I think this video shows it pretty well. And, as my story below underscores, note how the helmet probably saved his life.

As for the famous photo of Fignon, that was the first generation Titanium Campy spindle that was hollow and they all broke. It was quickly replaced by a solid Ti version.

My own experience was quite recent. I was out for a nice ride on a lovely afternoon just pre-Xmas, and into a standing mash up a residential hill as I headed home when . . “BAM” My left leg suddenly cut loose from the bike and I went tumbling.

At first I thought I’d broken the crank arm, but discovered it was the left steel spindle of my pedal. I have never, ever, snapped a steel pedal spindle before. Call me shocked.

And I was lucky, as I did my inelegant cartwheeled in the middle of an otherwise empty residential street. Sadly, no video of the acrobatics. Bummer. But that video above feels very, very familiar. Surprisingly, there was almost zero bike damage, although I was a tad stiff and sore. The bike rotated right-round with me and stayed hoisted in the air due to my right foot remaining connected.

The most important lesson came as I rolled onto my back at a speed just a bit too fast to keep my neck muscles tight. As I heard/felt my helmet crunch as it performed the bounce off the pavement, “Thank you, dear helmet,” I whispered. Hence: Always wear your helmet!


For the record, going up hill when this happens is much better than flat out racing or mashing down a hill. Gravity kicks in and your forward motion is slowed. So it is mainly how your leg/foot comes down and how nicely you do that 1/2 cartwheel. At speed? Major road rash, just to begin. I shudder to think.