Advice needed about failing bike parts

I need to know if I can put off repairing two things on my bike until the new year:

1) The support bar under my seat broke, so I moved it about the length of the arrow in the picture below (the line shows the approx. position of the break). It seems stable for now, but am I taking a big risk? (Side note: this is the third seat that this happened on. I'm about 220 and carry a heavy backpack on my daily commute. Is this something I'll just have to deal with, or am I doing something wrong? Its a Specialized saddle.

2) My right pedal starting freezing up on me the other night, clicking loudly on every rotation, sometimes stopping altogether. I poured a bunch of lube in it when I got home and worked it a bit. The problem hasn't re-occured yet. Should this be replaced?

Thanks

(FYI, I ride at least 14 miles a day and have put over 30 miles on the bike in this condition)

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Permalink Reply by Louie Louie on December 11, 2014 at 5:55pm
I wouldn't ride a broken saddle. If one of the rails broke there's potential for catastrophic results. If you need a saddle I might have a used one I can just give you. I wonder if there's something about your set up that's causing the saddles to fail, your are not that heavy and I have never heard of anyone breaking 3 saddles.
Permalink Reply by Waymond Smith on December 11, 2014 at 6:20pm

You should have those items repaired/replaced immediately? Your saddle could experience total failure while you are riding in traffic; GET IT REPAIRED!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on December 12, 2014 at 4:01am

Replace the seat with a nicer one and you'll feel better all around.  Pedal bearings wear out eventually and can lock up.  I had some eighteen year old pedals that did this when I was coming back from camping at Illinois Beach.  In the rain.  I got the bearings rolling after a few miles of kicking and swearing but got some replacements; they're cheaper than a new seat.

Permalink Reply by David Beazley on December 12, 2014 at 4:19am

On the subject of clicking with every pedal rotation, if you start getting that and it's not the pedal, it might be a sign that your crank is about to fall off.  I just had this happen to me for a second time--in the cold, stranded about 10 miles from my house.  Don't ignore the clicks ;-). 

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on December 12, 2014 at 5:01am

Right. For that reason I always have tapered cranks put on with a torque wrench.
David Beazley said:

On the subject of clicking with every pedal rotation, if you start getting that and it's not the pedal, it might be a sign that your crank is about to fall off.  I just had this happen to me for a second time--in the cold, stranded about 10 miles from my house.  Don't ignore the clicks ;-). 

Permalink Reply by David Beazley on December 12, 2014 at 5:13am

On a serious note concerning cranks, I'm starting to wonder about the reliability of GXP cranksets in the cold.  In both of my incidents (several years apart), it was the non-drive side fastening bolt that just sort of shredded itself. Seems like a weak link with this whole system.   In any case, carrying your bike and your loose crank arm onto the Metra back home is always a good scene. 

Permalink Reply by djm on December 12, 2014 at 5:13am

1)  Replace the saddle.  If you need it mounted far back for correct fit, this can put additional stress on the rails. You can get a seatpost with more setback so the rails will be under less load.  

Do you post over bumps?  Hitting bumps or potholes while seated is hard on the saddle.

2)  Overhaul the pedal to see if it needs repair or replacement.  If it was freezing up and clicking it could have sustained damage.  Pedal maintenance tends to be neglected.  Ive had a couple of pedals come off their spindles while riding.  :-(

Permalink Reply by David of the North (David606xx) on December 12, 2014 at 5:32am

Most every bike shop has a used saddle bin. I haven't spent more than $10.00 for a saddle in years. 

Permalink Reply by Lee Roy on December 12, 2014 at 7:30am

Used saddle bin is a good option. If you spring for a new one, a couple ideas...

Get a seat with Cro-Mo rails or get a Brooks "Flyer" or similar saddle. A "Flyer" is just like the B17, but is sprung supported. I am 6'6" tall and weigh 210 lbs. I used to have trouble with bent seatposts, and this has helped. I understand that not everybody wants to $pend that much on a saddle though.

Permalink Reply by JeffB on December 12, 2014 at 7:34am

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll replace both sooner than later.

I'm going to buy a new bike soon, so I don't want to put too much money into this one, although I want to use it through the winter. I do remember seeing a used saddle bin at Kozy's once. I'll check that out.

New bike deals: better to buy now or in the spring?

Permalink Reply by Marcus Moore on December 13, 2014 at 2:33am

JeffB- I'd agree with everyone above, especially at the potential danger the saddle presents in it's current condition.

If you're considering buying a bike this time of year- buying before Dec 31 is a great idea- pretty much all local shops have 2013 (and earlier) bikes discounted to make room and help balance the books.  Might be a good excuse to visit a couple of your neighborhood shops (and I'm sure they'd enjoy a visit, this part of the season).

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on December 13, 2014 at 9:41am

Now is a great time to buy a new bike if you can find one you like that fits you. The best deals are on bikes that are still in stock and by this time of year, depending on what shop, the pickings for those bikes can be pretty slim. I'm just saying that while you should definitely go look, but don't be surprised if you don't find anything suitable. 

re the saddle, you also might want to check out Working Bikes - they have tons of used stuff at usually pretty good prices:

2434 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608

Also, a saddle should be able to carry 220 lbs with a heavy pack, but I'd consider getting a rack and a pannier anyway. You'll be safer and have more fun with a lower center of gravity, you won't get as sweaty and once you get into the habit of strapping stuff to the back (and/or front) of your bike you'll find your cargo capabilities greatly expanding. You can skip the pannier initially and just strap your backpack to a rack to see how glorious and liberating it feels.


JeffB (7+ miles) said:

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll replace both sooner than later.

I'm going to buy a new bike soon, so I don't want to put too much money into this one, although I want to use it through the winter. I do remember seeing a used saddle bin at Kozy's once. I'll check that out.

New bike deals: better to buy now or in the spring?

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