Close encounters of a woolly kind

**slofox** · 9th November 2009, 12:25

Originally Posted by vifferman

Like I said, I've straightened my (alloy) brake pedal twice - once when I bought the bike, and then again after dropping it at standstill, and I've bent the (alloy) gear lever three times. For both I used the heat gun, and got it as hot as I could, which made it a little more malleable than doing it cold. A bit more heat would've been good, but it worked OK. I just took it easy and reheated it between each little bit of bendage.

I've had the bike 5 years now since the first pedal straightening, and it hasn't fallen off yet, despite being re-bent and re-straightened.
Same with the gear lever - it's been used daily for years and years and hasn't broken yet.

Do you think I should replace them both, because they could fall off at any time? Will you pay for new ones for me?

Pic below VM - give you an idea of how bent it is. Wotcha think? Doable?

**vifferman** · 10th November 2009, 07:43

Originally Posted by slofox

Pic below VM - give you an idea of how bent it is. Wotcha think? Doable?

I reckon I'd give it a go, but it might pay to check with JohnC first.

**Swoop** · 10th November 2009, 07:55

Lesson #1: ALWAYS carry some mint sauce.

Blimmin 'eck, that has a bit of a bend in it!

**slofox** · 11th November 2009, 05:37

Originally Posted by vifferman

I reckon I'd give it a go, but it might pay to check with JohnC first.

We straightened it - no problems...

Originally Posted by Swoop

Blimmin 'eck, that has a bit of a bend in it!

I sort of wonder how bent the sheep was as well - although it did disappear pretty fast after our brush...

**BIG DOUG** · 11th November 2009, 05:47

A mate was riding down a country road on his hd when a sheep jumped from the side of the road and landed across his arms he shit himself as you would and he and sheep promply fell off,lucky he was only doing about 60k's the cocky had left the gate open and didn't want to pay but once the cops were called he changed his mind $3g"s worth of damage.

**tri boy** · 11th November 2009, 06:21

I'm scared of the "Cows with guns", and "Chickens in choppers".

**slofox** · 11th November 2009, 08:53

We're all fixed - reassembled the brake and pedal plate this morning...

Just in time - I was thinking I was gunna hafta go back on the pills...

**Ecclesnz** · 11th November 2009, 16:27

Like VM I had to straighten a few pedals when I used to ride trail bikes.

These days since everything costs so much the fact you were able to straighten the pedal is great. However if it was me I would consider keeping an eye out for a cheap replacement on here or tardme, just in case.

My understanding is that each time you bend something it can get weaker. Using heat and gentle force can minimise the chance of causing a break, but that pedal probably now has a weak point in it that was not there before.

Ultimately like everything else on here you get to form your own opinion and decisions. Other people offer info and opinions based on their experiences, it's up to you what you take from them.

Personally I'm just glad you were unhurt.

G.

**varminter** · 11th November 2009, 19:11

Glad you got it sorted. And I have to admire someone that starts a thread with "I had a sheep on the road"

**slofox** · 14th November 2009, 12:50

Well I went through the same "sheep" road this morning...very relieved to find NO roadblock manned by vigilantes and a lynch mob...didn't see any sheep bits lying around either...

**duckonin** · 15th November 2009, 19:09

Originally Posted by slofox

Had a sheep on the road this morning - came out of the side of the road in the fog. Was too close to stop so tried evasion - partly successful - got by it without binning although we did make some contact. The bike bounced sideways but recovered itself without a hint of distress. The sheep seemed to survive - was gone by the time I had stopped and looked back...

BUT. It must be at least sore 'cause the rear brake pedal was quite bent back on itself. Now I am fretting about the friggin' sheep. You know the stuff..."I shoulda gone looking for it - Maybe it was down - You shoulda done better'n that..etc etc etc"

The back brake was almost jammed on but was just clear so I got home OK. No back brake available though...even though it is not the dominant brake, 'tis funny how you miss it when it's not there...

So. I figure the pedal is fucked. Doubt it would straighten from there without breaking. Anybody got any hints for a straightening attempt? May as well try - if it breaks it is no less useable than it is now...oh and if you have a spare you wanna sell, let me know. I have a WTB ad in the trading section...

Shoulda gone looking for it!!!..."nope no way", you should of gone looking for the prize prick that owned it and has the responsibilty to keep it behind a secure fence