We get a lot of questions about which type of pedals work best with the Hold Fast FRS. Truth is, it really depends on your type of riding. Above, you can see our straps installed on a set of MKS RX-1's, a more traditional track pedal which is also popular on the road. Some riders prefer a narrower pedal, whether bombing hills or riding a century. Other riders prefer a wider platform of support for both comfort and security, whether commuting, tricking, or going off-road. It's all about what works best for your type of riding. Below are a set of Hold Fast's on the very fine Crank Brothers 50/50 pedals. So smooth, and secure as hell.

Via Trick Track and Continuum Cycles.

Tom La Marche Gets Some Air

Hold Fast sponsored rider Tom La Marche, killing it at the Brooklyn Banks. Shame it's closing soon (if the rumors are to be believed). Where the kids supposed ride now, Mr. Bloomberg?

Toku Hold Fast

Our friend Toku hurt his heel, but can still Hold Fast. Get better soon and keep riding, Toku!

Bicycle Defense Kit

My good buddy Nol, a dedicated NYC commuter, sent this along. Jolly Rancher's and stink bombs? Too good not to share. More info here.

The Bicycle Defense Kit (BDK) offers options for dealing with aggressive motorists. Contained within an altoids tin, the 8 tools vary in detectability, potential to cause damage, and legality.

Specifically, cyclists can:

• Issue "citizen citations" with official-ish tickets.
• Label offending vehicles with an "I was a jerk to a cyclist" sticker.
• Introduce the risk of paint damage with a Jolly Rancher.
• Create certain coating cremation via DOT3 brake fluid.
• Make cars stink worse than their exhaust with a carefully-placed stink bomb.
• Throw a trusty bolt to dent offending traffic as it passes.
• Lock out loony drivers by filling their keyholes with super glue.
• Cut through tire valve stems with a utility blade.

This Friday night, come support the benefit for Mike “Grandma” McFadyen. They'll be live music from Angry Drew, cheap booze for all, Goldsprints, and a silent auction to help with the medical expenses. Come out and support in NYC!

Jeremiah made the cover of the latest issue of Loop Magazine, riding the new Brooklyn Machine Works Element! And Nate can be seen on the flyer, with the new Affinity Cyclone! Super Bike Party in Japan!!

via Prolly

Superb Grand Opening Celebration

If you are in Boston this Friday, be sure to check out the grand opening party for Superb Bicycles, at 842 Beacon Street. Looking good, and congrats!

Bike Snob: The Irrelevancy of Time

Bike Snob NYC says, "...while big bicycle designers try to sell the most useless aspects of the fixed-gear trend, there are occasionally useful products that develop organically." Click here for the full article. Thanks, Bike Snob!!

Hell Track!!

Hell Track!! On October 24th, be there in Toronto for a chance to win a set of Hold Fast FRS!! Mosher's promised an event to die for. We all know he kills it fixed, but how many of you have seen his footbag skillz?

Johnny Midwest & the Limited Edition FRS

Johnny Midwest, seen here, shows off his prize from Los Marcos Melee. A brand new pair of limited edition HoldFast FRS straps! Looks rather happy for a guy that was DFL, no? Must be the straps!

Asphalt Contest

Enter the Asphalt contest for a chance to win a set of Hold Fast FRS! Click here for more details. Click here for the latest updates. Brought to you by Laek House, Prolly Is Not Probably, and Hold Fast.

Hold Fast in Poland

Bart from Katowice, Poland checks in, "I've been using Hold Fast for a while now, and I love them!". Glad to hear it, Bart. Hold Fast Poland!

WRAHW deal

Hold Fast sponsored rider Tom La Marche gets the 'fist off' interview from Torey. Read more about it here.

Los Marcos Melee 2009

Check out the poster for this weekend's Los Marcos Melee. Prizes include a limited edition colorway, and a custom set of Hold Fast FRS straps! See you there!

Thank you, Las Vegas.

Interbike was a great time! Major thanks to Jason and the entire Affinity Cycles crew, as well as Abe & Tyler from Outlier, Brooklyn Machine Works, our new friends from Fyxation, and of course Drew from Milwaukee Bicycle Company (check out the Bruiser outfitted with Hold Fast straps below). We met tons of wonderful people and saw some pretty amazing products. We'd especially like to thank all the shops and distributors who placed orders on site - thank you all!

Off to Interbike

Here's a teaser pic of the new strap design that will debut at Interbike tomorrow. Vegas, baby!

And yes, for those of you who are wondering, that is a Milwaukee Bruiser with a left-side drive. More pics coming soon!

Check out the Warriors Alleycat in Charleston, SC on October 24th. This event will be loads of fun and the some lucky team will win some Hold Fast straps! If you're in SC, I'm jealous.

Wonka's New Whip

Nice FRS color-combo on Wonka's new Gorilla!

via Rotterdam Fixed Gear

Check it out, NYC! No Cassettes screens tonight at Zebulon.

NY Bike Jumble

We'll be at the New York Bike Jumble this Sunday.  Hope to see you there!

nothing worse than a bike thief

Colors

New colors!  Available now at the Hold Fast Store!

