Vintage Raleigh Grand Prix replacement pedal question
 

I'm reasonably sure my Raleigh Grand Prix is a 1969 model- that's the year I got it used from my freshman roommate. It has a Nervar crank which I've read may have metric threads for the pedal I need to replace.

The problem with the pedal is that it freezes and forces my foot to roll it forward to free it back up. Has a worn cup (I think it's called). . .

So, I dunno what to look for to replace the pedal, one with "french threads" or regular 9/16" threads? Don't wanna experiment and strip the threads if I get the wrong ones.

Many thanks for whatever advice and suggestions I can get.

Quoting Sheldonbrown.com

• Older French bicycles used a 14 mm x 1.25 mm thread, but these are quite rare. French-threaded pedals are commonly labeled "D" and G" (French for "droite" and"gauche" (right and left). A French pedal will start to thread into a 9/16 x 20 crank (and vice versa), but will soon bind. Do not force it, or it will damage the crank. Aluminum French cranks are easily rethreaded to 9/16" x 20 TPI.

As opposed to R and L markings.

Being that its on a Raleigh, its likely that the Nervar crank has British threads (9/16" x 20tpi).

I would pop the dust cap off and give the pedal a shot of WD 40 and see if it will free up.

I've taken the pedal apart and the cone nut edge is very worn and about 20% of the thinner lip has worn off leaving a small bulge the bearings catch on. I managed to smooth it out and polish it, and the pedal seems to work ok for now, but the day may come when it'll act up again.

Thanks for the tip on the "D" & "G" stamping, that'll come in handy.

I did an hour of searching on this site so I know there are a few guys who have my bike, so fingers still crossed that they'll confirm one way or another.

I've had several Grand Prix and they were all 9/16 English thread. French pedals go on french bikes. Stronglight, Nervar, TA all made french threaded cranks. But on a Raleigh? English 9/16.

If you do try to remove them, be aware that the left pedal has left-handed threads.

Many thanks! Just what I needed to know.

Will keep in mind that reverse threading, I'd have never guess that one. . .

Thanks again for the help. It's been good getting reacquainted with this bike having ignored it for years, now if only my legs were in the same shape they were in college when I rode this thing to death.

FWIW, Nervar made cranks with English threads. I have three Nervar cranks and all of them have English rather than French threads.