Pedals – Bikemunk https://bikemunk.com Bike Gear Reviews Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:32:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://bikemunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/bikemunk-favicon-32.png Pedals – Bikemunk https://bikemunk.com 32 32 Peloton Pedals – Getting The Most Out of Your Peloton Rides https://bikemunk.com/peloton-pedals/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 05:32:41 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=11393 Read more]]>

The Peloton bike is a stationary bike. It isn’t just any old exercise bike, though. Peloton members have access to various workouts, including rides, strength training, and yoga. The result is a community that is dedicated to inspire and motivate. To be inspired and motivated.

Peloton Interactive Inc. sells various pieces of exercise equipment, accessories, and apparel. While you don’t need many accessories or even specific clothing to use your Peloton spin bike, you will need special cycling shoes that are compatible with your Peloton bike’s pedals.

Peloton bike pedals are clipless – meaning that you need to use cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. The name may be confusing since these shoes clip into your pedals. In the past, people used toe cages (or toe clips) to keep their feet secured to their pedals.

Toe cages are a series of straps or rubber or plastic strips that form a kind of basked (or cage) for your toes. You would then slip your foot into the cage, and this would hold your foot securely on the pedal. Because these were already called ‘clips,’ they needed a way to differentiate between these clips and shoes that connect to your pedals with a cleat. Cleated shoes thus became ‘clipless.’

Clipless Peloton pedals can only be used with three-bolt Look Delta Cleats. These cleats are triangular to accommodate the three bolts – that is also where they got their name. Unfortunately, you cannot use other types of cleats or regular sneakers with these pedals.

Peloton bike pedals have a one-year warranty, but this warranty only covers the original owner or the original owner of the membership attached to a specific bike. The warranty is also only valid if a Peloton technician services or carries out any other work on your Peloton bike. In the case of your pedals, that needs to be done once a year.

Table Of Contents

What shoes can be used with a Peloton bike?

You don’t need to use Peloton branded shoes to ride your Peloton bike. However, you need cycling shoes or spin shoes that can accommodate Look Delta cleats. These are the only type of cleats that can be used with the original Peloton bike pedals. Peloton cycling shoes come with these cleats, as do some other brands.

While Peloton shoes come with Look Delta cleats, other brands might not sell the cleats with their cycling shoes. In this case, you will need to purchase the shoe and the cleats separately. Some shoes can accommodate both Look Delta and SPD cleats.

What are the benefits of clipless bike pedals?

Some people are apprehensive about riding clipless. There is something slightly unsettling about being connected to your bike pedals – at least at first. Having your foot secured to your bike pedal is safer, especially during more intense rides. There is a lower risk of your foot slipping off the pedal, leaving the spinning pedal to connect with your shin and potentially giving you a serious lower leg injury.

Clipless peddling means you don’t need to constantly work at keeping your foot on the pedal. This can reduce foot fatigue and discomfort that is commonly caused by constantly pushing your foot down against the pedal. The end result is that your feet are less tired and sore after long or intense rides.

Cycling cleats (especially the higher-end ones made with carbon outsoles) are stiff underneath. This provides more support for your feet and toes while transferring more energy to your pedals.

Being clipped in gives many cyclists a feeling of ‘being one’ with their bike. The pedals and crank arm essentially become an extension of their bum, legs, ankles, and feet. Your energy is used more efficiently because you don’t only keep the pedaling going when you push down on the pedals; you also pull up on them.

Because you are both pushing down and pulling up, you are not only working your quads. Every upward pull and set up works your glutes and hamstrings. Therefore, you get a better-rounded workout when cycling while clipped in.

A disadvantage of having clipless pedals is that only persons who have compatible cycling shoes can use the bike. That is unless the pedals can accommodate toe clips.

