How To Install Bike Pedals? (Correct answer)

At a Glance:

1. Use a pedal wrench or hex key to unscrew the pedals from the crank arms. Right pedals loosen by turning counter-clockwise, left pedals loosen clockwise.
2. Apply bike grease to the new pedals and screw them in at an even 90 degree angle.
3. Screw in until each pedal is fully inserted and tight; then hit the road!

Are bike pedals hard to install?

While they seem simple, pedals can be very annoying to work with, since they’re attached to a part of the bike that moves freely: the crank. Additionally, pedals tend to tighten up the more you ride your bike, and if they’re really old or installed without any grease, they can become very stuck.

Can I put any pedals on my bike?

Bicycle pedals are not universal. The 9/16” is the near-standard in bike pedals, meaning that the majority of bikes can fit a 9/16” pedal. But since the 9/16” is not the only pedal size available, it can’t be truly said that bicycle pedals are universal. Luckily, there is an almost-standard pedal size available.

Can I install bike pedals without grease?

It’s necessary to grease pedal threads to prevent corrosion and facilitate installation. If the pedal threads aren’t greased, the pedals will fuse with the crank arms, making removal a difficult task. You can use anti-seize compounds too because the involved parts aren’t in dynamic motion.

Which way do bike pedals unscrew?

Use a pedal wrench or hex key to unscrew the pedals from the crank arms. Right pedals loosen by turning counter-clockwise, left pedals loosen clockwise.

How do you know if pedals will fit my bike?

Manufacturers have made it nice and easy for this one, and all you have to do is check the cranks on the bike. If your cranks are made up of three separate sections, two separate crank arms and the spindle that goes through the frame then your pedals will be size 9/16” x 20 tpi.

Are all bicycle pedals the same size?

Most pedals have 9/16″ x 20 tpi threads. Pedals for one-piece cranks are 1/2″ x 20 tpi. Older French bicycles used a 14 mm x 1.25 mm thread, but these are quite rare. Look if the manual of your bike or the crank arm specifies the size, or if the size might be stamped on the existing pedal.

Why are bikes sold without pedals?

Most cyclists tend to stick with one of these standards across all of their bikes, so they don’t have to have multiple sets of shoes. Thus higher-end bicycles typically are sold without pedals so that the customer can select the style of pedal that matches their existing shoes.

Can I use Vaseline on bike pedals?

You can use Vaseline to grease bike pedals. If you ride professionally or do a great deal of riding on difficult terrain, it may not be the best idea. But otherwise, it should be just fine to use Vaseline in place of traditional grease.

Do I need grease when installing pedals?

Before screwing in the pedals, you need to grease them. If you have a titanium axle do not use grease, but instead use a titanium installation paste. Grease is water resistant and helps protect the treads of the pedal and crank from corrosion. When it’s time to change pedals again, you’ll be happy you greased them.

Do you need to lubricate bike pedals?

Pedals don’t require grease or lubrication to the extent a bike chain or gears would since these parts are expensive and highly complex to replace. But dirt, sand and dust can conspire to wear down the threads on pedals, making it tougher to pedal smoothly and shortening the lifespan of these parts.