How to remove cycle pedals

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We talk you through how to fit and remove pedals from your bike in this clear step-by-step guide for beginners. Knowing how to remove and change bike pedals is a key skill for any cyclist, especially if you're assembling a new bike or want to try out riding with clipless pedals. In this step-by-step guide, we talk you through the tools you need to change the pedals on your bike, including how to identify your left and right pedals, how to remove old pedals and, of course, how to fit new pedals. If you are fitting your first set of clipless pedals, check out our guides on how to use clip-in pedals and how to set up your cleats. If your pedals have parallel faces on the spindle between the pedal body and the crank, you will need a 15mm spanner.

How to remove cycle pedals

This is because the threads on each crank turn in opposite directions. The reason for this is that if they turned the same way the momentum of your spinning legs could act to slowly unscrew the pedal on the left-hand crank. To combat this while the right-hand drive-side crank arm is conventionally right-hand threaded, the non-drive-side lefthand crank arm is always left-hand or reverse threaded. Happily, once you know this key fact, following our tips will make removing your pedals a breeze. Otherwise get stuck in with our guide. Take taken : 5 minutes Workshop saving : scornful look. Start by shifting your chain onto the big ring, this means that any slips are less likely to result in a chainring-related knuckle injury. Most pedals will accept an Allen key in the back. Often this will need to be a dedicated pedal spanner, as an adjustable or conventional one will be too wide. Now push down and forwards, turning anticlockwise. You can use reasonable force. Repeat the process as before, pushing the Allen key down and forwards. This time the pedal will turn clockwise. Next, spin the pedal off. Give the threads on the axle and inside the end of the crank a quick wipe down and check for any sign of damage.

Left and right pedals have different threads, and ensuring you are fitting the correct pedal to each side of your bike is key. Updated: March 12, The direction you need to rotate the spanner wrench to loosen the right how to remove cycle pedals is different to the left pedal.

You'll need to remove your pedals for general bicycle maintenance if you are travelling with your bike and of course to replace them. If your pedals haven't been removed in a while, you might need to spray a little penetrating fluid, such as GT85 or Muc Off Bike Spray, to get them started. If, after a couple of turns, you've managed to expose a few threads then spray the fluid again, repeating every few threads until the pedals are free. A dry, corroded thread can become damaged if you remove the pedal without a little help from a lubricant or oil. Before removing the pedals, protect yourself from possible injury by placing your chain onto the big ring.

You'll need to remove your pedals for general bicycle maintenance if you are travelling with your bike and of course to replace them. If your pedals haven't been removed in a while, you might need to spray a little penetrating fluid, such as GT85 or Muc Off Bike Spray, to get them started. If, after a couple of turns, you've managed to expose a few threads then spray the fluid again, repeating every few threads until the pedals are free. A dry, corroded thread can become damaged if you remove the pedal without a little help from a lubricant or oil. Before removing the pedals, protect yourself from possible injury by placing your chain onto the big ring. Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded.

How to remove cycle pedals

Disclaimer: Bikexchange is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links on our site. Knowing how to change bike pedals correctly is essential to owning a bike. In this guide, we will walk you through this quite easy process.

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We find that using your foot allows you to generate additional leverage and ensure that you are positioned in a way that will prevent you from striking sharp edges on the bike or losing your balance if the pedal should suddenly decide to break loose. Updated: March 12, Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues. If your pedals have a bolt, cap or screw on the outside end of the pedal spindle, this is only used to service the bearings. He is also particularly fond of tan-wall tyres, dynamo lights, cup and cone bearings, and skids. Watch Articles. Position the spanner or Allen key in line with the crank arm. Repeat on the left pedal, but rotate the wrench clockwise this time. Cross-threading happens when the pedal threads do not engage correctly with the threads in the crank arm. This is because the threads on each crank turn in opposite directions. Tip 3 Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Registered in England.

Swapping out your bike pedals? Maybe you hit your pedal against a rock and snapped it in half. Whatever the reason, you have to take off your old bike pedals and install new ones.

Left non-driveside pedals are always reverse-threaded. Rotate the spanner wrench counterclockwise to loosen the right pedal. Create Account. How to get stronger legs for cycling. Part 1. Watch Articles. Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. What style of bike do I need? Did this article help you? Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. When removing pedals, you will always be turning the spindle of the pedal towards the rear of the bike. A lot of people get hung up when installing or removing their pedals because the right pedal uses the standard thread direction righty-tighty while the left pedal is reverse threaded lefty-tighty.