Bicycle Mechanics - French Threaded Pedals ??

Broke a pedal off the old beater and, once I removed the "nub", tried to thread another set of pedals in. No-Go! Knowing better than to force it, I took the old set to the LBS and found out that the thred pattern is "French" vs. std. english.

After computing all of the permutations of cranks, BB, etc. and figuring that those also will be french threads, I have surmised that a new set of french threaded pedals will be the easiest (and probably cheapest way to go.

The LBS can't seem to find any. Any thoughts?

Have the LBS tap you pedal threads to standard 9/16". If they can;t handle it, find another shop. French threads are obsolete and the pedals are hard to find and probably cost more than you want to pay.

Thanks DD. The consensus was that there is not enough "meat" in the crank arm to support std. threading (the holes are too similar in size) but now we're exploring a helicoil option.
You seem to have quite the collection of frenchy's - Brother can you spare a set-o-pedals?

I have the taps and I've done a half dozen very expensive vintage cranks with perfect results. Like I said, find another shop. They can't handle it. If they knew what they were doing, they would have suggested tapping your cranks in the first place.

A T.A. Professional 3 pin crank with MKS pedals:

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/18356/2736003250068014369S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2736003250068014369MsDalJ)

A stronglight 93 crank with MKS pedals:

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/42361/2748669630068014369S425x425Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2748669630068014369GEccNC)

I like MKS pedals. You get a very nice pedal for very little money and they're wide enough for my big feet.

I have the taps and I've done a half dozen very expensive vintage cranks with perfect results. Like I said, find another shop. They can't handle it. If they knew what they were doing, they would have suggested tapping your cranks in the first place.
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I wouldn't tap them. If the original hole is at all worn, there isn't enough material.

velo-orange.com (http://velo-orange.com/ofrthpe.html)

Nice T.A.s Dirtdrop.

Any thoughts?

Is it just the crankarms that are french threaded? Are other parts on the bike french as well? Is the bike even worth attempting a repair?