The Home of Tom & Morven

Every once in a while I go out on my mountain bike and get reminded why I stopped mountain biking for a few years. Today is a good example. I got to work super early (just after 7am) so that I could leave super early and go out on a good mountain bike ride. My team member (Nick) advised me that it might be a bit hot, but my standard response to remarks like that is mountain bikers do it in the dirt, regardless of weather and terrain. It was 38 deg C and not at all cooling down when I left, and after 20 minutes of riding mostly uphill I started vomiting from heat stress. I’m disappointed about this, I think my body partially adapted to the Scottish winter as I normally wouldn’t suffer from the heat so quickly. Not a big deal, just sit in the shade feeling dizzy for a few minutes sipping water before I ride home. Not so easily. About 4km from home my pedal broke off! I had heard a slight rubbing sound as I was going uphill, so I guess that’s what this problem was. The axle snapped right through, see in the picture below. They are Look brand 4×4 model (copy of eggbeater brand) pedals. I bought them second hand from a mechanic in the store, so I may possibly be able to get a warranty replacement, but regardless I will probably just go back to SPD pedals because I’ve never really liked this eggbeater style - they seem to be too loose with the shoe and make me feel insecure when for example I’m about to attempt hopping over a log. Also I’ve read lots of reviews about this brand that the axle brakes, and people recommend to go for the authentic Eggbeater brand of eggbeater style pedals if SPD just isn’t your style.

Click on the picture to enlarge it so you can zoom in on the broken axle.