New Windsor Clockwork assembly f-up
 

I've purchased a Single-speed Windsor Clockwork with a thought to convert it into a fixed gear eventually (so, firstly gratz to me for joining your elite group)

It required minimum assembly, and me, being a complete beginner at this, completely screwed it up: Left pedal went into right crank and vise-versa. Treads are gone now. In fact I've managed to take it on the road and ride it for a few miles before one of the pedals fell-off. And the pedal action completely messed up the treads on the crankset.

I believe Clockwork's got "3-pc Aluminum Alloy, 170mm, Euro Sealed Bearing, 46T Alloy". And I had a hard time finding the replacement. If anybody could point this noob in the right direction I'd be very grateful.

First off, take the bike to a bike shop and see if they can run taps through the cranks to save the pedal threads. It's also possible to repair ruined threads with a Helicoil. If not, have them pull the cranks to find out the bottom bracket spindle length so you can find new cranks that will fit.

Maybe Eldi Pedal Tap/Bushing Kit - $5.95 - Bike Parts 360 ?

The inserts are $5.95 each, but the taps in a kit are $123.95, which is more than the cranks are worth. So, I'd recommend that the OP either pay a bike shop to do it or get new cranks.

All good advices. But my cranks are gone... 2/3 of a tread is smooth a baby's butt. So taping it is not an option, I'm afraid.
And I would like just to buy and replace cranks myself.

The real problem is I don't know where to order them. I did my research and, being newbie I am, I'm scared to buy anything even slightly different than what's installed on my bike. Where to buy my original cranks? Bikesdirect tells me it's 3-pc Aluminum Alloy, 170mm, Euro Sealed Bearing, 46T Alloy Where online can order those?

Like I said, go to a bike shop and have them remove the cranks so you can determine the spindle length. That is the only thing you need to know in order to replace them. Then search the internet for 170mm long cranks that fit that spindle. You don't need the exact same ones that came on the bike.

So just how hard did you have to wrench on the pedals to get them to bottom out reverse threaded?

At any time did you think that something might not be right?

You'd be blown away by how mindbogglingly mechanically declined some people are.

I want to know how he even got them started********************??

With a hammer.

Did you contact BD? They might be willing to help you out, maybe sell you the appropriate cranks at cost.

Just buy a nice set of cranks. You'll most likely have to buy a matching bottom bracket too.

These are good:

Sugino RD2 crankset | Retrogression
Sugino 103mm bottom bracket | Retrogression

Don't try to do the work yourself if you don't have the proper tools (crank wrench, crank puller, bottom bracket tool) and enough patience to not brute force it. It's a new bike so taking it apart and putting it back together again shouldn't require raw strength.

Yes, I'm sure you've all had a good laugh at my expense. Yes, I suppose I am mechanically challenged plus I had to pass it over to my little brother to finish assembly, while I make enchiladas for dinner :D

I've just requested new crankset at the local bike shop, and I'm paying for the labor as well. Maybe they'll do it right.

PS. I promise you I have not used the hammer. Pedals did go in, only they didn't stay in during the beta test (yes, alpha test passed with flying colors)

Me gustan las enchiladas. :thumb:

It really is amazing.

RD2's get my vote as well. I've been very happy with them for the price and you're not locked into a high(er) minimum tooth count that a 144 BCD requires should you decide to do something else with them later. I'm really glad I didn't go with 75's or Records for this reason.

No laughing at your expense over here. You maned up and admitted you f'd up... something not everyone would do.

And $150 for new cranks and bottom bracket for a bike that only cost $270 to begin with? And doesn't even need a bottom bracket? Seems over kill to me, unless you really want (slightly) better than stock cranks on your entry level bike. I'd contact BD, I'm pretty sure you can get replacements for MUCH less. (if that matters to you) They really do work to please their customers, in my experience.

If I had to buy a new crankset for my BD bike, I'd likely do an origin8 crankset, like 45 bucks for a crank arms and chainring and decent quality.

Guess I don't understand this mentality. When else would you be buying $150 cranks? $1000 frame? Then it becomes a "Why did you only spend $150 on cranks with a $1000 frame...should have gone Campy Pista/Sugino 75 or better."

I sometimes give friends a ribbing when they dump thousands into an economy car when they should have started off with something sportier to begin with.....but with bikes, you can add parts to an inexpensive frame and then swap them all over to a higher end frame in one day (something you can't do with cars).

Yeah, the Windsor is an inexpensive bike but not garbage...I just see nothing wrong with adding nice parts to a cheaper base model. Now if someone is talking about adding Sugino Grand Mighty cranks to their rusty 80's Murray, that's different.

Agreed! The Windsor is a perfectly fine quality bike... as are the original cranks that come on it.

Spending more than half what the bike originally cost on a crankset is not going to noticeably improve the ride of the bike.