How to clip in and out of your Peloton pedals

Straddle your bike with one foot on each side. First click in your dominant side before switching to the other foot. While standing, push the pedal down so that it is at its lowest position (around 6 O’clock). Place your foot on the Look Delta pedals with your toes slightly pointed down. This will help you find where the front of the clip needs to fit in. Once you have the right location, press down with your heel. The cleat will clip into the pedal with an audible ‘click.’ You can then clip in the other foot. This can be done either standing up or sitting down. Make sure that your cleat is correctly clipped by wiggling your foot from side to side. There should be a very small amount of movement.

To unclip, simply swivel your heels out, away from the bike frame. You may need to use moderate force to do this, and you are likely going to feel some resistance. It could also be a bit easier to unclip if you slightly lift your heel. It is best to unclip one foot at a time. You can unclip both feet while sitting down. Alternatively, you can unclip one foot and unmount towards the side of the foot that is still clipped. Then unclip your other foot while standing securely on the floor with the foot that has already been unclipped.

Holding on to or pushing down on the resistance knob while putting some of or even your full weight on the pedal could make clipping and unclipping easier.

You will notice that the pedal has a tension screw underneath the area where you clip your cleat in. Peloton’s recommendation is not to loosen this screw since it could damage the pedal.

Servicing and maintaining your Peloton pedals

You need to do some maintenance to make sure your Peloton bike pedals continue to work correctly and safely and to avoid pedal breakage. Peloton recommends that you inspect your bike’s pedals at least once a month. During this inspection, look for any visible damage, ensure that the pedals are clean, and turn smoothly.

You may need to tighten your Peloton pedals every now and then. This is to make sure that they are still securely attached to the bike. To do this, turn the resistance knob all the way to the right. This will lock the flywheel and crank.

Hold the pedal level – the platform on which you rest your foot while cycling (called the pedal body) should be horizontal. Use a 15mm wrench to tighten the bolt that attaches the pedal to the crank arm. You will turn the wrench to your right (or clockwise) when tightening the right pedal. The left pedal has a reverse thread. The threads are different so that neither pedal loosens itself while you are pedaling forwards and backward. For the left pedal, you need to turn the wrench to the left or towards the front of the bike (or counterclockwise).

Turn the wrench until you cannot turn it anymore. That is how you will know that the pedal is secure.

Peloton bike pedals could fail due to wear and tear. Although the pedals come with a 12-month warranty, you may need to replace them more often, especially if you work out often and do many long or intense rides. To replace your Peloton pedals, you will need a set of new pedals, a 15mm wrench, and (or) a 6mm Allen key.

To remove your Peloton pedals, turn the resistance knob all the way to the right. Next, use a 15mm wrench to remove the pedals where they attach to the crank arm. Turn the wrench counterclockwise for the right pedal and clockwise for the left pedal. Some Peloton bike pedals need to be removed with a 6mm Allen key. To remove the right pedal, turn the Allen key counterclockwise. The left pedal is removed by turning the Allen key clockwise.

To attach the right pedal, insert the pedal into the crank arm (remember that these need to be 9/16” pedals if you are not replacing your pedals with Peloton pedals). Then turn the pedal a quarter of a turn counterclockwise, so the threads catch. This will avoid damaging the threads because they don’t align. Next, turn the pedal clockwise until you can no longer turn it by hand. Lastly, use a 15mm wrench to tighten the pedal securely. You need to turn the wrench clockwise until you can’t turn it anymore.

Installing the left pedal follows the same steps. Remember that this side has reverse threads, so you will need to turn the pedal clockwise for the threads to catch and then tighten it by turning the pedal (or wrench) counterclockwise.

Keep in mind that you are not turning the pedal in each of these instances. Instead, you need to turn the bolt that attaches the pedal to the crank arm. You also need to remember that the left and right pedals have different threads. Take a look to see whether the pedals are marked ‘Left’ and ‘Right.’ If not, you will quickly realize that you are working with the wrong pedal if it does not tighten when you turn it in the correct direction.

You may need to adjust your pedal tension from time to time. The tension screws hold your cleats securely to your pedal. These screws are located on the back (or bottom) of the pedals. You may need to do this if it is your first time clipping in and unclipping with new pedals and you are finding it difficult to do so. You might also need to adjust the pedal tension if your cycling shoes begin to feel loose in the pedals.

