Why does nobody talk about greasing pedal threads on new builds?

I built a carbon gravel bike for a client in Denver last month, and after 200 miles the left crank arm started creaking under load. I'd always just installed pedals dry, but a mechanic at the co-op asked if I'd used any lube. I slapped some Park Tool PPL-1 on the threads and the noise vanished completely. How many other 'finishing touch' steps are we all just skipping?

3 comments

3 Comments

wyattramirez7d ago

Ever check the seatpost binder bolt?

kai8397d ago

Oh man, that bolt bottoming out is the sneakiest little problem. You're cranking on that Allen key like you're trying to start a lawnmower, and the whole time the bolt is just politely tapping the bottom of the hole. Feels like a prank the bike plays on you.

logan2717d ago

Yeah, had that exact problem last month. My seat kept slipping no matter how tight I got the clamp. Turns out the bolt itself was just a bit too long and bottoming out. Swapped it for a shorter one from the hardware store, cost like two bucks, and it clamped down perfect.