stiff bolts

[testament]

hi all, i've had a de rosa merak for about 2 years now, and what with not using it extensively and no technical trouble encountered i have never had to adjust anything... HOWEVER, a creaking has recently developed, and in trying to find the cause of the problem i have attempted to adjust/grease pedals and saddle-post among other things - no luck though, the allen bolts holding the pedals and saddle are as tight as a nuns you-know-where!! i've tried for ages to loosen them but with no luck at all... any advice?? thanks

[Albert 50]

Now that is a testament to patience.....joined Nov 04....first post July 07:)

[alfeng]

hi all, i've had a de rosa merak for about 2 years now, and what with not using it extensively and no technical trouble encountered i have never had to adjust anything... HOWEVER, a creaking has recently developed, and in trying to find the cause of the problem i have attempted to adjust/grease pedals and saddle-post among other things - no luck though, the allen bolts holding the pedals and saddle are as tight as a nuns you-know-where!! i've tried for ages to loosen them but with no luck at all... any advice?? thanksIn BOTH instances, you need more leverage ...

For the pedals, use a pedal wrench -- remember, the crank side is a regular right-hand thread & the non-driveside is a left hand thread.

For the seat bolt (BTW, I'm presuming you've given the respective bolts a shot of WD-40 or penetrating oil), use a "cheater bar" on a handless, L-shaped Allen wrench ... AND, observe that ONE side of the recessed bolt is registered into the frame, while only the other side will rotate.

[kdelong]

Yes, this is the one and only time that WD40 is OK to use on a bicycle. Of course, wintergreen oil is superior if you can get it.:D