foot is angled to match it and tight when your foot is straight. That is the whole trick.
- Getting in: angle your toe inward toward the bike and slide your foot under the strap.
- Locking in: straighten your foot so it points forward. This twists the strap across your shoe and pulls it tight.
- Getting out: roll your heel outward and back. The strap slackens as your foot turns and your shoe slides out.
Fitting XL Power Grips to your pedals
Power Grips mount on metal cage pedals that accept toe clips and straps, such as the MKS Sylvan Touring; see cage pedals.
- Remove any toe clips, toe straps and front reflectors.
- Check the instruction sheet for which corner holes to use; the strap runs diagonally and the left and right pedals are mirror images.
- Bolt the strap ends to the pedal with the supplied hardware.
- Set the micro-adjustable bracket with a 4mm Allen key so the strap is snug when your foot is straight and loose when angled in.
- Ride a short loop, then fine-tune the bracket: if your foot slides out too easily, shorten the strap; if you cannot get in, lengthen it.
Hole positions vary between cage pedals, so check the instructions against your pedal before forcing bolts, and do not rely on cage screws never meant to carry strap load.
XL vs standard Power Grips
The only meaningful difference is strap length; design, technique and bracket adjustment are the same.
| Standard | XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe circumference | Up to 12 inches | Over 12 inches |
| Typical footwear | Sneakers, road and casual shoes | Winter boots, work boots, wide or large shoes |
If you are close to 12 inches, choose based on your bulkiest regular footwear. The standard set page has tension tips that apply to both.
How it compares with toe clips
In boots, Power Grips XL is easier to live with than toe clips, which must be big enough for the boot to fit inside, like the MKS steel toe clips in XL. Toe clips with a tight strap hold the foot more firmly, so riders who pull hard on climbs or ride fixed gear often still prefer them. See toe clips and straps for the full comparison.
Check the mounting bolts after the first few rides.
Alternatives to consider
Power Grips Standard Strap Set
Same system with a shorter strap for shoes up to 12 inches around
MKS Steel Toe Clips (X-Large)
A traditional clip for big shoes if you want a firmer hold with a strap
Restrap Diagonal Pedal Straps
Another diagonal-strap design, made from recycled seatbelt webbing
Wellgo W8 Double Straps
Velcro straps for platform pedals rather than metal cages
Power Grips XL Strap Set: FAQ
Do I need Power Grips XL or standard?
Measure around your shoe at the widest point. Power Grips says to choose XL if the measurement is more than 12 inches; otherwise buy the standard set.
Will Power Grips XL fit my pedals?
They are made for metal cage pedals that accept toe clips and straps, such as the MKS Sylvan Touring. Most modern pinned flat pedals and plastic pedals are not suitable; see cage pedals.
How do you get out of Power Grips?
Roll your heel outward and back. The diagonal strap slackens as your foot turns, so there is no buckle to undo.