Installing or removing a set of pedals can be a daunting task the first time you do it, but, with this quick manual, you'll be doing it like a pro in no time.
Regardless of their thread size, MTB pedals go on and come off the same way.
Pedals are either installed/removed with a Pedal Spanner or with an Allen Key in the end of the axle.
If your pedals have 2 flat surfaces near the threads, you'll need a pedal spanner.
If your pedals have a hexagonal hole in the end of the axle, you'll need allen keys
Some pedals have the option for both tools so you can use either a pedal wrench or a set of allen keys.
Removing a set of pedals
To remove a pedal from the drive train side of the bike (right) you need to turn the pedal anti-clockwise if you are looking at the bike from the side.
To remove a pedal from the non drive side (left) you'll need to turn the the pedal clockwise.
Pro Technique: The easiest technique for this is to put your crank so that it is facing towards your front wheel.
Then put your pedal spanner or allen keys facing back towards the rear axle.
You can then push down on the tool towards the floor. You'll need to take care not to push your hand / knuckles into your chainring! This can be a very painful experience! This same theory works on both sides of the bike for removal.
Installing a set of pedals
Pedals generally have a small L (left) or R (right) stamped on them around the thread. They can be on the bottom of the pedals, or near/on the two flat parts where a pedal spanner goes.
Some pedals don't have a stamp on the pedal to tell which side it is for, so you have to look at the threads to work it out.
Once you've worked out which is the Right (drivetrain side) and Left, it's time to lubricate the threads prior to installation. You'll want a good quality assembly grease for this. You don't need a lot, but make sure that the pedal threads have a smear the whole way up.
So to start off on the right hand pedal on the drive side of the bike. You'll screw this pedal clockwise. To start with, only use your fingers. Unless your threads are damaged it should not take a lot of force to get the pedal starting to thread in. Once the thread is started, you can use your tool to tighten it up. You'll want to do these up very tight.
To screw the left pedal in, you'll want to turn it anti-clockwise. Follow the same process as above.
Pro Technique: You're going to need your bike in a workstand for this! Once you've got the pedal starting to thread in, instead of turning your pedal spanner around the axle, use the pedal spanner to rotate the whole crankset backwards. This will tighten them up at record speed!
Pro Tip: Keep them maintained! As pedals do sustain a lot of abuse, it's worth removing and regreasing the threads about once per year.
To view our range of Flat MTB pedals - click here.
To view our range of Clip-In MTB pedals - click here.
To view our range of MTB pedal wrenches - click here.
To view our range of Allen keys - click here