You’ve just fit your new pedals, and you’re out for a ride. Next thing you know, your pedals come loose, fall off and your crank arm is ruined. It’s an easy and costly mistake to make when you fit your pedals incorrectly. Whether you’re upgrading to a new set or simply replacing worn-out pedals we’re going to show you how to change your bike pedals quickly and correctly in less than 5 minutes. Whether you are putting new pedals on or swapping out for an upgrade – follow our guide on how to remove and fit your new bike pedals.
Tools you will need
- 15mm Pedal Spanner or similar
- 6mm or 8mm Allen Key, a multi-tool is handy in any bike kit.
- Bike Grease lubricant
- and of course, your new bike pedals!
How to change your pedals
Step 1: Removing your pedals
Remove the existing pedals before you start, it’s essential to note that pedals are left and right-specific, as per your sitting position on the bike. The side with gears is the right-hand side, while the side without gears is the left-hand side.
- For the right pedal (clockwise thread):
- Attach a 15mm pedal spanner to the axle.
- Turn the spanner to loosen the pedal, ensuring not to scratch the crank arm.
- Once it’s loose, unscrew the pedal by hand until fully removed.
- For the left pedal (counter-clockwise thread):
- Attach the pedal spanner, this time turning it clockwise to undo the pedal.
- Remember to turn it away from the front of the bike.
- Again, ensure not to damage the crank arm and remove the pedal by hand once it’s loose.
Step 2: Installing the New Pedals
Identifying the left and right pedals is crucial for proper installation. Different pedal models may have distinct markings or features to differentiate between them:
- Markings on the axle: Some pedals have serrated markings on one axle, indicating it’s the left pedal. In other cases, a small groove or a specific design feature may be present only on the left pedal.
- Markings on the pedal body: Pedals may have an “L” for left and an “R” for right on the body itself.
Once you’ve determined the left and right pedals, follow these steps:
- Apply a small amount of grease to the axle threads. This helps prevent seizing in the future.
- Start screwing in the right pedal (clockwise thread) by hand, ensuring it goes in straight and without cross-threading.
- Use a 15mm pedal spanner to tighten the right pedal securely. Apply enough force, leveraging your body weight, but be careful not to damage the crank arm.
- Apply grease to the left pedal’s axle, then hand-start the pedal (counter-clockwise thread), ensuring it goes in straight, turning it towards the front of the bike.
- Use the pedal spanner to tighten the left pedal, making sure it is securely fastened.
Riding with Pauls Cycles
Changing your bike pedals doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming task. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily remove old pedals and install new ones in under 5 minutes. Remember to pay attention to left and right specificity, use appropriate tools, and apply a small amount of grease for smooth operation. Enjoy your newly installed pedals and keep cycling with confidence!
Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel or our How To guides for more helpful cycling tips and videos. Happy cycling!