To adjust your pedal tension, turn the resistance knob all the way to the right to hold the flywheel and crank arms in place. Turn the pedal so that you can see the screws that are located on the bottom. The tension screw on each pedal has a plus and minus sign above it.

If it is too difficult to clip in to or out of your pedals, you can loosen this screw slightly. Remember that loosening it too much could damage the pedal or cause it to not function properly. Use a 3mm Allen key. Turn the Allen key counterclockwise towards the minus sign. Only loosen the screw fractionally - a quarter of a turn at a time. Try to clip in and clip out after each turn. Remember that you still need to use some pressure or force to clip and unclip. If it is too easy, you loosened the screw too much.

If your cycling shoes feel too loose in the pedals, or if it is too easy to clip and unclip, the tension screw needs to be tightened. In this case, you will use the Allen key to turn the screw clockwise towards the plus sign. Turn the screw a quarter of a turn at a time and try to clip in after each quarter turn. Do this until you need to use some force to clip in and unclip.

Peloton pedal conversion kits

Older models of Peloton bikes came with a conversion kit that had toe cages clipped onto them. Peloton pedal conversion kits that are SPD-cleat compatible on one side and a toe cage on the other are now only available for commercial Peloton bikes. That is: hotels and fitness centers that have Peloton bikes for their guests or members to use.

You can find toe cages that could work with existing Look Delta Peloton pedals. These toe cages often attach to the crank arm or the pedal itself, depending on the pedal and the toe cage. They usually have a small platform that fits on top of your bike’s pedal which makes the platform slightly larger and thus safer to use without clipless cycling shoes.

You can also find toe cages that attach to a Look Delta cleat, the part that usually attaches to your shoe. This modified cleat then gets clipped into the pedal as you would do with your cleated cycling shoes. Cyclists then only need to slip their trainers into the toe cage to get the benefit of cycling with their feet attached to the pedal.

Using other, non-Peloton, pedals on your Peloton bike

You can change out your Peloton bike pedals for other pedals if you want to use SPD shoes that you already own. You may also want to do this if you might have guests or family members who prefer cycling with sneakers fitted into toe clips or on flat pedals. Most SPD pedals can be used on a Peloton bike – they just need a spindle thread of 9/16”.

Remember that if you do change out your Peloton bike’s pedals, it could affect the warranty of the pedals and related parts.

Recalled Peloton Pedals

Some older Peloton models that were purchased between July 2013 and May 2016 are affected by a recall. This is because the axles of these bikes could break unexpectedly. The recalled pedals reportedly broke under pressure. This was reported by 120 persons – 16 of whom sustained leg injuries. Although only five individuals required medical care.

The recalled pedals is the PR70P model. You can identify these pedals by looking for two Peloton logos along with the word ‘PELOTON’ written next to them. One of these is black and molded into the body of the pedal. The other is located on the top of the cleat binding and has an orange Peloton symbol with the word ‘PELOTON’ written in white lettering next to it.

The recall only affects Peloton bikes bought between July 2013 and May 2016 that still have the pedals originally installed on the bike. Pedals with only white lettering and no orange logo next to them are not subject to the recall.

If your bike has these pedals, Peloton will send you a free pair of replacement pedals. You can self-install the new pedals or hire a Peloton technician to do this for you. Getting a Peloton technician out will cost you $100.

Peloton bike pedals are clipless pedals that accommodate Look Delta cleats. Although you do not need to use Peloton branded shoes with your Peloton bike, you will need to have a pair of cycling shoes with Look Delta cleats.

Using clipless pedals can offer you a better-rounded and safer workout. It is easy to maintain your Peloton pedals. It is equally easy to replace these pedals when you need to. Alternatively, you could install SPD compatible pedals if you want to use your SPD cycling shoes or prefer using toe cages. If you do this, remember that it may affect your Peloton pedal warranty.

