Pedal Update to Trek Antelope 830

Bottom:Tioga Surefoot VI, Top: Sakae/Ringyo (SR) SP-152

After initial wrangling and wrenching on 30-year old pedals (bottom in photo) in hopes of regreasing bearings and tightening bolts, I set the project aside for a while. Then upon a kind reader's suggestion, I tried to loosen and remove 4 Allen head screws, a painstaking and seemingly unnecessary task, if you ask me - other pedals don't require this kind of finesse - and yet, is imperative to allow space to insert a ratchet on spindle nut. If properly done, the pedal would come apart in two sections: an inner part resembling an "H" and the outer "U" shaped wraparound. Except, with many frozen screwheads, lacking patience, and the reality that I sometimes have to let go of old but loved pedals (bye bye cool grease-ports) I decided to replace them altogether. The pedals are not totally trashed and may still have life in them as a back up pair (one is in okay shape). I saved the toe-clips for later use.

SP-152 pedals, original to Peugeot UO-14.

I looked into ordering similar pedals to what I have on the Miyata, MKS AR-2. I am amazed that the model is still available after 30 years. However, as a last resort, I scavenged boxes of  parts and came up with pedals I'd removed from my brother's Peugeot. Better to reuse whenever possible.

The pedals came with metal toe-clips, not my preference, so with tiny wrenches, and a cry of help to my husband for his strength (he held the screwdriver tightly while I slowly turned tiny bolts), we freed the rattraps. I planned to use plastic toe-clips (saved from the old pedals), however, I hadn't realized that the two holes where clips attach are in unique positions. Metal clips secure on top of pedal, while the plastic version has a 90 degree bend, which latches to side of pedal (see above photo).

Plastic mountain-style toe clips have wider toe box. Metal version pinches my bike
 sandals, especially on recent bike overnight. I will adjust metal with pliers.

With a deep breath (in another session) I replaced the original toe clips, this time with new screws and bolts. As with any bike project, it's easier completing a task the second time around.

I like the simple uni-body design. The spindle protector has strategic arc cutout, allowing a socket wrench to fit, should the pedal require future regreasing. This feature seems like a no-brainer to me. I also like the recessed reflectors. Often reflectors protrude and are easily broken within the first year of use.

Who knew that dealing with pedals would become a four session, hours-long process? It almost made me weep. It almost made me go out and buy cheap, plastic pedals. Almost.