Taking Pedals Off a Bike: A Step-by-Step Guide

Taking pedals off a bike is an essential skill for any cyclist to master. Whether you need to replace worn-out pedals, perform maintenance, or pack your bike for travel, knowing how to remove pedals is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering the tools you’ll need and tips for making the job easier.

Why You Might Need to Remove Bike Pedals

There are several reasons why you might need to take the pedals off your bike:

To replace old, worn-out pedals with new ones
To perform maintenance such as cleaning, greasing, or adjusting bearings
To pack your bike into a travel case or bag for transportation
To switch between different types of pedals for various riding styles

Knowing how to remove your bike pedals gives you the freedom to maintain and modify your ride as needed.

Types of Bike Pedals

Before getting started, it’s helpful to know what type of pedals your bike has. The two main types are:

Clipless Pedals	Clipless pedals feature a locking mechanism that attaches to cleats on special cycling shoes. They provide a more secure and efficient connection between your feet and the pedals.
Platform Pedals	Also known as flat pedals, platform pedals have a large flat surface. They accommodate regular shoes and don’t require any special cleats or attachments. Most beginner bikes come with platform pedals.

The process for removing both types of pedals is similar, but clipless pedals may have a cover or cap you need to remove first to access the spanner flats or hex wrench socket.

Tools Needed for Removing Bike Pedals

To take your pedals off, you’ll need a spanner for bike pedals, also known as a pedal wrench. Some pedals can be removed with a regular hex wrench or Allen key instead. Having the right tools makes the job much easier.

Choosing the Right Spanner or Wrench

A standard 15mm open-ended spanner or wrench often fits bike pedals. However, some pedals, particularly clipless models, may require a thinner pedal-specific spanner to fit into recessed areas. You may also find a 6mm or 8mm Allen key works for your pedals instead of a spanner.

Check what tools came with your pedals or bike. The owner’s manual should specify what size spanner or Allen key you need. When in doubt, try a 15mm spanner and a 6mm Allen key first.

Additional Tools and Supplies

In addition to a spanner or wrench, you might want to have the following on hand:

Grease – for applying to the pedal threads before installing new pedals
A rag or towel – to wipe away dirt and grease
A brush – to clean gunk out of the spanner flats or hex sockets
Penetrating oil – to help loosen stuck pedals if needed

With your tools gathered, you’re ready to start taking off those pedals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Pedals Off a Bike

Follow these steps to remove pedals from your bike:

Step 1: Positioning the Bike

First, position your bike so you can easily access the pedals. Either turn the bike upside down and rest it on the seat and handlebars, or place it in a repair stand if you have one. Make sure the bike is stable and won’t fall over while you’re working on it.

Step 2: Loosening the Pedals

Pedals are threaded to tighten toward the front of the bike. To loosen:

Place the spanner or wrench on the spanner flats between the pedal and crank arm
On the right-side (drive-side) pedal, push the spanner counterclockwise (toward the back wheel) to loosen
On the left-side (non-drive-side) pedal, push the spanner clockwise (toward the front wheel) to loosen

Use your body weight to push down if the pedals are very tight. If you feel the wrench slipping, reposition it to fully engage the flats.

Step 3: Removing the Pedals

Once you’ve broken the initial resistance, continue turning the pedals by hand to fully unthread them from the crank arms. The right pedal unthreads counterclockwise, while the left is reverse-threaded and unthreads clockwise.

If the pedal won’t turn, try applying a penetrating oil like WD-40 and letting it sit for a few minutes to dissolve any corrosion. Avoid overtightening the pedals against the crank arm, as this can damage the threads.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Taking pedals off a bike is usually straightforward, but you may occasionally run into some snags. Here are a couple issues you might encounter and how to resolve them.

Dealing with Stuck Pedals

Sometimes pedals can become stuck due to corrosion, overtightening, or damaged threads. If you’re having trouble removing a pedal:

Apply a penetrating oil to the pedal threads and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Make sure you’re turning the pedals the correct direction to loosen them.
Try applying steady pressure on the spanner and tapping the wrench with a rubber mallet to shock the pedal loose.
If the pedal still won’t budge, take your bike to a qualified bike mechanic for assistance.

Never force the pedal if it won’t turn, as you risk damaging the crank arm threads.

Preventing Future Issues

To prevent stuck pedals in the future:

Always grease pedal threads before installing pedals.
Avoid overtightening pedals. Tighten them securely, but don’t force them.
Remove and regrease pedal threads annually if you frequently ride in wet conditions.

With proper installation and maintenance, removing pedals should be an easy task.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Taking pedals off a bike is a useful skill that every cyclist should learn. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and a little know-how, you’ll soon be swapping pedals like a pro.

Recap of Key Points

Remember these key tips for removing bike pedals:

Use the correct tools – a 15mm spanner or 6mm/8mm Allen key usually does the trick.
Loosen pedals in the correct direction – counterclockwise for the right pedal, clockwise for the left.
Apply steady pressure and use leverage to break stubborn pedals free.
Maintain pedal threads by greasing them to prevent seizing.

With practice, removing pedals will become second nature.

Additional Resources

To learn more about bike maintenance and pedal removal, check out these resources:

Park Tool Repair Help Articles and Videos: www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help
Global Cycling Network Maintenance Videos: https://www.youtube.com/gcn
Bicycling Magazine: Repair & Maintenance: https://www.bicycling.com/repair-maintenance/

Taking the time to learn bike maintenance skills like removing pedals can save you time and money in the long run. Plus, it’s empowering to be able to work on your own bike. So grab your spanner and start practicing – you’ve got this!
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