]]> Bicycle Pedals to Keep You Moving https://bikemunk.com/best-bicycle-pedals-reviews/ Fri, 07 Dec 2018 19:15:02 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=8276 Read more]]> When you hunt for a new set of bike pedals, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the number of choices you have to pick from. Terms like “platform,” “clipless,” “float,” and “multiple releases” may come up without any explanation.

We’ve broken down these terms to help you understand your choices. The best bicycle pedals are ones that work with your bike, the type of cycling shoe you use when riding, and what is comfortable and preferred by you.

Table Of Contents

Best Bicycle Pedals Comparisons

Brand

Details

Imrider Bike Pedals
  • Weight: 0.88 lbs
  • Purpose: All
  • Type: Platform

RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Purpose: Mountain Bike
  • Type: Platform

SHIMANO PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal
  • Weight: 0.84 lbs
  • Purpose: All
  • Type: Dual Clipless/Platform

CRANKBROTHERS Mallet Enduro Pedals
  • Weight: 0.92 lbs
  • Purpose: All, Trail, Mountain
  • Type: Clipless/Platform

Look KEO 2 Max Pedal
  • Weight: 0.57 lbs
  • Purpose: Road
  • Type: Clipless

Importance of Bike Pedals

It’s important to understand what a bike pedal can do for you in terms of performance. First off, you have to be comfortable with your choice of bike pedal. If you feel that they’re too wide, too narrow, or create less friction than you prefer, then your ride is going to be compromised.

If you are a competitive rider, this could slow you down and even be dangerous depending on the type of riding you’re involved with.

Bike pedals are easy to change out, and finding the set that works with your own needs is well worth the little bit of time it takes to learn about your choices. Some are made for efficiency and can help with every push and pull you make to speed you through a course. Others are designed for stable foot placement to avoid slipping on the trail.

No matter which you choose, you want to make sure you are comfortable with it for a safe ride. Don’t leave home without the right pedals! Out of all the bike accessories, pedals are the most important. They propel you forward, help you maintain momentum, and stop you from hitting obstacles.

Types of Bicycle Pedals

There is a surprisingly large amount of bike pedal terminology to pay attention to when choosing a set of new pedals. For the most part, these are similar from one bike to the next. Pedals are interchangeable whether you’re shopping for a mountain bike or a road bike.

Another consideration you want to pay attention to is bike compatibility. Specialized bikes do require specialized care and add-ons. Always double check your bike can handle whatever pedal you choose.

Platform Pedals

Platform pedals are what most people think of when they picture a bike pedal. They’re a flat bike pedal that provides a surface where you rest your foot to power your downwards stroke. Wearing the right shoes helps you keep your balance and protect your feet, so make sure your shoes are up to the job!

Pedal Toe Cages/Straps

Toe cages, or toe clips, work with an adjustable strap that attaches to the front of a platform pedal to allow you to both pull up on the stroke, as well as push down for more efficient energy use.

Clipless Pedals

A clipless pedal allows you to clip your foot on top of the pedal itself. You can do this by mounting a small cleat to your cycling shoe or wearing a specially designed bike shoe that works with them. This provides a high level of control.

Clipless/Platform Dual System

This hybrid pedal allows you to ride either with or without a clipless pedal system. These pedals are designed to work comfortably with clipless bike shoe systems as well as without.

Pedal Float

The term “pedal float” refers to how much angular rotation you get when your foot is “clipped” into a clipless pedal system.

Some of these are fixed, whereas others allow for customization.

Lateral-Release Cleats

Lateral release cleats refer to how you remove your foot from clipless bicycle pedals. You must move your foot laterally (or side to side) to remove your foot from the clip.

Multiple-Release

These cleats provide different angles than a lateral release and are more forgiving overall. Depending on the type you buy, you may be able to move more outward or inward- or even up to release.

Pedal Maintenance

Pedals are made to move, but they often become dirty, grimy, and greasy. Regular bike maintenance is needed to keep your pedals moving as you expect and keep your ability to get in and out of a clipless system effortless. A cleaning brush and some good lubricant keep your pedals moving like they should.

