ciderguy

So after about 300km in 5 weeks I wore out my factory pedals. They were an inexpensive plastic Wellgo model LU-984. I've had them replaced by Forte Campus Pedals. I was wondering if y'all tend to wear out pedals faster than average, and if you have any tips on how to prevent excessive wear.

Null66

The plastic pedals seem to mostly be for demo rides...

I've had no issues with me candy 3's over 6k miles from 285 down to 240...

Leebo

Aluminum flat pedals with steel pins should out last your bike.

dr_lha

Yeah plastic/resin pedals and clydes don't mix. I've melted a few pairs myself.

yooperbiker

New bikes are usually sold with the cheapest pedals available (if any at all) with expectation that first thing any new bike owner will do is buy some decent pedals meeting their own preferences (clipless, platform, etc). Bike shop should have warned you.

GravelMN

Good brand name pedals with chrome-moly spindles and serviceable bearings will last for an extremely long time as long as you give them a little light grease and adjustment once in a while. I've got Shimano A530s on my road bike and M324s on my MTB, both of which have seen a lot of service and still work like new.

Stratman351

I ride Shimano road pedals - typically Ultegra 6700's. I go through cleats like crazy, but rarely have a problem with the pedals themselves.

CliffordK

I'm not sure if any bike shop messes with pedals, but in theory many of the pedals can be rebuilt. Just watch that they don't get too tight or too loose.

Shimano uses a type of sleeve, where the entire cups & cones unit is removable for easy access. I'm not sure about other brands.

kc0bbq

I use Speedplay Light Action pedals. I'm no longer clyde-by-weight, but I was still comfortably within this forum's definition when I first got them. They need to be greased a little more often than other pedals I have, but are also easier to lube. Bearings were replaced at 3,000 miles on one set, but are still on those bearings 5,000 miles later, so I was probably a wearing them out faster when I was heavier. The weather was worse that spring, so riding in freezing rain and the like probably contributed some, too. I didn't have a greasegun that worked at the time so I couldn't be quite as careful about maintenance.

I think my LBS charged me $30 for the pedal overhaul, but they through in a few other bits of labor with that (I think they removed and reinstalled the pressfit bearings in my bottom bracket at the same time).

The cleats are getting a little loose at 8,000 miles, I'll probably swap them out at 10,000 miles. I got a second set of pedals for a new bike and only have one pair of road shoes, so I have some waiting. They're getting pretty beat up from being walked on anyway. Not sure they'll be completely worn out, though.

nfmisso

Long time (millions of miles), being well after your great grand kids die from old age.

Wilfred Laurier

I have destroyed plastic pedals in a single ride. Even the cheapest metal pedals last much much longer, though.

ciderguy

I'm super happy with the new pedals. I had been planning on upgrading, just not quite so soon. We'll see if melt the Forte's before my warranty ends.

bassjones

Get some cleat covers and through them in your jersey pocket as soon as you take them off then put them back on the cleats anytime you stop for a water refill or anything longer than a stop light. Your cleats will last longer and the covers will pay for themselves by skipping at least one cleat replacement. They make walking a lot easier too.

Stratman351

I have cleat covers but never use them, found it too much of a pain. The only thing I typically stop for is - as you suggest - a water refill or stop light - and messing with them just isn't worth it to me. I just live with replacing the cleats a bit more than most people I imagine.

rhrgrt

Several years ago, I had started commuting on a mountain bike with stock plastic pedals. I weighed about as much then, and commuted 14-20 miles a day for about 6 months straight. Never broke a single pedal. I just took for granted that the cheapy plastic pedals were obviously sturdy enough.

Then, this year, when I started commuting again and bought a new bike, I broke a pedal within a day. Took it to the shop, got its replacement broken within the month. Replaced that myself with old plastic MTB pedals, and then broke one of those. That was in the middle of a 28 mile ride, so I stopped by the unbelievably close bike shop (literally across the highway). They offered metal pedals for an extra $10 and free labor and I haven't looked back.

Based on my recent experience, I'd say that no, plastic pedals don't work if you intend to actually use them. Sounds like your Forté Campus pedals will treat you right. For reference, I ride mostly on country roads and stand on the pedals to avoid the larger bumps. I also weigh 340 lbs.