Franco's Brooklyn

Local rider Franco picked up a set of the new purple straps to go with his Brooklyn.  Rather elegant, don't you think?  Thanks Franco!

All City Championships: Trick Comp

All City Trick Comp 2009 from BikeJerks on Vimeo.

don't steal shit!

Patrick, sorry to hear about your bikes, That SUCKS!
Note: the Hold*Fast FRS on Patrick's Pista Concept, The first stolen pair ....
good luck guys! I hope you find them.

Aug/17/2009

EVERYONE... OUR BIKES WERE STOLEN!
This was a sad day for Jake Ricker (Laali), Jacopo Volpe (Dodici), Ryan Schuetze (Go Means Go), and myself (Patrick/PEDAL Consumption). Last night around 11:55PM, we returned to our U-Haul van that was parked a few blocks from the Rotture on MLK & Ash St. Immediately, we noticed the window was broken. Our bikes, two frames w/forks, and several bags were stolen. We know this had to be the work of more than one person. What’s strange is that the thieves didn’t take the third frame w/fork and a rim set. Maybe they had to much to carry... who knows?

We did this event for the Fixed Gear community of Portland. I worked my ass off to get prizes for everyone because I wanted to take part in helping people who I embrace. I even used my own money to help promote this event. The top picture is Jake’s 3Rensho and the bottom photo is a color example of my Pista Concept. The Pista Concept was just built, so I didn’t get a chance to take photos... except when I did a Hold Fast review which doesn’t show much.

Anyhow, is this how we treat people who visit our town? It’s FUCKED UP! What’s even worse is that I had to pay $200 to U-haul for the broken window... and that included me getting insurance which proved to be useless!

Patrick's Bike
• Frame: Pista Concept 2007 (white)
• Front Wheel: Phil Wood Low-Flange (silver), H Plus Son (gold), DT Swiss Spokes (black)
• Rear Wheel: Phil Wood Low-Flange (silver), H Plus Son (gold), DT Swiss Spokes (black)
• Headset: Stock Cane Creek (black)
• Stem: Thomson Elite 50mm (black)
• Handlebars: Nitto B-201 Riser Bars (black)
• Seatpost: Thomson Elite (black)
• Saddle: Sam Marco Supercorsa (black)
• Cranks: Sugino 75 (black)
• Bottom Bracket: Sugino 75
• Chainring: Sugino 75 - 44t (black)
• Pedals: Odyssey Twisted PC (black)
• Toe Straps: Hold Fast

Jake's Bike
• Frame: 3Rensho (purple-metallic)
• Front Wheel: SPIN Tri-Spoke (white)
• Rear Wheel: Chub Hub (black), H Plus Son Formation Face (black)
• Headset: Campy NJS (silver)
• Stem: Dura-Ace (silver)
• Handlebars: Syntace Pursuit Bars (silver)
• Seatpost: Thomson Elite (silver)
• Saddle: Sam Marco Rolls Ti (white)
• Cranks: Sugino 75 (silver)
• Bottom Bracket: Hatta
• Chainring: Sugino 75 - 49t (silver)
• Pedals: MKS Sylvan (silver)
• Toe Straps: Cadence Double (black)

Other Items Stolen
• Jake's custom Freight Baggage (black) bag that contained a digital and film camera and a $400 Patagonia jacket (black)
• Ryan’s shoulder bag containing 10 Macaframa DVD’s and Go Means Go shirts
• Dodici Veloce frame (pink/chrome) w/chrome fork
• Leader 721TR Track Frame/Fork (white)

Who ever has any helpful information, please contact me. We are offering a reward... NO QUESTIONS ASKED! I don't think the thieves realize who they stole from and most likely WILL get caught. So if the thieves are reading this, either drop off everything you stole at City Bikes on Ankeny & 8th (NO QUESTIONS ASKED) or contact me at patrick@pedalconsumption.com or email Jake at jakericker@gmail.com (NO QUESTIONS ASKED).

We filed a police report, so if you have any information, feel free to call Officer Joel M. Ockunzzi (#49841) of the Portland Police Department. The case number is 090 72910.

Lastly... the Rose City Fix event was a success! The turnout was better than we thought. Congrats to Walton for winning the alleycat race and Zach for winning the trick competition! We will post results very soon and photos as well!

*THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP TILL THE END OF MONTH*

Tags: Stolen

WU TANG!

Crazy Nick won a pair this past weekend, congrats!

Installation Tips & Pedal Recommendations

Here's a pic of Jeremiah getting some air with his new Brooklyn fork and Hold Fast straps! Thanks, Prolly. Photo by Chris Weilk.

