MKS

MKS is what happens when proper old-school Japanese engineering decides to focus on pedals — and never cut corners.

Founded in 1943 as an aircraft parts manufacturer, Mikashima switched to pedals in 1946 (a very good decision) and has been at it ever since. Still family-run by the Ogino family, MKS is one of only two pedal manufacturers left in Japan — out of roughly 40 back in the day. Survival of the fittest, but make it beautifully machined.

Their magic is in the details: cup-and-cone bearings adjusted by hand, tougher ADC6 aluminum instead of the more common stuff, and cold-forged Japanese steel axles made in-house. They do things the harder way, on purpose.

The result? Pedals that spin smoothly, feel rock solid, and last pretty much forever. Install them once, ride for years, occasionally admire them.