Pedal Recomendations ?

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Psamathe
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Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Psamathe »

After 21,000+ miles it sounds like the bearings on one of my pedals has gone (if it even has bearings?). The pedals were whatever came fitted on the bike new, Croix de Fer 2014 pedals in spec: "VP-363S w/ Toeclip".

They are small, have toe clips and I like them. I've assumed they are nothing special nor repairable but I tend to use toe clips (which I get on well with). Small size is good as well (I don't like the dinner plates that many designs seem to mimic).

I do have a pair of SPD shoes but on 2 wheels I've never used them (as I get on fine with toe clips in everyday shoes - the SPD are for my recumbent). So I could go for a set of e.g. Shimano PD-M324 flat/SPD pedal https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/ ... -M324.html (which look a bit smaller than the dinner plate designs) and put my toe clips on the flat side and ignore the SPD side (my current worn out ones are single sided anyway).

But looking around I don't recognise many of the makes. Robust and reliable for touring is very important (I don't mind spending a bit more to get something bullet-proof).

Any suggestions what I should consider? Are the Shimano PD-M324 flat/SPD pedals worthwhile (they seem quite cheap from what I was expecting)?

I assume it's a easy DIY job to fit them (looks straight forward, I don't have a torque wrench but doing up tight can't be that hard and carry a spanner for a few rides just in case).

Thanks
Ian
TheBomber
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by TheBomber »

Hopefully somebody will be along shortly to recommend a suitable pedal for your requirements, but in the mean time I'd caution against the M324s with toe clips. They are useful pedals to have in your armoury but only if you need something for occasional SPD use - as there is a significant weight penalty from the SPD gubbins on them. Potentially there's an increased risk of pedal strikes when the SPD side is face down too, though I've not found that a big problem when using them with flat shoes on various bikes. If you do buy any and want to maintain them make sure you don't leave it too long - I've rounded the heads on the bolts holding the cage in place because they were seized in place - so now I can't get at the axle locknut and cone to disassemble. They still work ok though.
Jdsk
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Jdsk »

Do you have any interest in servicing the old ones?

Jonathan
Jdsk
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Jdsk »

I use single-sided SPD pedals on my upright tourer. But only for the last few years. I didn't know much about any of this so bought some from Wellgo. They're fine for my needs.

But what I've learnt in this forum since then is that genuine Shimano pedals are better and not much more expensive. And that the mass varies a lot between models.

So I'd tabulate what both of those brands offer, including price and mass.

https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/pedals-mtb- ... and=wellgo

Jonathan
Psamathe
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Psamathe »

Jdsk wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 4:27pm Do you have any interest in servicing the old ones?

Jonathan
I've tried giving them (mainly the graunchy one) plenty of GT85 but it has not made a lot of difference. They are unlabelled and beyond the model number from the bike specs, Google gives little info so I've assumed they are cheap ones built to last past the warranty period (any longer is a bonus). All the spare pedal bearings I found were all for branded models that mine are certainly not.

If they are repairable then great and I'll give it a good try but I tried the obvious (GT85) and without specialist knowledge assumed (maybe incorrectly) they were wear-out and discard - good news if that assumption is wrong. So open to any help for bringing them back to life (they still work, just one a bit noisy so needs repairing/replacing before it goes completely.

Ian
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Paulatic
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Paulatic »

IIRC Brucey always recommended flushing with GT 85 and then following up with aerosol squirty motorcycle grease.
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rotavator
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by rotavator »

If you look at MKS's range I think that you would find something that suits. Their descriptions include:
which can take toe clips,
which take reflectors,
materials,
dimensions,
weights,
type of bearings and/or bushings.

I have a pair of their Sylvan touring pedals which are good although I find them a bit small, however, you may find them a bit too big :D

https://www.mkspedal.com/?q=en
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mjr
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by mjr »

Odd. VP are usually an OK budget brand so I'd expect them to be serviceable but maybe they are too far gone now and the races will be pitted.

Wellgo, MKS and Union are all usually better than Shimano IMO.
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
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slowster
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by slowster »

I like the MKS Sylvan pedals for use with toe clips, specifically the Touring versions (but if you prefer less wide pedals there are the Stream and Quill versions).

The basic Sylvan pedals are inexpensive and have cup and cone bearings. The much more expensive 'Next' versions have cartridge bearings. The main advantage of the Next versions is that the cartridges have seals, making the pedal a better choice for grotty winter roads and off-road conditions. The standard Sylvan versions do not have a seal, but that would not be a dealbreaker for me for summer use and touring.

