MKS Sylvan Tour pedal

MKS Prime Sylvan tour are essentially copies of the time honoured Campagnolo rat trap having as much to offer tourists and commuters as period bikes/retro builds thanks to their combination of classic looks and solid build quality. The aggressively serrated cage is drilled for toe-clips but entertains pretty much any footwear from sandals to steel toes for added convenience. However, urban terrorists should note their predisposition to grounding when cornering hard.

Despite period feel £29 buys a host of 21st century practicalities including tastefully anodised cages, polished alloy bodies and super strong Cro-moly axles. Bearings are weather sealed and fit for purpose, bedding in after the first hundred miles but I’d still be inclined to strip and pack to bursting with marine grease.

Cro-moly axles might lack the pizzazz of more exotic materials but strike a good balance between strength, weight and rigidity. Out of the saddle efforts couldn’t cajole any infuriating squeaks or creaks, providing the perfect interface whether riding a period classic in ultra stiff, cleated road shoes or ten-hole steel toed safety boots so should laugh at the inevitable, casual abuse inflicted through utility riding and commuting.

With this in mind, ours were subjected to a series of off-road jollies, submerged in deep, muddy puddles, before a spot of river riding for full effect. The latter resulted in some minor water infiltration but packing with marine grease and repeating the experiment solved this, suggesting they’re dependable enough for classic rough stuff or cyclo crossers too.

Unfortunately, broad cages are a double edged sword, giving plenty of support but restricting cornering clearance- carving into roundabouts, junctions and even some swooping singletrack notched up a few battle scars on the pedals…and with my shins.

Verdict

Solid choices for period builds and commu-tourists alike, albeit at the expense of flat out cornering