Re: [CR]Roger Piel pedal problem

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 10:21:58 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Roger Piel pedal problem
References: <510554cdf0.4cdf051055@optonline.net>


Paul Lee wrote:
>
> Does anybody know how the old Roger Piel pedals with the bronze bushings are supposed to stay together? I took the bike I have been preparing for Cirque out for a spin last night and one of the pedal bodies just slipped off the spindle. I guess if I don't exert any sideways force on it it might work OK. I can slap it back on and it hits home with a bit of final resistance. Perhaps I should pack a mallet in my underseat tool bag.
>
> An image of the pedals can be found on Joel Metz's site:
> http://www.blackbirdsf.org/bikes/images/bits/pedals_piel.jpg
>
> The spindle appears to be a straight tube or hollowed out. The pedal wrench flats (hex actually) seem to be a sort of lock nut screwed onto the pedal threads. Maybe the pedal threads (threaded rod?) screw into the spindle pipe. Is there supposed to be a keeper screwed in on the other side with a aluminum plug hammered in as a cap? I need to inspect it for threads. The cages didn't pop off with the screws removed and I didn't want to force anything.
>
> Interesting component. Unfortunately a successful Cirque ride depends on it. I can't imagine why a 50+ year old component shouldn't work flawlessly after just a thorough polishing ;-)

Paul, I have these pedals on a couple of bikes. I've never had them apart so the following is just my guess...

The pedals have plain bearings, and are oiled by removing a cage screw so the oil goes through the cage supports and down to the bearings. I believe both cage supports are threaded onto the barrel. I believe the inner cage support would have a lip that would ride on the bearing and that your pedal has worn through this lip that holds the pedal body onto the pedal spindle (axle?).

You would have a better idea of how they are held together, looking at the pedal innards when it has slipped off the spindle. Sadly, I don't believe it's going to be an easy repair.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

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