How to Choose the Best Bicycle Pedals for Your Needs

Bike pedal choices truly are a personal choice, and not only should match your biking preference but also your comfort style. Consider the time you spend riding, what your biking goals are, and how efficient you are trying to be—whether you ride the road or trail.

Clipless bike pedals have as much power on the upstroke as down to keep you moving and in control, but they do take some getting used to. Platforms are made for quick on and off and provide maximum push.

Top 5 Bicycle Pedals Reviews

The following choices are based on consumer reviews and highlight some favored products by both bike enthusiasts and casual riders. These highlight some of the styles, shapes, and uses of various pedal designs to help you narrow down your choices.

Imrider Bike Pedals

  • Weight: 0.88 lbs
  • Purpose: All
  • Type: Platform

Imrider bicycle pedals are made for all bike types and riding styles. Imrider produces lightweight aluminum pedals with a durable spindle to ensure a strong connection. Additionally, this platform pedal has an antiskid nail surface that provides a strong grasp to your shoe to help keep your foot from slipping. The bearing action is smooth for an easy feel when riding both the road and trail, plus the variety of colors can be paired with your bike for a fun addition to your bike look.

Pros

  • Smooth bearing action
  • Nail surface helps keep feet in place
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons

  • Not be the best for drops or jumps
  • They’re a little narrow for some people

Who Should Purchase This Product:

Made for platform enthusiasts, these pedals grip your shoes and keep your feet where they need to be. If a lightweight, durable design is a must-have, these are worth checking out.

RaceFace Chester Mountain Bike Pedal

  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Purpose: Mountain Bike
  • Type: Platform

RaceFace makes a sturdy product, and their Chester Mountain Bike Pedal is no exception. They’ve created one of the best mountain bike pedals using an amazing composite pedal design with tons of customizability. These nylon composite pedals are incredibly durable and rely on a Chromoly steel axle for maximum use.

With 8 pins on each side, these are adjustable and replaceable to ensure you get the best grip no matter what terrain you’re tackling. (They work well with gravel bike tires, too, which are tires made especially for rough roads and untamed terrain). The breaking and brushing system is also accessible for service for a long-lasting product.

Pros

  • Easy maintenance—grease and go
  • Low weight and very durable
  • Excellent traction

Cons

  • Some pins may not adjust properly and need replacing
  • Might not be wide enough

Who Should Purchase This Product:

Customize your bike with the great range of colors these pedals come in, and know your foot will be stable in just about any situation. These are made for aggressive riding and are considered an industry standard.

SHIMANO PD-A530 SPD Dual Platform Bike Pedal

  • Weight: 0.84 lbs
  • Purpose: All
  • Type: Dual Clipless/Platform

Shimano is an industry go-to because of their wide variety of bike product options. These clipless/platform dual pedals are no exception and provide an easy platform riding experience, as well as a more aggressive SPD cleat to clip into for more serious adventures. This is considered the company’s lightest pedal and is a Chromoly spindle with a durable steel pedal body for durable use. Their product covers all the bases for your riding needs with an adjustable float, entry, and release.

Pros

  • Great versatility
  • Good bearing movement
  • Does not flip to the heavier clip side like other models

Cons

  • Platform side a little slick
  • Paint can chip

Who Should Purchase This Product:

If a good all-around, lightweight pedal choice is on your list, this is an excellent consideration. The design is made to handle long, competitive rides and work for a casual trip to the store.

CRANKBROTHERS Mallet Enduro Pedals

  • Weight: 0.92 lbs
  • Purpose: All, Trail, Mountain
  • Type: Clipless/Platform

Crankbrothers products are another popular brand in the bicycling industry. The spindle of the Mallet Enduro is of Chromoly steel for excellent durability and stability, with a lightweight aluminum pedal body and stainless steel wings for long-lasting performance. This clipless system has a 15/20 degree release angle and can be used as a platform choice that provides an adjustable hold with 6 pins per side for grip.

