One issue that hasn’t been mentioned in this discussion is the risk of injury
from cottered cranks. The cotter pin has a propensity to reach out and grab the
loop of your shoe lace. (Yes, I have actually seen it stretch out several inches
as if alive, kind of like a snow snake :>) ) Your shoe lace is then wrapped
around the axle several times until it jambs. If you are lucky your shoe lace
breaks and no harm is done. If your laces are in good condition you fall knee
first with your foot stuck to the pedal. Especially painful on a big wheel. I
now almost exclusively wear shoes with velcro to tuck the laces under. the last
word… till next time,
Bill Gilbertson