Subject: Re: [CR]Campy Crank breakage and missing point
Greg wrote:
" The point is, life has inherent risks that we encounter every day, and
breaking an old crank arm is not something that's even on my radar as an
issue to worry about.
> I'll assume from your comments that you've broken zero of them
personally.....
> So, the total of vintage Record crank arms personally broken by current
members of this list during their entire lifetimes and reported to me (so
far) is..... zero. The only e-mails I've received in response to my query
have been to say that he or she hasn't ever broken one. Folks, if you've
ever personally broken any brand of vintage crank arm (let's stay within CR
guidelines), please e-mail me with the details. I'll keep a running tally,
and report back to the group in a week or two with the findings."
Well Greg, since you asked, I can tell you that I've broken two Campy crankarms.
The first one was when I was riding along on the flat at a pretty good clip and engaged in my typical daydreaming. My day dream was suddenly interrupted by finding myself sliding along the ground. I assumed I had finally been hit from behind by a car! When I got to my feet I looked around for a car, didn't see one, and assumed it had sped off. When I picked up my bike I finally noticed a pedal still firmly clipped to my foot. Duh and double take! No serious injury, just scrapes from sliding.
The second one was when I was climbing a steepish hill near where I live. I was standing up and slowly winding my way up as usual. Suddenly my foot went straight to the ground but I somehow stayed up on the bike. My first thought was "not again!". No injury this time, lucky me!
Both cranks broke right at the pedal eye. I had been a chronic pedal over-tightener, but no more, now I'm reformed and tighten just enough to get the job done.
Jobst Brandt, my early mentor, has provided plenty of information on causes and fixes for pedal eye breakage on other forums if you care to research the issue.
I can't remember ever seeing the cracks that have been discussed on this list, but then I never proactively looked for them as I hope list readers will now do. I have seen MANY broken cranks brought in by pissed off customers to the various shops I have worked at, managed, or owned.
I hope Greg and other list members will accept that Campy crank breakage is no urban legend. It's real.
Take care out there!
Hugh Enox
La Honda