A helpful tip to tell your left from your right is to make sure that the Hold Fast logo faces you while riding. We also recommend using a BMX platform pedal, such as the Odyssey Twisted PC, the WellGo BMX PC, Eastern Plastic, Fit PC, or the Animal platform pedals. While we prefer plastic (PolyCarbonate) pedals for grinding, we know of a few riders who are using the metal BMX-style platform pedal - we recommend removing the back pins to ease entry and exit. We've also know of riders who are using them successfully with the MKS track pedals, and a commuter whose using them on his Suntour MTB pedals. Pretty much any pedal that allows you to thread the lower straps along the axle should work fine. We have also found that the more you ride them the better they get, comfort-wise, as well as getting in and out. Please remember to set the velcro with one foot on ground, and please do not adjust while pedaling (or use with flip-flops).

Another satisfied customer!

Thanks for the kind words Mark..

"So I’ve had these Hold Fast straps for about a month now, and what can I say apart from that they are awesome. I used to use normal metal clips and straps which worked well, but found when I was riding backwards they would clip the ground and just annoy me. So I moved onto powergrips which were wicked apart from the agricultural hardware which came with them, but they worked well and felt more secure than the original metal clips (and I could pull up and skid sitting down easier). Then I came across the seatbelts on the net, and decided to make some myself out of the rear seat belt of my car (which could cause a problem when I sell it)! These were better than everything I tried nice, and simple and no major hardware, etc., until I saw Hold Fast straps. I ordered them from the US and were delivered within a week, on cog nite 4 day. Wicked!
Fitted within seconds, and they instantly felt much more secure than all the rest I had tried, and were adjustable to any size shoe from wellies to flip flops! Absolutely no complaints with these! They feel like they do exactly what there supposed to do, which is hold your feet fast. Releasing your feet is just as easy as the rest, even when the strap is tight. The quality of the straps are high, and I can't see that their gonna wear out anytime soon (even pedal grinding caused no problems as the underside of the pedal is kept free of any loose strappage). Even when riding out of the straps they do scuff the deck slightly, but apart from a few marks there is no major wear to the strap itself. All I can say is this: stop fannying around with all the lower quality products and go Hold Fast! "
Mark Smith (London, UK) www.bournemouthfixedgear.com

Wu-Tang: The Alleycat

Krillz and Stoned Tone are throwing what looks to be one of the best alleycats of the summer. It's a two part race, with stops in Shaolin, the Brooklyn Zoo, and Manhattan - all specific to Wu-Tang and their history. Enter the thirty-six chambers and get a chance to win a set of Hold Fast straps, and plenty of other goodies. We are psyched on this. Wu-Tang Alleycat!!

No Cassettes Premiere

If you are in San Diego this Friday, go check out Fonseca Films "No Cassettes" Premiere. I know that Chris has been working hard on this joint for a while now, and I wish I could be there to see it. Whoever kills in the Trick Comp wins a pair of Hold Fast straps!

Julian came out to Red Hook the other day to pick up a pair of black and gold.
while we were hooking up his FRS's, a sign fell off a telephone pole and almost beheaded his friend. Crazy! Wish I had pics of that..
Thanks Julian ride safe.

Rose City Fix

Rose City Fix is a photography project by photographer Brenton Salo and designer Aaron Edge, that chronicles the fixed gear scene up in the Pacific Northwest.  Be sure to show up at the opening party in Portland and compete for a chance to win a pair of HoldFast straps!

The "Mini-Apple"

Special Thanks To Vinny of VS Social Standard , Jeff of All-City, and the rest of the Minneapolis crew, for collectively piecing together a bike for me to ride ( ...and all the tubes...), and the extensive tour of spots.
Minneapolis has Lots great terrain to trick ride packed in to a small city, and what seems like endless banks. Here are a few pics from my trip of some great riders.

Wired

While we're glad to learn that WIRED has been "palping" for a fixed, and that they consider Hold Fast straps "the answer", we just want to say that it's not a good idea to ride a fixed gear in a pair of flip-flops, sandals, or bare feet (whether or not you are using Hold Fast straps).  Please, always wear proper footwear when cycling (because toes are a terrible thing to waste).

Seth from Chicago says...

"I can't get over how well this strap works. I do tricks and spins, and have had problems with other products in the past because my feet would fall out with any lateral pressure. Now, I never have to worry because my feet are always locked no matter where I'm putting my weight. And it works with all my shoes!"

Thanks for the kind words Seth. Hold Fast in Chicago!  

The first strap reviews are in!

From the original tester himself...

Prolly's Review

And from our new friends in Minneapolis...

Bike Jerk's Review

Many thanks to everyone who has purchased a set of Hold Fast straps!  Please send us your photos.  We want to see them in action! 

Hold Fast Straps Installation!

Step One:  After pinching the bottom straps in half (as shown), gently thread each one through the underside of the platform pedal, starting from the side that attaches to the crank.  

Step Two:  Thread and pull each bottom strap through the one inch buckles.  Pull tight.

Step Three:  Fold back and sandwich each strap into one of the buckles as shown.  Pull tight, and secure the strap into position.  Make sure you get both sides.

Step Four:  After attaching the straps to your cranks, set the velcro to your desired fit (we do not suggest adjusting while riding!).  You may have to re-tighten the underside straps after a few rides, but they will stay in place fine after they are 'broken-in'.