Pedal Problems: Any ideas?
763719
They have the left pedal bolt threading reversed when it should be the right one. This causes the pedal bolts to "unwind" and loosen when pedaling forward. I called the customer service for fisher price / mattel and the guy said that if I followed the directions, it would have been fine. You don't need to be an engineer to know that a reverse-threaded left pedal bolt and a standard threaded right pedal bolt will cause both pedal bolts to unscrew under forward pedalling. I guess they hired a managers kid to be their quality control tech and/or design engineer. EASY FIX: After you call customer support to have them resend the bolts and pedals (no charge), go to Lowes, Home Depot, Northern Tool, Ace, etc. and get a high strength epoxy designed for metal to metal. I used Loctite Threadlocker 271 Red. Put the bolts through the pedals all the way. Then dab a little of the red glue on just the bolt threading. It's kinda runny, so be careful. Coat the outter 2/3 of the length of threading (from the tip inward 2/3 of the length, so that when you tighten it, there won't be any squeezed out to get on the plastic pedal). Now, do one pedal at a time and make sure you adhere to the R or L on the bolt head. While holding the outside of the pedal, keep the bolt head (non glued end) pushed in to fully expose the threading on the other end. Mate the bolt threading to the female threading on the crank and SLOWLY turn it BACKWARD. This backward pedalling motion will tighten the bolt (when, if correctly designed, should loosen them). When you feel the threads engage, continue to turn until you have no more finger space left on the bolt head. Then use a wide-head screwdriver to snug it completely. Repeat this with the other side. The glue sets in about 10 minutes, but I did it just after my son had gone to sleep to allow the full 10 hours for the glue to cure. Be sure to spin the pedals a few minutes after you apply it to make sure none of the glue is holding them. Hey Fisher Price, my resume's available if you want it! ;-)
1298334
The same thing happened to us! Fisher-Price is sending us a new pedal, however, I'm not hopeful this will solve the problem. My husband is a quality engineer and after a careful examination it appears to be a design flaw that allows the threads to strip very easily. We are also on the list to receive a new one when they arrive at our local Wal-Mart..in March! We're hoping the newly manufactured Smart Cycles have been corrected. Good luck!
1417812
I haven't had to deal with that issue. My bike has been doing great! I would send a request to Schwinn for the information.
799974
I can't stand and pedal at the same time. It feels like I'm off-center when I try to stand on the pedals. The bike is a little tall for me (I'm 5'3") so that could be why.
478929
Only problem I had was solved when I realized if I had my weight on the down pedal I wouldn't be able to push down the upper pedal-too much weight to overcome. Had to shift my weight to the up-pedal side before I could successfully pedal it. If it's really, physically stuck, check for what parts are blocking movement and review your assembly, in case something didn't get installed in the correct place.
115295
if only one pedal is not threading on , reverse the direction of threading.the instructions indicate that teh left pedal , marked "L" SHOULD BE THREADED RIGHT TO LEFT..USE YOUR HANDS TO START THE THREADING , THEN USE WRENCH. HOPE THIS HELPS.
1195376
I also had the same problem! I called support line and they said it was likely a broken motor. So they sent us a new motor and (after 3 weeks) a repair guy came. He couldn't fix the bike (because a pedal arm was stuck so he couldn't remove the casing). Called them last week to tell them repair guy could not fix the bike (he also called them). They told us they need to have a meeting to see how to next proceed. That was 7 working days ago. Still no word from them. Not impressed. Let me know how it goes for you guys!!
456098
It happened to me once. I tightened it really well and have not had that problem again. You can use this glue called Lock- tightened and apply it to the pedal bolt before screwing it back in.
2009628
I am so sorry, I have never had that problem. I would have a Schwinn expert help you with that. Sorry, and best wishes.
1190704
My bike is doing the same thing. I even followed the steps in the troubleshooting guide to try to fix the problem. I suppose the next step is to contact the manufacturer.
1301704
I know been a year since this was posted... I have a pesky squeak like rubbing sound from one of the pedals when in use. I think left side? If I go really fast it kinda lessens. But if I go a steady pace it sounds like a rub/squeaking. Did anyone figure this out? I noticed the comment stated to put some of the bottled lubricant on the track? Is that right thing to do? Thanks for any help!
247087
IDK but I need info also! where my foot pedal and cable comes together it's cracked
7569
I use this every day and I never had this issue. I know when I was young and the chain came off you had to move the pedals slowly and work it on that way. I'm thinking that I would also notify seller and see if they can help you. I hope this was helpful.Beth
709768
For me, improper adjustment was the cause. I watched a few YouTube videos, and adjusted them myself. Problem solved. A bike shop can do it for you if your not a DIYr.
529462
No I haven't but try to remember when you assembled that part and what could be causing noise now. Can you take the pedal off and reattach it to see if that helps?
1432411
Sounds like a problem with the tension cable. there is a black knob under the stepper, play around with it to see if it helps.
2141159
It looks like the pedals are fixed in place. I don't think you can adjust how far they are apart. http://pearldrum.com/products/hardware/drum-pedals/demonator#p-932