Pros

  • Easy to clip out
  • Very versatile and durable
  • Comfortable platform size, good grip

Cons

  • SPD cleats do not work with it
  • No adjustability

Who Should Purchase This Product:

Made for aggressive riding, these pedals are a popular choice that allows a dual ride system for both clipless and durable platform grip. Available in a wide variety of colors, these are well worth your consideration.

Look KEO 2 Max Pedal

  • Weight: 0.57 lbs
  • Purpose: Road
  • Type: Clipless

The Look KEO 2 Max Pedal has a steel wear plate and is extremely lightweight and durable. The stainless steel cleat contact area and oversized axles make this a comfortable ride. The axel is also sealed for increased longevity. They also offer a superior grip, are easy to get in and out of, and have a forgiving release.

Pros

  • Very easy to get in and out of
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Turns smoothly

Cons

  • Winged extensions could shear off if improperly used

Who Should Purchase This Product:

If easy to use, lightweight clipless pedals are a must, these are a choice made to last that turn efficiently and are simple to maintain.

Conclusion

A good bike pedal can make a pretty significant difference to your biking experience, and allow you the power to push into a competitive state. Whether you prefer a clipless design or a platform, there are plenty of options to take advantage of to fit your personal needs. Remember to pay close attention to fit and comfort and overall make sure you get the pedal you need for efficiency and performance. If you have any questions, comments, or personal experience with any of our top picks, please share with us below!

]]> How to Remove Bike Pedals https://bikemunk.com/how-to-remove-bicycle-pedals/ Sun, 18 Nov 2018 23:57:34 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=6425 Read more]]>

Have you ever removed the bicycle pedals from your bicycle for any reason whatsoever? Maybe it was because the pedals were worn smooth, with minimal thread left on them to allow for a solid grip with your sneaker. Perhaps it was because you discovered a fascinating off-road trail that was surrounded by mud and rough patches, so now your bicycle pedals are somewhere under the muck. It could be that you're storing your bicycle away for the season and don't want the rubber of the pedals to be exposed to any harmful elements.

There could be several reasons for wanting or needing to remove your bicycle pedals, but how exactly do you do it? It is a task that will take time and patience, especially if you'll be cleaning or repairing the pedals.

With that in mind, here's our advice on how to remove bike pedals.

Why Remove Your Bicycle Pedals?

You may be thinking, "Why would I ever remove my bicycle pedal?" But like any machine, bikes require maintenance, or else you'll get a stuck pedal. Pedals are essential—without them, it is impossible to ride or maneuver it. There are a few reasons to remove bicycle pedals, and it could include:

  1. You have a stuck bike pedal, or it's clogged with muck, dirt, and debris. If your foot cannot rest properly on a stuck bike pedal of the bicycle, the chance of injury increases.
  2. The pedal rubber could be worn smooth, leaving no thread or grip for the rider's foot. If their foot happens to slip off the pedal, they lose control and can injure themselves or others.

After removing and fixing the pedals, you may also need to adjust them. To prevent accidents and ensure proper braking, check out this guide on adjusting bike brakes.

how, question mark, asking

What You Will Need


For pedal removal at home, use the following:

bicycle tool kit, bicycle tools, tools

  • A large open space to work comfortably and move around without any obstacles
  • Old rags or shop towels for messy situations and drying
  • Long-handled Allen key wrench
  • Pedal wrench (available at any bicycle repair shop or hardware store)
  • Lubricating bicycle pedal spray
  • Cleaning solution
  • <Optional> Bike stand. Having a bike stand or training wheels helps because the bicycle remains upright while working on it.

Spare screws that fit the size of your pedal just in case they are needed

Any of the above supplies, tools, or equipment should be available at your local hardware store or a bicycle repair shop if you do not have them in your garage or bike tool kit.

Step-by-Step Removing Bicycle Pedals

Now that all the supplies and equipment have been gathered together, it is time to remove the bicycle pedals from your bike and perform your own maintenance or repair!

To fully remove a bike pedal, you need to:

step by step, procedure
Positioning the Bicycle

Step One

Position bicycle uprightly in an open area. Keep something to brace the frame on the opposite side of where you're working.

