Stiff Pedal?

[handyandy1100]

Just bought a new pair of retro styled cruiser pedals online for cheap and one doesn't spin hardly at all. Before chucking them or fooling with a return, is there any way to loosen it up? They are riveted together rather than bolted. I poured a little 30wt motor oil in it but it's still pretty stiff.

Thanks

 

[Wildcat]

Probably a manufacturing defect. It might work in and be alright, but I would return it for a good pair.

 

[A.S.BOLTNUT]

Let it soak , should get loose ,

 

[SILVERKINGPC]

Just bought a new pair of retro styled cruiser pedals online for cheap and one doesn't spin hardly at all.

That's the problem right there!. Cheap. I recommend Torrington or Schwinn rebuilders.

 

[clamdigger]

Look for an alignment problem of the pedal blocks relative to the pedal spindle. Usually one side took a hit, bending the end plates that the pedal blocks attach to. Both end plates should be 90 degrees ( square ) to the spindle, and the blocks equal distance to the crank. Use the working pedal as a visual guide.

 

[Phil Fink]

Maybe they will be alright with a break-in period, after a several miles with the forces of heavy foot power.

 

[handyandy1100]

Phil's response got me thinking. Then I thought up this idea...

I rummaged through my socket set and found one that fit over the end of the pedal and then rigged a way to connect that socket to my cordless drill. After another squirt or two of 30w motor oil, and about five minutes of off and on, forward and back running, both pedals now spin like they should.

 

[kgmcpheeters]

nice fix! I put a pair of those on my girlfriend's restomod columbia roadster. Loved the look and for the price, seem to be decent!

 

[handyandy1100]

They work a lot better than the all plastic things that came on the bike from the factory.

 

[Phil Fink]

Nice pedals, classic style, chrome dome, cheap price, safety too (reflectors), and did we mention economical.
Some folks seem to always have the right tool for any job.