Both pedals have spanner flats (the basic Sylvan should be used with pedal washers because the spanner flats do not have full shoulders, and so the edges of the flats may bite/gouge into the crank arm when tightened). I would not buy a pedal for touring use that lacked spanner flats and relied on an allen key to fit and remove.
Psamathe
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Psamathe »

mjr wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:08pm Odd. VP are usually an OK budget brand so I'd expect them to be serviceable but maybe they are too far gone now and the races will be pitted.
....
I've never dismantled pedals before but I tried removing the bolt at the outer end of spindle (from under cap) but pedal would not come off. But Googling, I could find little about them e.g. are the bearings generic or available? The bad one does move around a bit when you twist it; I'll still local ride on it but I wouldn't set off on tour with it. But getting it appart is no help if I cant get replacement bearings.

Thanks
Ian
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mjr
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by mjr »

Psamathe wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:34pm e.g. are the bearings generic or available?
So far, all pedals with bearings I've seen have been the same size, the smallest of the three common bike sizes but I forget what it is.
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
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alexnharvey
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by alexnharvey »

Psamathe wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:34pm
mjr wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:08pm Odd. VP are usually an OK budget brand so I'd expect them to be serviceable but maybe they are too far gone now and the races will be pitted.
....
I've never dismantled pedals before but I tried removing the bolt at the outer end of spindle (from under cap) but pedal would not come off. But Googling, I could find little about them e.g. are the bearings generic or available? The bad one does move around a bit when you twist it; I'll still local ride on it but I wouldn't set off on tour with it. But getting it appart is no help if I cant get replacement bearings.

Thanks
Ian
If it's a loose bearing hub then after removing the outermost nut there should be a cone race which will have at least two flats to allow it to be adjusted and removed. Sometimes the access is very tight and jamming the cone to hold it while turning the axle is easier than the reverse. If you can refresh the grease and tighten it slightly you may find it is good enough.
Psamathe
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Psamathe »

alexnharvey wrote: 6 Aug 2021, 7:15pm
Psamathe wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:34pm
mjr wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:08pm Odd. VP are usually an OK budget brand so I'd expect them to be serviceable but maybe they are too far gone now and the races will be pitted.
....
I've never dismantled pedals before but I tried removing the bolt at the outer end of spindle (from under cap) but pedal would not come off. But Googling, I could find little about them e.g. are the bearings generic or available? The bad one does move around a bit when you twist it; I'll still local ride on it but I wouldn't set off on tour with it. But getting it appart is no help if I cant get replacement bearings.

Thanks
Ian
If it's a loose bearing hub then after removing the outermost nut there should be a cone race which will have at least two flats to allow it to be adjusted and removed. Sometimes the access is very tight and jamming the cone to hold it while turning the axle is easier than the reverse. If you can refresh the grease and tighten it slightly you may find it is good enough.
Many thanks. I'll have a play tomorrow.

Ian
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gazza_d
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by gazza_d »

The Shimano M324 pedals are very good..I've used a pair on one of my bikes for about 10k miles now. The non cleat side is nice and grippy for "normal" shoes.

I do use SPD pedals and shoes most of the time though.
Maybe try them as they are good. If you're worried about not being able to unclip then you can set the tension on the pedals really low,and also buy multi-angle release cleats
Psamathe
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Re: Pedal Recomendations ?

Post by Psamathe »

Psamathe wrote: 6 Aug 2021, 8:06pm
alexnharvey wrote: 6 Aug 2021, 7:15pm
Psamathe wrote: 4 Aug 2021, 8:34pm
I've never dismantled pedals before but I tried removing the bolt at the outer end of spindle (from under cap) but pedal would not come off. But Googling, I could find little about them e.g. are the bearings generic or available? The bad one does move around a bit when you twist it; I'll still local ride on it but I wouldn't set off on tour with it. But getting it appart is no help if I cant get replacement bearings.

Thanks
Ian
If it's a loose bearing hub then after removing the outermost nut there should be a cone race which will have at least two flats to allow it to be adjusted and removed. Sometimes the access is very tight and jamming the cone to hold it while turning the axle is easier than the reverse. If you can refresh the grease and tighten it slightly you may find it is good enough.
Many thanks. I'll have a play tomorrow.

Ian
Without having used the bike since asking this question, I went back to have a play today and just turning the pedal and a loud click and significant resistance every turn (at same point in turn). Maybe my GT85'ing washes out some of the grease and made the problem worse?

Given my limited experience fixing these things and given one of my priorities is something bullet-proof'ish I think I'll go for replacement pedals and then maybe set about the old ones with a vice and learn something and if it looks like might be repairable, turn them into spares (i.e. possible a new thread down the line with "Is this repairable?" and/or "What parts do I need?").

Thanks all
Ian
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