Vintage Components - MKS pedals
On this page: Sylvan quill pedals | AR-1 quill pedal set | AR-2 quill pedal set
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MKS (official name Mikashima Industrial Company, LTD) was started in 1949 in Saitama, Japan. Though cyclists know about the firm because of its first-class pedals, only about half of MKS's production is devoted to bicycle parts. The other half goes to the automotive industry.
MKS has made pedals for other firms, most notably, the beautiful ones they made for SunTour.
Though many high-end Japanese bicycle companies did not survive the combination of the Shimano onslaught and the movement of much cycle production to lower-cost China, MKS is still cranking out great pedals today.
MKS Sylvan quill road pedal set. Used
The Sylvan pedal was intended to be a copy of the classic Campagnolo pedal. The Sylvan was made in both road and track versions. Like the Campagnolo pedals, the cages are riveted to the pedal body, even though MKS was quite capable of producing one-piece pedals like their AR-1 and AR-2 models.
To complete the similarity, the dust covers can be removed with a Campagnolo pedal tool.
This is a perfect way to give that fixed-gear bike a great retro-look with a fine pedal without breaking the bank.
MKS Sylvan quill pedal set #1. Used, $55.00
With MKS leather covered toe clips.
Pedal bottoms
Close-up of the right pedal
MKS Sylvan quill pedal set #2. Used, $40.00
Top view. The quills have been filed down. Big riders with wide feet often resorted to this modification. The left pedal quill broke a result. This will not affect the pedal's performance.
Bottom view
Close-up of the left pedal
MKS AR-1 quill pedal set. Used, $25.00
- Produced in the 1980s
- Chromoly steel axle
- Aluminum cage
Classic, well-made quill pedals
Bottom view. Just as nice
Close-up of the left pedal
MKS AR-2 quill pedal set. Used, $20.00
- Produced in the 1980s
- one-piece aluminum body
- Chromoly steel axle
These appear to be later production pedals with aluminum dust caps. Early AR-2's had black plastic dust caps.
Note the cages are not riveted to the pedal body, they are part of a single casting.
Bottom view