Thank you for the thoughts during the last Ask a Wrench segment on the question about my friend’s persistently breaking left XTR pedal. He has taken away your thoughts for consideration - including more routinely washing or rinsing the bike.
To clear up some points, the pedals are bought or warranty exchanged from reputable sources, either an LBS or one of our major US online cycling stores. There is no stress put on the left pedal during storage and the bike is only occasionally transported in a rack (a Kuat).
I have included the pictures you requested and would appreciate any additional thoughts you might have. I’m assuming that corrosion and cracking is the root cause to the failure. With that assumption, it would be easier and more sustainable for this use case to have a more corrosion resistant mountain style pedal. Are there any?
My friend will be taking your advice about drilling holes in his Sidi mountain shoes.
That’s just wild! I think Dave mentioned it on the pod that it could be the combination of salt plus heat from car exhaust that would accelerate that corrosion (which seemed the most plausible), but if you’re saying it’s not transported on a rack much that shoots that theory. The new Wolftooth MarkZero pedals use Ti, so that might be an option, and also they are fully rebuildable (or most of their stuff is). If I was your “friend” I would email Wolftooth, send them the pictures, and ask them if they think their pedals would hold up to this sort of corrosive conditions. Might be a fun challenge for them! Good luck. I loved living in Houston!!
WOW! I heard that ask a wrench segment and never imagined the pedals would look that bad.
I can’t offer much knowledge on this but I can say this: A couple of years ago a leaking container of pool chemicals caused everything in my garage that could rust to rust badly. The XT pedals on my gravel bike were fine.
Recommendation from someone without the qualification of Dave or Zach, but rides in hot, humid and sometimes wet conditions. A silicone spray (like WD-40 or my preference is Maxima SC1) is a great way to protect components from this kind of corrosion. They will have give some level of protection help Mae cleaning post ride 10x easier. I race XC and generally before any race give my whole bike a once over with SC1 and for muddy races will spray down my pedals specifically and even the bottom of my shoes to help lessen moisture intrusion. Just a thought, hope this helps
I would email Wolftooth, send them the pictures, and ask them if they think their pedals would hold up to this sort of corrosive conditions. Might be a fun challenge for them! Good luck. I loved living in Houston!!