It’s easy to overlook them in our daily lives, but brass pedals possess a special charm that quietly captures the heart.
Even in an age where new materials and vibrant designs constantly vie for our attention, the warm glow of this timeless metal, and the way its character evolves the more you use it, offers a sense of comfort and reveals why it remains so beloved after all these years.
Beyond their aesthetic beauty, their feel underfoot, their substantial weight, and the "unique personality" they develop through aging are what make brass pedals truly captivating.
Today, I’d like to reintroduce the four MKS custom brass pedals that embody this charm. Along with their individual features, I’ll share how they look after aging and which bikes they pair with best.
The more you use them, the deeper they grow in character, and the more attached you become.
Why not welcome such a special pair of pedals onto your own bicycle?
What is Brass?
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Because it is easy to work with and has a beautiful golden hue, it is used in a wide range of fields, from accessories and musical instruments to Buddhist altar fittings.
As I mentioned at the beginning, the greatest appeal of brass pedals lies in how they age.
Much like leather goods, their character shifts the more they are used, allowing you to cultivate a unique, seasoned aesthetic. The bright golden color of a brand-new pair will gradually mellow into a more refined tone over time.
Sylvan Gordito
MKS Sylvan Gordito Brass For Circles
Size: W94 × L85mm (W = pedal width, L = pedal length)
Colors: Raw Brass, Black Paint Brass
Price: 11,220 yen (tax included)
Among the four, this model is popular for its particularly wide surface area.
The 94mm width truly proves its value during long-distance rides or tours loaded with gear. The calm shine of the brass cage and its solid stability make it the perfect partner for your travels.
The wide surface also lets you thoroughly enjoy the unique way brass ages! You can polish it to keep it shining, or let it accumulate a patina and small scratches as part of its charm.
The Sylvan Gordito brass model is a great match for bikes with a classic, substantial feel. Its wide surface provides a level of stability that really shines during long rides and touring. Combine it with other brass parts, and the deepening character it acquires over time will further enhance the charm of the entire bike.
It’s also an excellent choice for a gravel touring bike. Riding through dirt and forest roads and watching as the pedals and frame age together is a pleasure unique to this model.
Combining it with deep frame colors like black, forest green, navy, or wine red will make the color shifts of the brass stand out even more.
Sylvan Stream
MKS Sylvan Stream Brass For Circles
Size: W79 x L61 mm (W = pedal width, L = pedal length)
Colors: Raw Brass, Black Paint Brass
Price: 9,460 yen (tax included)
The Sylvan Stream features a simple, streamlined design among MKS's classic Sylvan series.
Its compact, refined silhouette highlights the elegant, warm glow of the brass. Because it's not overly large or cluttered, the beautiful color and aging of the brass really stand out, resulting in a pedal that is simple yet holds a distinct presence.
Perfect for a simple, refined single-speed city bike.
While writing this blog, I imagined how well it would suit this Bloomfield.
Actually installing it, I love how the glow of the brass adds a touch of elegance to the cuteness of the bright green frame. As it ages and the pedal deepens in tone, I think it will become even more sophisticated and attractive. 🌼 It’s the kind of pedal that brings just a little bit of specialness to your daily rides.
BM-7
MKS BM-7 Brass For Circles
Size: W98 x L61 mm (W = pedal width, L = pedal length)
Colors: Raw Brass, Black Paint Brass
Price: 9,460 yen (tax included)
The BM-7 features a cage with a fine, wave-like design.
This unique shape grips your sneaker soles securely, providing high traction even on wet roads or off-road.
Furthermore, the slight curve toward the center of the pedal naturally guides your feet. This makes it a great choice for various scenes, including BMX, MTB, gravel, and cross bikes.
Installed here is a masterpiece from BRIDGESTONE USA, the MB-2. Its classic look pairs perfectly with the BM-7, especially as the black paint wears down to reveal the underlying brass, adding even more character.
The BM-7 is a perfect fit for old mountain bikes with slim chromoly frames and rigid forks. As the black paint wears away, the brass peeks through, and it only gains more style the more you use it.
For an all-rounder bike that deftly handles forest paths, city streets, and light touring, the sure-footed grip of the BM-7's wave-patterned cage and the渋 (refined/dapper) shine of brass will only heighten its presence.
It looks sharp when new, but as you ride, the paint chips away and the brass deepens, allowing the frame and pedals to record the "history of your adventures" together.
Promenade Ezy
MKS Promenade Ezy Brass For Circles
Size: W85 x L64 mm (W = pedal width, L = pedal length)
Colors: Raw Brass, Black Paint Brass
Price: 15,180 yen (tax included)
The Promenade features a beautifully curved cage plate with minimal protrusions, making it friendly to shoe soles while still providing a good level of grip. The double-sided design makes it easy for those new to sports bikes to use.
Furthermore, it is equipped with the MKS-original "Ezy System," a quick-release mechanism that allows for the rapid removal and installation of the pedals without any tools, perfect for when you need to transport or store your folding bike.
For a BIKE FRIDAY, known for its folding performance and nimble ride, the Ezy system—which lets you remove pedals without tools—is a huge advantage. While the Promenade Ezy offers that functionality, its warm, brass glow harmonizes perfectly with the modern yet classic design of the BIKE FRIDAY.
Combining both functionality and beauty, these brass pedals are the perfect component to further highlight the appeal of your BIKE FRIDAY.
Pedals That Grow with Use
It’s hard to visualize when looking at a new pair, but well-used brass is just incredibly beautiful. ✨
This is a pair of the black-painted BM-7s, loved and used by our photographer, GO-kun!
He’s been using them since they were released; the black paint has worn away nicely, giving them an indescribable texture.
The fine scratches on the sides only add to their appeal as a sign of long-term use. The texture of the brass and the way the black paint has worn match perfectly, giving them the presence of a longtime companion.
The shine of a brand-new pair is wonderful, of course, but the aesthetic of aged brass is a charm that truly cannot be fully conveyed through photos or words alone.
Maintenance for Long-Term Enjoyment
All four brass pedal models introduced here use a cup-and-cone bearing system. A major feature of this bearing method is that it is easy to disassemble for re-greasing and parts replacement, making them excellent in terms of maintainability for long-term use.
They are highly durable, and when combined with the aging of the brass cage, you can count on them to support comfortable pedaling for a long time. Furthermore, because you can fine-tune the smoothness of the rotation yourself, you can adjust them to your preferred feel as you continue to use them.
Even if you're new to this, with proper maintenance, these are highly recommended as pedals you can continue to use with peace of mind for years to come!
Each pedal has its own unique expression and personality, yet they all share the joy of being "raised" over time. The glow of the brass, which deepens with use, transforms into something more than just a bike part—it becomes a companion that quietly stays by your side on every ride.
Bring a little luxury and comfort to your casual daily rides.
Why not enjoy this special experience with a pair of brass pedals?
