Have you only just started cycling and want to change the pedals of your new bike, but don’t know how? Don’t fret! It’s part of every rider’s journey. Even if you’ve been cycling for some time now, perhaps you’ve never wondered how to change your pedals because they were already installed when you bought the bike. Or maybe you have an old bike and the pedals need to be replaced. Whatever your case, before you get on with it, let us walk you through the steps on how to easily remove and install pedals.
Required material
- Tools for the pedals: To change most pedals, you will need a 15mm fixed wrench (spanner) or an 6/8mm Allen key (hex wrench), depending on the type of pedal. In some cases, the 15mm fixed wrench can be replaced by an adjustable wrench. The quality of the tools is what really matters, especially if the pedals are stuck.
- Bike grease: Needed to help avoid the pedals from getting stuck next time.
- WD-40 multipurpose lube or similar: This comes in handy when the pedals are over-tightened.
- Cleaning gloves, a cloth and paper towels: Use the gloves to keep your hands from getting dirty, and the cloth and paper towels to clean the pedal threads and your gloves.
Step 1: Know how to spot the right and left pedal
Pedals have opposite threads, so it’s important to know how to tell the right pedal from the left one. Most often than not, they will have an R (right) or L (left) stamped on the spindle, but if they don’t, then try to carefully screw them in.
- Right pedal: Found next to the drivetrain (on the same side as the chain), you need to turn it clockwise (to the right) to install it.
- Left pedal: Found on the opposite side, the left pedal should be threaded counterclockwise (to the left), to prevent it from getting loose while pedaling.
Step 2: How to remove the pedals
Before you begin, check that the part of the pedals where you need to fit the fixed wrench or Allen key and the tool itself are in good condition. If either is worn down or eroded, resulting in the tool not fitting in properly, you will have trouble removing the pedals and it’ll be better to take the bike to a mechanic.
Once all has been checked, follow these steps:
- Place the bike against the wall to keep it steady.
- The crank should be parallel to the ground and facing forward.
- To the best of your ability, position the fixed wrench or Allen key following the line traced by the crank, as if the tool were a continuation of it. If you’re using a fixed wrench, place it on the flat side of the pedal axle (next to the crank). If you’re using an Allen key, insert it through the hole in the back of the crank arm.
- Loosen the right pedal: Turn the tool you’re using counterclockwise (to the left). If the pedal is too tight, try using a cheater bar so you can apply more strength when levering the wrench or Allen key. You can also try stepping on the pedal with your left foot, hitting the breaks with your left hand and pulling the wrench or Allen key towards you with your right hand.
- Loosen the left pedal: Turn the tool clockwise (to the right). Again, if the pedal resists your attempts to remove it, use a cheater bar, which will help you to apply more strength and allow you to pry properly. If you can’t get your hands on a cheater bar, try stepping on the pedal with your right foot and pulling the wrench or Allen key towards you with your left hand.
- Clean the threads: Once the pedals are removed, clean the threads of the crank arms with a cloth to get rid of any dirt or grease residue.
If the pedals are stuck or too tight and won’t come out despite trying all of the above, use the multipurpose lube, let it sit for 15 minutes and try again.
Still no luck? Then, it’s time for the professionals to step in. Take your bike to a mechanic, they know how to deal with these kinds of issues.
Step 3: How to install the new pedals
- Don’t forget to first spot the right and left pedal, otherwise you risk damaging the threads on crank arms by screwing the wrong pedal in.
- Grease the threads: Apply a small amount of grease in the threads of the pedals, which will help to install and then remove them, plus prevents corrosion and rust.
- Screw in the right pedal: Place the right pedal in the right crank arm. Turn it clockwise (to the right) with your hand until it is firm. Adjust it with the fixed wrench or Allen key, but don’t tighten it too much. It should be firm, but not too stiff.
- Screw in the left pedal: Place the left pedal in the left crank arm. Turn it counterclockwise (to the left). Just as you did with the right pedal, adjust it with the fixed wrench or Allen key.
- Check the pedals are securely tightened: Turn the pedals to check they’re not loose and carefully get on the bike and try it.
Changing your pedals isn’t rocket science, but it can be tricky when you do it for the first time if you don’t know that each pedal has their designated side, and opposite threads that are installed and removed in different ways. The biggest issue you might encounter is the pedals being so tight, it feels like they’re welded on. If they won’t budge, give it a rest. That way, you’ll avoid injury, frustration, and wasting time on something that isn’t working. Take your bike to a mechanic and let the experts handle it. With proper care and maintenance, if you practice what we’ve taught you in this guide, and if you tighten the pedals just the right amount, you won’t have to ask for help again to change your pedals.
