Sir Lunch-a-lot

I am just wondering, How common is it for you guys to have pedals break? I replaced both my pedals right around the beginning of summer (I think it was both of them), and now, I was going to go for a bike ride during my lunch break, when all of a sudden my crankside pedal decided to bend. I have lost count already of the number of pedals I have gone through, and am getting quite irritated. I don't pedal standing up (although I will put my entire weight on one of my pedals momentarily as I dismount in some occasions). Is this a common problem for many of you?

I am thinking of just going out and buying a new set of high quality pedals some time rather than using these older pedals (this last set was from a parts bike I got at a Garage sale. It appeared as though it had rarely been used, and was in great condition). Any recommendations as to what brand/type of pedals? Would narrower pedals reduce the stress on them?

jnbacon

I've never had a pedal spindle bend, but I've never had a set of pedals for more than four years, and they are new and not a super-cheap brand.

On the other hand, I had the clamp of a clipless pedal break the other day (purchased new nine months ago). But that is different than failure of the spindle for no good reason. So, no, not common with me, and you might think of getting better quality pedals. And even so, you might look at your style. I don't know what to look for, but it seems weird to bend even cheap pedals without mashing them into a curb or somesuch.

Brian Ratliff

Are you looking for cage pedals, or clipless? I've never broken a pedal, though I've had a few cheap ones wear out pretty quick.

oboeguy

I snapped a pedal on my MTB about ten years ago (I miss that bike *sniff*). I was merely tooling around my college's campus at the time, not riding hard at all.

I've had a Look pedal get wonky -- probably worn bearings -- but not break.

roadfix

You must be using low quality pedals for spindles to bend like that, unless you're heavier than what the pedals are rated for. My Speedplay road pedals, for instance, are not recommended for riders over 180 lbs.

CBBaron

I have bent cheap platform pedals but never high quality clipless pedals. I'm 220lbs and ride a fixed gear with a fairly high gear (48x16) so I put alot of stress on pedals especially when climbing. Sounds like you have some cheap pedals. Spend a little money on a decent pedal, age should not be a problem with the strength of a good pedal though the bearings maybe less smooth.
Craig

Sir Lunch-a-lot

Oh? Thanks for that tip. I was unnaware that pedals came with weight ratings. Last I checked, I'm at about 235LBS (down from 260!). So, I suppose that could be a major factor.

Jnbacon, I do not believe that I have mashed them into the curb or anything.

Some of my pedals have snapped right off, one just came off the axil, and this last one just bend. I just gave one strong push and *beeeeend*. So, perhaps most of my pedals are rated for a much lower weight.

Brian Ratliff, I would be looking for clipless/cageless, for pedals without anystraps etc to hold my feet on.

Do you guys think that width of pedals would play much of a role in pedal life? That is to say, if I got some narrower pedals (like I see on some mountain bikes), would that potentially help solve some of the problem by reducing the leverage I would be having on the spindle?

jnbacon

You would have to riding on the outer edge of you pedals for that to make a difference.

Here's a thought: Are you riding in a big gear a lot? Like, are you straining to pedal, or are spinning quickly when you pedal? If you are riding in a big gear, i.e. straining to pedal, you might be putting a lot more strain on the spindles than was intended. Just a thought.

Roody

I also wouldn't expect good pedals (i.e, those costing more than $30 or $40) to break. I do expect the bearings to wear down eventually. Mine last about 2 years, riding in snow and salt all winter. Some pedals can be rebuilt, some must be replaced. Look online and ask at your local bike shop. The ones I just bought for my mountain bike are suntours that retailed for $38.00.

Sir Lunch-a-lot

I wish I had a local bike shop. I phoned up the local (30km or so away. About as local as it gets) sports shop (the closest thing to a bike shop other than Canadian Tire, or Walmart as far as I can find, although I should have a hard look through the phone book, I MIGHT find something), and apparently they went out of the bicycle buisness. I suppose petrolium is just to popular for there to be much of a demand out here. I am told that Canadian Tire and Walmart do not sell pedals either. So, the search continues... I might have to resort to ordering online.

Jnbacon, yes, I do ride in a high gear. Typically, the highest gear (or very close to it), although I just about always start in a lower gear (Except when I forget to shift down before stopping). I usually am not straining to pedal, unless I'm fighting the wind or gravity, or if I'm really tired. That will be something I'll observe on my next ride.

Roody, thanks for giving me that price range. That will hopefully be very helpful in choosing my next set.

EDIT: I just went on a bike ride with my temporary replacement pedal, and I think Jnbacon may be onto something. I am thinking that my problem may be similar to some over enthusiastic moterists: I accelerate too fast. I am thinking that slow, gradual acceleration as well as staying in a much lower gear when going slower may be part of the key to longer pedal life. What do you guys think? Although, some stress (like fighting the wind, climbing hills) won't be entirely avoidable.

77Univega

--- For what it's worth, here is a thread I posted in the Fifty Plus forum entitled "How I Cured Leg Cramps" that talks about breaking pedals:

Sir Lunch-a-lot

Well, my dad picked up a set of $10 pedals for me (from Canadian Tire! Well, I was incorrect about that store), so, I am going to see how long they last with me practicing be a bit less agressive in my pedaling. If I get a year of good use out of them, I'll say that it was money well spent. In the mean time, I have learned much more than I thought possible about the wild world of pedals. I may stop by the sports shop if I go there and have a look at what is availiable for pedals. So thank you all so very much for all the comments and insight you have provided me. Take care, and happy cycling!