[CR]why cranks strip

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

From: <WesOishi@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 8 Nov 2005 16:11:53 EST
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]why cranks strip

Many of today's rider has never stripped a VW plug hole, let alone repacked a BB. I've seen guys strip a pedal hole by trying to screw the R hand into the L hand crank. Also, the length of the pedal wrench allows some to exert gargantuan torque to the poor alloy crank arm. The rental bikes at the Encino Velodrome are constantly subjected to pedal changes, turning threads into mush. I read that Manchester Velodrome's bike are all fitted with Look, so the rider has to use Look shoes.

My first tools back in 1975 were a Campy peanut butter wrench and a BB tool. It never occured to me to "take it into the shop". I find that some of today's new riders are less interested in the bicycle, and how it works. Back in the day, most of us repaired our own sewups and maintained our own bikes. Many a rider today can't seem to change a flat successfully. One guy started a club ride with six CO2 cartridges. I'll stick with my Zefal, thank you.

Wes Oishi
Los Angeles