[CR]Roger Piel pedal problem

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 09:38:42 -0500
From: <plee1@optonline.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Roger Piel pedal problem

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 Lee
Huntington, NY