Billy Connolly used to make a joke about always finding something in the last place you looked. After all, why would you continue looking after you found it?

It was a bit like that with my bike and the crunching feel I was getting when I pedalled. I cleaned and lubricated the chain, removed the cranks and cleaned the bottom bracket, ensured everything was tightened and next time I went out the crunching was still there. In exasperation I spun my right hand pedal. It was smooth but I thought I may as well do the same to the left one. Problem identified. I stripped the pedal down greased it and put it back together but it’s still rubbing. The only thing I can figure out is that the axle has been bent.

As I’m not even sure what brand the pedals are, looking for a spare to repair it will be pointless so I’ve decided to buy new pedals. When I was building my bikes I was rather proud of how many re-cycled (second-hand) parts I was able to use but as time goes on I’m finding I am having to buy new replacements.

I have decided to go for DMR pedals as I’m happy with the ones I have on the ALICE. Also they are rebuildable and spares will be available should I ever need them.