How to Remove Bike Pedals – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Removing Bike Pedals

Knowing how to remove your bike pedals is an essential skill for any cyclist. Whether you’re upgrading to new pedals, performing routine maintenance, or packing your bike for travel, being able to quickly and safely remove your pedals can save you time and hassle. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of removing your bike pedals, covering the tools you’ll need, tips for making the job easier, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why You Might Need to Remove Bike Pedals

There are several reasons why you might need to remove your bike pedals:

• To upgrade to new pedals that offer better performance or comfort
• To service or replace worn out pedal bearings
• To thoroughly clean your bike, getting into all the nooks and crannies
• To pack your bike more compactly for storage or travel

Regardless of your reason, being able to confidently remove your pedals is a valuable skill that will serve you well as a cyclist.

Common Types of Bike Pedals

There are two main types of bike pedals you’re likely to encounter:

1. Flat pedals – These are the standard pedals that come on most bikes. They have a simple flat surface with grippy texture or pins. Flat pedals don’t require any special shoes – you can ride them with sneakers, sandals, or even barefoot!
2. Clipless pedals – Despite the confusing name, clipless pedals are the ones you clip into with special cleated cycling shoes. They offer a more secure and efficient connection to your bike. Clipless pedals come in two main styles:
   • 2-hole SPD (common for mountain biking and commuting)
   • 3-hole SPD-SL or LOOK (common for road cycling)

The good news is that the basic process for removing pedals is the same regardless of what type you have.

Tools Required for Removing Bike Pedals

Before you start removing your pedals, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need:

• A pedal wrench (also called a spanner)
• A 15mm open-end wrench can work in a pinch
• Grease for the threads on the new pedals

Pedal Wrench vs. Regular Wrench

While you can use a standard 15mm open-end wrench to remove pedals, a dedicated pedal wrench makes the job much easier. A pedal wrench is longer, giving you more leverage, and thinner, allowing it to fit between the pedal and crank arm. If you plan to change pedals often, a pedal wrench is a worthwhile investment.

Additional Tools and Supplies

In addition to your wrench, it’s good to have:

• A rag or towel to clean the crank threads
• Waterproof grease to apply to the threads of the new pedals before installation
• A repair stand to hold your bike (optional but very helpful)

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Bike Pedals

Now that you’ve gathered your tools, here’s how to remove those pedals:

Preparing Your Bike

1. Shift your chain onto the largest chainring and smallest cog. This positions the crank arms for easiest access to the pedals.
2. Flip the bike over and rest it on its saddle and handlebars. If you have a repair stand, use it to clamp the bike at the seatpost for a more stable work station.

Positioning the Crank Arm

3. Rotate one of the crank arms until it’s pointing forward, in line with the down tube of your frame.
4. Hold the crank arm so it’s lightly braced against the chainstay. This prevents the crank from rotating when you apply force to loosen the pedal.

Using the Pedal Wrench

5. Fit your pedal wrench over the wrench flats between the pedal and crank arm.
6. For the right pedal, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen. The right pedal has a normal right-hand thread.
7. For the left pedal, turn the wrench clockwise to loosen. The left pedal has a reverse left-hand thread. This is so the pedal self-tightens as you ride instead of loosening.

Applying Force and Removing the Pedal

8. Apply steady pressure to break the initial resistance. Pedals can be quite snug, especially if they’ve never been removed.
9. Continue turning the wrench until the pedal fully disengages from the crank arm. Put the pedal aside, keeping track of which is left and right.

Repeating the Process for the Other Pedal

10. Rotate the other crank arm into the forward position and repeat the process, making sure to turn the wrench the correct direction for each pedal (counterclockwise for right, clockwise for left).
11. With both pedals removed, take the opportunity to clean the threads inside the crank arms before installing new pedals.

Tips and Tricks for Easier Pedal Removal

Here are a few tips to make removing your pedals easier and prevent damage:

Using Grease for Easier Removal

• When installing new pedals, always grease the threads first. This prevents them from seizing and makes future removal much easier.
• If your old pedals feel excessively stiff or tight, spray some penetrating oil on the threads and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting removal.

Leveraging Your Body Weight

• If you’re having trouble generating enough force with your hand and arm, try an assisted pedal removal technique:
  1. With the crank arm pointing forward and the wrench fitted, place your foot on the wrench handle.
  2. Carefully transfer your body weight onto the wrench. Keep your hands on the bike for balance. Your body weight generates significantly more force than your arm alone.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Even with the right technique, you may encounter some difficulties. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Dealing with Stuck Pedals

• If a pedal won’t budge, don’t force it. Spray penetrating oil on the threads, let it sit, and try again. Repeat a few times if needed.
• Still stuck? Try tapping the wrench with a mallet to shock the threads. Use a wood or rubber mallet to avoid damaging your tools.
• As a last resort, apply heat with a hairdryer or heat gun. The heat can cause the metal to expand slightly, breaking the corrosion’s grip. Be careful not to overdo it and damage your bearings!

Ensuring Correct Direction

• Always double check that you’re turning the wrench the correct direction before applying force – counterclockwise for right pedal, clockwise for left.
• If you start turning and the resistance immediately feels excessive, stop. You may be going the wrong way. Reversing direction can save the threads before damage occurs.

Conclusion

Removing bike pedals is a straightforward task once you know the technique and have the right tools. With this guide, you’re now equipped to tackle pedal removal with confidence.

Recap of Key Steps

To sum it up, here are the key steps:

1. Get your pedal wrench and grease ready
2. Position crank arm forward
3. Fit wrench onto wrench flats
4. Turn counterclockwise for right pedal, clockwise for left
5. Apply steady pressure to loosen and remove pedal
6. Repeat for other side

Final Tips for Successful Pedal Removal

• Grease your new pedal threads before installing to make future removals easier
• Take your time and use controlled, steady force – rushing or jerking can damage your tools or threads
• When in doubt, consult manufacturer instructions or bring your bike to a professional mechanic

With practice, removing pedals will become quick and routine. Happy wrenching!
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