Can anyone help me with a bike problem?

stef_e_b

I just bought an exercise bike at my local thrift store for ten bucks! Awesome! However, the petals (the foot rest part) spin and it makes my foot fall off. Even if I put a stirup or strap myself in my ankle still snaps down. Is there anything I can do to stop the spinning or at least slow it down?

weaklink109

I am not sure I understand what is happening, but maybe you have hit on the reason why it was only $10....hmmmmm

Seriously, with all the great minds around here, someone should be able to help. Good luck and happy riding.:flowerforyou:

Shanta1983

I am not sure I understand what is happening, but maybe you have hit on the reason why it was only $10....hmmmmm

Seriously, with all the great minds around here, someone should be able to help. Good luck and happy riding.:flowerforyou:

I know right thats why when I bought my bike I made sure to get a new one didnt want to chance with a use one but hmmm Idk why it is doing that though sound strange hmm???:noway:

thumper44

I just bought an exercise bike at my local thrift store for ten bucks! Awesome! However, the petals (the foot rest part) spin and it makes my foot fall off. Even if I put a stirup or strap myself in my ankle still snaps down. Is there anything I can do to stop the spinning or at least slow it down?

Can you explain again?

The pedal is connected in the center and usually spins, so you can put your foot on either side of the pedal.
Not sure what you mean by:
"it makes my foot fall off"? If you have your foot flat on the pedal with the middle of your foot over the middle of the pedal it shouldn't spin or fall off?
"even if I put a stirup or strap myself in my anle still snaps down" Can't visualize what that means

dlestermfp

Like others who have responded, I can't visualize what is going wrong.

maurierose

Hi Stef. Try lowering the bike seat a little bit - you may just need a little more leverage on the pedals to keep them from spinning. I have a few other ideas too, so let us know if that works or try describing the problem a little differently too What a great deal, good for you! Now I am going to go thrift-store searching for a deal like yours!! :bigsmile:

stef_e_b

Okay I wish I could draw a picture. The bike works fine, I've had this problem with a few bikes. the metal part that connects the petal to the wheel is fine. The problem is that the foot rest is too loose. When I push the petal down because of the size of the foot rest and how loose its attached to the metal ...(arm that actually turns the bike) the foot petal spins. I need to make that part more stationary so that I can keep my feet on the bike.

Is that any more clear?:blushing:

P.S. I tried lowering the seat and that helped some but, its not cured.

Ileanak

Okay I wish I could draw a picture. The bike works fine, I've had this problem with a few bikes. the metal part that connects the petal to the wheel is fine. The problem is that the foot rest is too loose. When I push the petal down because of the size of the foot rest and how loose its attached to the metal ...(arm that actually turns the bike) the foot petal spins. I need to make that part more stationary so that I can keep my feet on the bike.

Is that any more clear?:blushing:

P.S. I tried lowering the seat and that helped some but, its not cured.

Stef,

Is your foot "slipping" forward, off the pedal, making it spin? If so, push your heel down in order for your foot not to slip forward. From what you are describing, it sounds like you are pushing forward, towards your toes (pointing toes)... if so, this would explain the foot slipping. (Pedals are loose, they are made to spin relatively freely)

If this is not what you are doing, I don't know what to tell you~

Ileana

dlestermfp

Something you can consider, though it may cost you more than the $10 you spent on the bike itself, is to get some new pedals that aren't so smooth (I am guessing the current ones are smooth plastic) and then they will bite into your shoe and stay in place better.

The other option would be if the pedals have straps that would hold your feet on the pedals.

Normal bicycles have the same issues, which is why so many different kinds of clipless pedals are available. My feet don't ever slip off when I am riding because they are clicked into place and can't come off unless I crank my ankle around and pop them out.

stef_e_b

Stef,

Is your foot "slipping" forward, off the pedal, making it spin? If so, push your heel down in order for your foot not to slip forward. From what you are describing, it sounds like you are pushing forward, towards your toes (pointing toes)... if so, this would explain the foot slipping. (Pedals are loose, they are made to spin relatively freely)

If this is not what you are doing, I don't know what to tell you~

Ileana
[/quote]

Yep thats the exact problem! I can't put down my heal because I have cerebral palsey, I'm trying to find a way around this so that I can use a stationary bike.

BrendaLee

You could try anti-slip stick ons made for the bathtub, or perhaps the rougher side of stick on velcro to give the petal some grip.

April0815

BrendaLee great thinking

stef_e_b

Thanks guys! I'll try that.

maurierose

Hey Stef, any luck yet? You can also buy a bike-pedal foot wrap - I don't know how to explain it, but it's elastic-neoprene-velcro and sort of wraps over your pedal and foot to keep your foot in the pedal. Most bike shops know what it's called (I don't). It's also something you can find in a physical rehab hospital or somewhere that does physical therapy. I'll see if I can find out the name if that will help you?

EDIT: Some of these are really reasonable, some more expensive... but here are some things you could use for your bike. http://www.amtrykestore.org/pedals-and-platform/