Is this normal?

Today I got volunteered to service a squeaky – newish – BSO. I was pretty astounded to find plastic platfrom pedals on solid axles. No bearings, bushes, nothing. Basically a threaded iron bar with a press fit washer (covered with a cap) to keep the plastic platform in place.

yes, it’s normal.
you should service cheap kids bikes, they’re the worst.

Thanks – Glad I wasnt loosing it.

The rest of the build seemed acceptable- SIS gears – cup and cone stuff. But god the pedals squealed /groaned like hell!

I usually advise people on bso to change pedals and grips when they bring them in, it’s cheap enough and it makes a fair bit of difference.
+ a bit of colour makes it look a bit better.
Most anything is better than stock on that kind of thing.

O know lock on grips are the trend , but personally I find them so thin and uncomfortable .

I like bmx grips; cheap and comfortable.