cracked crank

[normgow]

I'm glad I read this thread, as I have to admit that I probably would have continued riding with a crank like that until it broke. On reading the replies I have changed my mind, so if it ever happens to me I will be replacing the crank pronto!

Just to confirm what has been said already, never ride with a damaged crank , I've broken two , both Campagnolo, and it's no joke. Also check out handlebars especially around the extension clamp. When they snap there is generally no warning.

Keeping old bikes on the road may be a pleasant occupation but I've fallen off too often to take any unnecessary risks nowadays and keep old bikes just to look at now and then.

 

[andrew_s]

I've also had 2 cranks crack at the taper, though in both cases I found them before breaking because of the creaks I was getting. I know what it's like though, as I snapped a pedal axle once, which has the same result.
I've also had to ride 30 miles home with a broken crank, though in that case it cracked at the pedal threads. The pedal remained in place enough to allow a gentle push so it wasn't too bad.

It's not so much overtightening that causes cracking at the taper so much as retightening causing the crank to walk up the taper. Once a crank is fitted you should leave it alone - don't check the bolts and snug them up as part of a regular maintenance routine. If you think the crank isn't on tight enough, remove it and refit it.

 

[User6179]

Yikes, 6 was bad enough!

I had a 15 mph tailwind which was a help and i just thought it wasnt as bad as my m8 who did about 30 miles with no seat after it snapped off mid run,personally i would take the snapped crank if i had the choice as long as it was not hilly.

I,ve snapped two crank legs off the same crank 6000 miles apart( didnt think it possible to snap drive side) then i snapped the bb shell off the frame 300 miles after fitting new crank,think i have been lucky as i was going uphill in all 3 occasions.

eddy

 

[ColinJ]

And what did I spot when I was cleaning my bike on Saturday ...?

Check those cranks and replace any damaged ones!

 

[raindog]

I already linked to this thread in your thread Colin!

I've just sent my crank to Campag in Vicenza asking them to replace it as a couple of people advised me they would. Anyway, nothing to lose by doing it as either they'll just ignore me or send me a new one and the crank is unusable anyway.
I'll post in here if I get a result.

 

[ColinJ]

I already linked to this thread in your thread Colin!

I've just sent my crank to Campag in Vicenza asking them to replace it as a couple of people advised me they would. Anyway, nothing to lose by doing it as either they'll just ignore me or send me a new one and the crank is unusable anyway.
I'll post in here if I get a result.

I'm reading and posting so many things in so many places (not just on CycleChat) that I can't keep track of them all!

I even find myself commenting in threads that I've forgotten I've already commented in which usually results in me writing the same thing twice! If I notice, I go back and delete the second post.