Use a workbench or the wall to brace the bicycle in an upright position to prevent the bicycle from falling onto you, causing injury.

Step Two

Determine if your bicycle has wrench flats or the Allen key mechanism. This will choose if you use a pedal wrench or the long-handled Allen key.

Step Three

a. If your bicycle has wrench flats, start with the right side of the bicycle and move the pedal wrench counterclockwise to loosen the screws holding the pedal in place.

b. If the bicycle has no wrench flats and the Allen key is needed, place the long-handled Allen key in the slot on the pedal and begin twisting in a clockwise direction.

Step Four

Once the pedal is removed, turn the bicycle to the other side and access the left pedal.

Removing the Bicycle Pedal
Securing the Bicycle Pedal

Step Five

If your bicycle has wrench flats, place the pedal wrench in the flats and begin twisting in a clockwise direction to remove the left pedal (the counterclockwise motion will not work as the threads are reversed from the removal of the right pedal).

c. If the bicycle has no wrench flats and the Allen key is needed, place the long-handled Allen key in the slot and twist the wrench clockwise to remove the pedal.

Step Six

Ensure the wrench (Allen key) direction is the correct way, as the opposite can cause you to tighten too far and strip the pedal threading on the inside of the screws holding the pedal in place.

Step Seven

Now that both pedals are removed, you can easily clean them or discard them if they need to be replaced.

Step Eight

If you are cleaning your pedals, soak them in warm water with a cleaning solution added to remove built-up grease or dirt that can cause issues in the long term. Use a scrub brush if needed for stubborn areas, or simply wash the pedals with an old rag.

Bicycle Pedals, Pair Bicycle Pedal
Bicycle Lubricant Spray

Step Nine

Let the pedals dry before re-installing them on the bicycle.

Step Ten

Once you are ready to re-install your bike pedal, you will need your Allen key or pedal wrench as described above.

Step Eleven

Use the bike grease to spray the threads attached to the bicycle pedals. Bike grease prevents rust, dirt build-up, and stripping of the threads.

Step Twelve

To re-install the bicycle pedals, choose the corresponding tool (pedal wrench or Allen key) and start with the right side of the bicycle.

Step Thirteen

Ensure you have the right-side pedal (most are marked with R for right and L for left) and line up the pedal with the crank arm threads.

Re-installing the bicycle pedal
Girl rotating the bicycle pedal

Step Fourteen

Start threading the pedal clockwise by hand onto the threads. Once the pedal is tight enough to not fall off once you remove your hands, then it's time to start the left side.

Step Fifteen

Take the left side pedal and line it up with the threads of the crank arm to prevent cross-pedal threading. Using your hands only, start with a counterclockwise motion to tighten the left pedal onto the bicycle.

Step Sixteen

Once both pedals are tight on the bicycle in the proper position, use the corresponding tool (Allen key or pedal wrench) to finish tightening the pedals to the correct level to ensure they will not fall off the first time you take them on the trails.

Step Seventeen

Clean up your workstation and you are done!

Little Boy Cleaning the Garage

Conclusion


We have just discovered and discussed why it is important to remove your bicycle pedals during certain times or incidents and how to do it yourself without having to bring your bicycle to an expensive service shop! With a bit of time and effort, you can easily remove your bicycle pedals at home for a cleanup job or total replacement. Once those bicycle pedals are cleaned and ready to ride, so are you! So hit the trails and enjoy being one with nature. And if you need more of a visual tutorial, here's a great video guide on changing and replacing bike pedals.

]]> Which Way Do Bicycle Pedals Unscrew? https://bikemunk.com/which-way-do-bicycle-pedals-unscrew/ Mon, 15 Oct 2018 19:17:25 +0000 https://bikemunk.com/?p=5567 Read more]]>

Are you new to cycling but really enjoy it and want to learn more about regular maintenance on your bicycle? Maybe you’re traveling, and you need to make some adjustments to assure the bicycle fits in the storage area without damaging anything. There are any number of reasons you might be looking to remove your bicycle pedals. Of course, doing so requires some basic tools and knowledge if you want to avoid damage to your bicycle, which probably cost you quite a bit. Take a look at some simple tips and information that can help you with which way bicycle pedals unscrew and the best way to go about it.

