Why NOT ride with titanium pedals

I bought titanium Crank Brothers pedals for XC and touring based on the manufacturers description. On this pictured ride I popped a 6 inch rock on a gravel road and both spindles severed at the base of the thread into the cranks. My feet hit the ground and I lightly hit the top tube. So lucky!

I borrowed my riding buddy's pedal and swapped a shoe and we one-legged pedaled for an hour or so to the parking lot.

What I learned from the experience is that all titanium spindles will break regardless of the manufacturer.

I did approach Crank Brothers with a concern for the safety of fellow riders. I was fortunate not to have seriously injured myself, not everyone rides with such a low top tube.

I observed that Crank Brothers and most retailers were overselling the pedals capabilities and not properly identifying its limitations.

Following several emails I reached a product manager in California and he assured me that the pedals were safe however he would send an advisory memo to all retailers to adjust the products positioning in out of line.

Today Crank Brothers is associating their $450 titanium pedal with Enduro racing. Their product description communicated a "Enduro sealed needle bearing" and nowhere is there weight or usage advisories.

https://www.crankbrothers.com/products/eggbeater-11

Unfortunately Crank Brothers continue to oversell these pedals.

I continue to ride and enjoy Crank Brothers pedals, not their titanium version!