I'm fairly certain that when they coined the phrase "This is why we can't have nice things" they had me in mind. Over the past two weeks I physically and verbally abused the Animal Steve Hamilton Pedals and Lite Sprocket as violently as I could. So, two chains, one seat post, and a shit-ton of crashes later; I bring you product reviews!

First, some shots of the products before they get it...Click for the full-size versions.

Being the second lightest pedal on the market right now, I was interested to see how these little guys would hold up against every piece of coping and cement I would take them across--and hold up they did. For the first week I rode the Hamiltons with pins on both sides, until a loading dock and I had a dispute over the pins and we both agreed the pins on one side should go. I painted the grinding side red as a reminder not to step. This not only allowed me to slide a lot further and faster, but I worried less about having to get my pins ground down and trying to pull them out later. The 10 pin design kept my shoes firmly planted on the platform, no matter how shaky my footing was. I also appreciate how some of Animal's pins screw out from the backside of the pedal, so you always have an undamaged hex side to remove them from. The axle bearings were smooth as butter very quiet, which is unusual for unsealed bearings. This got me beating on the pedals harder and harder (no homo). Time and time again they proved to be solid as hell. After two weeks of sufficient abuse the only damage to the pedals was purely cosmetic. The right pedal, which I dominantly grind on, seemed to have some loose bearings, but I chalk that up to the fact that they were the unsealed model.

I've been riding Animal sprockets since day one. My opinion on their sprockets has always been a high one, and the Lite sprocket can only further Animal's solid reputation. These things are hands down the best. They offer the same strength of Animal's older sprockets, which you can still see on bikes everywhere, with a significantly reduced weight. Animal also makes them in every size from 23-33, with larger 36 and 39 tooth models also available. The sprocket and bash survived countless sprocket stalls and grinds, while remaining straight as an arrow. They're tough as nails, light as hell, and seemingly indestructible. If they can stand up to my riding and the abuse of every kid in New York and New Jersey, I don't think you need much more explanation.