Replaced the pedals.

After only using the bike for about a week, another weak area showed up. It is the pedals. I liked the folding pedals design. I have used a set on my mini recumbent bike 11 years ago.

The main difference between the two pedal designs is in the construction of the bearing housing section of pedal. The older ones on the recumbent bike uses a cast alloy body allowing the a long bearing life. The structure is rigid and the bearings will not move around because of this. Although I not use a cycling computer on this Mini Max bike, I do know that I have at least 200 km on the bike. The pedals are still in good working order.



The A-bicycle on the other hand uses pedals that are made of plastic. This includes the section thar houses the bearings. The bearing section uses two halfs that are riveted together. After only about 45 km distance put on the bike, the right pedal was already showing signs of use and stress. I noted the pedal was loose on the axle. Not a good sign. I figure the way the pedal was made and the materials used where not standing up far speeds I was getting on the bike.

I had a set of non-folding that I had been given to me years ago. These are an alloy type pedal that I really like. I was given a case of these from a local home hardware store. These pedals where not needed and I gladly took them. The pedals going to the A-bike are new out of the box. Although they lack the folding design, I think that they will be better suited to my style of riding.


As a note as to how the bike has cost so far, here is a break down of all the costs to date. Based on 45km distance ridden to date.

- Cost of the bike- $124.00

- Cost of the seat- $57.00

- Cost of the seat post- $18.00

- Cycling Computer- $12.00

- Lights- $26.00

- Rear seat bag- $12.00

- Pedals- $0.00

Total- $249.00**


Total operating cost per km, $5.53 per km. As long as no other items wear out or break, I am hoping that this operating cost will go down a lot.



Here is a comparison of operating costs to the road bike I used in the speed test runs. Based on 440 km distance to date.

- Cost of the bike- $284.00*

- Replacement 90mm headlebar stem- $90.00

Total- $374.00

Total operating cost per km to date- .85 cents per km. I hope the A-bicycle gets within this range when used more next year.





This is the rear mounted seat bag I added to help carry small items. Just a small item to help make the bike a bit more useful. The tool kit that came with the bike is now placed in this bag.










*- The bike was an early present from my girlfriend. The bike has been used for four months. From August, 2009 to Nov. 10, 2009.

**- The A-bicycle has been used for one week as of Nov.10, 2009.