Can't get pedals to fit older cranks
06-08-05, 07:25 AM
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Can't get pedals to fit older cranks
I have a set of older cranks <nervar 1970ish >and I want to use my clipless pedals with them. Unfortunately the threading is different and I can't get any pedals to go in more than a turn or two. Can I bring these cranks into a bike shop and get them rethreaded to fit modern pedal threading?
06-08-05, 07:36 AM
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Those are French threaded... see Sheldon Brown's entry on this: https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_p.html#pedal
I believe what a good shop can do is drill out the threads to a larger size and then put in a helicoil insert with the correct threads. This might cost more than new cranks (hard to say though), but it's a possibility if you're trying to keep the authentic original components on the bike.
You might be better off selling the Nervar cranks on ebay where they could be valuable if in good condition, and buying some new ones
I believe what a good shop can do is drill out the threads to a larger size and then put in a helicoil insert with the correct threads. This might cost more than new cranks (hard to say though), but it's a possibility if you're trying to keep the authentic original components on the bike.
You might be better off selling the Nervar cranks on ebay where they could be valuable if in good condition, and buying some new ones
06-08-05, 07:57 AM
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I dunno; when you think about a new crank, BB (including axle length issues), then should the chain & cassette (freewheel?) be looked at, maybe the pedal switchover would be easier...
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06-08-05, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by rmfnla
I dunno; when you think about a new crank, BB (including axle length issues), then should the chain & cassette (freewheel?) be looked at, maybe the pedal switchover would be easier...
Also, BB length isn't that critical with friction shifting. As long as the taper of the spindle is something standard, you should be able to find cranks that work fine with the current BB.
06-08-05, 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by moxfyre
Those are French threaded... see Sheldon Brown's entry on this: https://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_p.html#pedal
I believe what a good shop can do is drill out the threads to a larger size and then put in a helicoil insert with the correct threads. This might cost more than new cranks (hard to say though), but it's a possibility if you're trying to keep the authentic original components on the bike.
You might be better off selling the Nervar cranks on ebay where they could be valuable if in good condition, and buying some new ones
I believe what a good shop can do is drill out the threads to a larger size and then put in a helicoil insert with the correct threads. This might cost more than new cranks (hard to say though), but it's a possibility if you're trying to keep the authentic original components on the bike.
You might be better off selling the Nervar cranks on ebay where they could be valuable if in good condition, and buying some new ones
Nervar cranks are not a valuable collectible, much less desirable than Stronglight or TA.
We've also got some French thread pedals.
See: https://sheldonbrown.com/velos
and: https://harriscyclery.com/french
Sheldon "Francophile" Brown
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06-08-05, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Sheldon Brown
No need to drill or Helicoil, just run a set of standard 9/16" pedal taps through the cranks.
Nervar cranks are not a valuable collectible, much less desirable than Stronglight or TA.
Nervar cranks are not a valuable collectible, much less desirable than Stronglight or TA.
I stand corrected, didn't realize how close the French thread dimensions are to the standard.
06-08-05, 01:05 PM
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I plan to put a set of Park pedal taps, along with with an excellent bronze Campy Record derailer and a mint Super Record derailer with titanium bolts on eBay this weekend. It will be my first attempt at selling. It would be foolish to buy a set of taps to use once, but I did it. I got the taps from Sheldon.
06-08-05, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by moxfyre
Why would you have to change the cassette/freewheel and chain when switching cranks? If they're worn out, they should be changed anyway. If they're new or in good condition, they don't need to be changed.
Also, BB length isn't that critical with friction shifting. As long as the taper of the spindle is something standard, you should be able to find cranks that work fine with the current BB.
Also, BB length isn't that critical with friction shifting. As long as the taper of the spindle is something standard, you should be able to find cranks that work fine with the current BB.
As to the spindle taper being standard, on older (French!) parts anything is possible.
He already has the pedals and he already has the cranks; getting them to go together seemed to be the simplest answer, even before Mr. Brown's post.
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06-08-05, 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by rmfnla
All very true, but it always seems that when you take a bike that works fine and start changing stuff more stuff ends up needing changing.
As to the spindle taper being standard, on older (French!) parts anything is possible.
He already has the pedals and he already has the cranks; getting them to go together seemed to be the simplest answer, even before Mr. Brown's post.
As to the spindle taper being standard, on older (French!) parts anything is possible.
He already has the pedals and he already has the cranks; getting them to go together seemed to be the simplest answer, even before Mr. Brown's post.
I was under the impression that some significant machining would be required to get the cranks to work with the pedals, which could be fairly pricey. But since it's just a matter of tapping them out, I certainly agree that it's the right way to go.
