Need help, messed up my pedal arms!

[Chris01]

Right, I'm new to cycling. I just bought a bike (nothing flash or expensive, just a £250 commuter bike to get me round town) but having bought it from an online source it needed some assembling on my end.
My first mistake was to think i was capable of this feat...big mistake! I couldn't build a lego model, let alone a bike! Well it all seemed to go well and all was fine, except for the pedals. I'm pretty sure i put them on the wrong arms, cross threaded, or was generally hamfisted and stupid during installation.

The upshot of this unforgivable stupidity is that the tread (after a months happy cycling) has completely gone from my crank side pedal arm (and i believe the other is in similar shape! I have photo's of the mess i made but cant work out how to post em It's a suntour pff or something, though not sure if that makes a big difference.

This is a 7 speed bike so has one spikey wheel thing attached to the pedal arm. What i really need is a "what to do next" answer.

I realise im probably in need of 2 new pedal arms...does this mean i need to replace to spikey wheel thing too? And where can i get one that wont break the bank?

Please help a newbie in distress! I want my bike back!!!!!

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

 

[fossyant]

You'll most likely have to replace the lot. It's likely the chainring (spikey wheel) is part of the drive side assembly rather than being removeable.

Best option is to go to one of the larger 'basic' bike retailers - like a bike superstore/discount outlet. They usually sell parts suitable for lower end bikes. I reccon you'll be forking out a fair amount at a Local Bike Shop as the stuff is usually more expensive.

 

[chillyuk]

Is this something that a decently equipped LBS or engineering works would be able to sort out with a helicoil or equivalent? If so could be cheaper than a new kit.

Upon reflection, because of the left hand thread on one side, an LBS would be more likely than an engineering shop. Helicoil do sell bicycle specific inserts for just the repair you need.

 

[albion]

If you google "SR Suntour PFF triple ring cranks £15 POSTED" and they are same as yours maybe 'best go for it'.If any of chainwheels are removable then you have some spares too.


edit - or check your pruchased bike shop. Those are not expensive anyway so a discount may bring it close to that £15

 

[guitarpete247]

To attach photo's use the "Use Full Editor" button next to the "Post" button below where you type in your message. You should then see, below your message box on tab that says "Click To Attach Files". Click on that and you should be able to find your photo from your files and attach it.

It does sound like you put the pedals on the wrong crank arm. Check the pedals. They should usually be labelled L & R somewhere near the thread. Left is your left as you look down from the saddle. If you have damaged the thread it should only be the crank arms as they are usually aluminium and not the pedals as well as they are usually harder steel.

Hope you can get it sorted with not too much more expense.

Oh and by the way

.

 

[Fiona N]

Has someone mentioned that the left hand pedal (no spikey wheel - side) has a reverse thread - i.e. screws in anti-clockwise. The right hand pedal is normal. Pedals usually have a little L or R somewhere on the axle to differentiate.

I guess this was the source of the problem

 

[fossyant]

Sounds like wrong pedal on both sides = fubared. I'd get new rather than helicoil/re-tap.