The Tools of the Trade

Before you get started, as with any task, you should make sure you have your bike tools ready at hand. Typically, you’ll use one of two items to unscrew the bicycle pedals. You may need a pedal wrench in the correct size, which should be somewhere around 15mm (could vary by brand and type of pedal). Alternately, you might need an Allen key/Allen wrench to do the job, also in the appropriate size.

Something else to consider is how long it’s been since the pedals came off, or if they ever have at all. If it’s been a while, or if they have never come off, you could probably use a spray or two of penetrating fluid so that they are lubricated, which will help you more easily get them started without causing any damage.

Preparation


While not everyone thinks ahead, it’s important to be safe in all projects, and if you aren’t careful in this particular effort, you could really hurt yourself. So, to avoid injury, you can protect yourself by making sure the bicycle chain is placed onto the big ring.

Also keep in mind that the two pedals are threaded in the opposite direction of each other before you end up tightening one even further or breaking something. Which one goes which way? Let’s look at the removal process to find out.

Removing the Pedals

Start on the drive side, which is the right-hand side, and turn the crank arm so it’s set to the 3 o’clock position. Then, you want to place the spanner in line with the crank arm. Once this is set, put your foot on the spanner and push down to rotate it. With the use of your foot rather than your hands, you have more of your body weight behind it, which gives you additional leverage. It also helps keep you from hitting your hands on sharp edges and blunt objects while you work. Once the pedal is loose, keep rotating the tool until the pedal comes free.

Now you can move on to the opposite side and rotate the crank arm until it’s pointing to 9 o’clock. Then, you need to place the wrench or Allen key in line with the crank arm again. As before, push down with your foot in order to use the best leverage to get the wrench to turn.

Note that, if you are using an Allen wrench, you have to insert the key into the axle opposite the pedal before aligning with the crank arm and pushing down. All other steps remain the same.

Which Direction?

Obviously, you’re going to turn the wrench two different directions, but how do you know which pedal turns what way? There’s a simple rule of thumb to keep in mind, in case you have trouble picturing clockwise and counterclockwise.

For those who can easily follow those directions, pedals rotate counter clockwise on the drive side – or right side – and clockwise on the non-drive or left side. However, if you can’t seem to picture that, consider this – both sides of the bicycle have the pedals rotate toward the back.

In other words, you’ll press up over the top from right to left (toward the rear of the bicycle) on the right side and up over the top from left to right (toward the rear) on the left. This simple rule of thumb will help you retain the visual until you’re in the situation and able to make use of your knowledge.

Why Remove Pedals


Why is this an important task? Why would you want or need to change your bicycle pedals? Sometimes, like regular maintenance on a motor vehicle such as an oil or brake change, you have to make sure your bicycle is always in good working order with little check ups and small replacements.

This is true of the pedals as well. Pedals can start to feel loose and wobbly, with a lot of play in them that makes riding extremely inefficient and taxing as you try to make up for that looseness with your own talent. However, this is typically a sign that the thread has worn out and it’s time to change your pedals.

In addition, if they just feel rough or different from what you’re used to, it’s time to examine the pedals and determine – most likely – that it’s time to change the pedals. If you’re struggling in any way, you may want to start looking at your pedals as a source of dysfunction. Of course, that’s not always the problem. It’s just as likely in many cases that there are other parts of the bike that clearly need maintenance.

Conclusion


If you take precautions and use some of the tips above, unscrewing bicycle pedals doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, replacing your pedals can be a very quick job. You just need to be careful not to get injured or try so hard that you strip the threading, so the pedal and assembly are both problematic. Take your time, analyze, and be sure you’re careful with your bike. It’s your vehicle, and it’s up to you to keep it safe and in good repair. Changing the pedals is one aspect of many that will assure you get the most out of your bicycle’s performance.

]]>