Originally Posted by
GamblerGORD53
Maybe you could post the model name. IMO, wearing in bearings is a stupid concept.
Anyway, it's now my practice to disassemble all pedals right away. If they are tight, they are most likely cup/ cone loose bearing. Most have a reasonable bearing size design that is workable. The nut will be 10 or 11 mm. If they are too horrible to work with, then they are GARBAGE. I expect them to spin by hand several revs, the dust seal may slow them, but will still be OK as long as the feel is OK. Whatever the bearings, they will need cleaning every 2,000 miles.
I bumbled into such POS pedals, the cheapest model of Vsixty. It had moronic 1/16" bearings with zero chance to improve function. I got a refund and told the LBS to quit stocking them. The bastards are still selling them at $33.
The $60+ Vsixty ones are very nice with a sealed bearing on the outside end and a bushing on the other. These also have the benefit of NOT needing adjustment, lube, tighten the nut, cap on and done. I've used some of them 15,000+ miles.
I tend to agree with you Gambler. I was in the machine repair business before I retired and I've never heard of a steel bearing wearing in. Although the axles do turn freely, they have a crunch to them that is not characteristic of round ball bearings. Part of the reason that I use this specific pedal is the design lets me bolt on the old style resin toe clips on the front of the pedal and that is my preference for riding. I have only been back into biking for the past few years and I wanted to hear what the group here had to say about this issue.
Thank you to all here for your input. It is great appreciated..