How To Remove Mountain Bike Pedals

There are two major types of mountain bike pedals: clipless and flat. Flat pedals are the simplest type of pedal and require no special equipment to use. They are often used for beginners because they don’t require the rider to wear special shoes or clips that attach to the shoe.

Clipless pedals, on the other hand, are more complex and require a special shoe with a cleat on it that snaps into the pedal when you step down.

The first way to remove mountain bike pedals is by unscrewing them from their axle with an Allen wrench or hex key.

Which way do MTB 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. Apply bike grease to the new pedals and screw them in at an even 90 degree angle. Screw in until each pedal is fully inserted and tight; then hit the road!^[1]

Are mountain bike pedals reverse thread?

Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm. The right side is normal, so turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it.^[2]

Which way are pedals threaded?

It is important to remember that pedal threads are different from left side and right side. The right side pedal has a right-hand thread (removes counterclockwise, installs clockwise). The left side pedal has a left-hand thread (removes clockwise, installs counterclockwise).^[3]

What size is a pedal wrench?

Pedal wrench flats are typically 15mm in size. 9/16″ (~14.3mm) is somewhat common on older pedals. 17mm and other sizes have been used, but you aren’t very likely to encounter them.^[4]

What can I use instead of a pedal wrench?

Since you don’t have a pedal wrench, typically, your standard 15 mm open-end wrench will do the trick just as easily.^[5]

Is a pedal wrench necessary?

To answer the question, it depends. A large spanner or thin crescent can do the job, but that also depends somewhat on the pedal design and if it can get in there. If not, then a pedal wrench is necessary.^[6]

Can I use a regular wrench to remove pedals?

Depending on what pedals you have, you might be able to use a regular combination wrench instead (most pedals are 15mm). Note that some pedals are installed and removed with an Allen wrench (photo). You’ll need one with a long handle.^[7]

How do I change my bike pedals?

If your pedals use a hex key, place the short end of the hex key into the back of the pedal so the long section is pointing towards the back of the bike. With your tool fitted, push down hard onto the tool, while holding the opposite crank, to loosen the pedal. You can then continue to unscrew the pedal by hand.^[8]

What thread are MTB pedals?

Almost all modern adult bikes have the 9/16” pedal with 20 threads per inch (tpi). This thread size is what you will find on all the big brand mountain bikes and road bikes such as, Trek, Specialized, Giant, and any other big brand out there.^[9]

Are all MTB pedals universal?

Bike pedals are not all the same size. Bike pedal sizes vary due to the crank arms dictating the specific sized threads that it will take; this is mainly dependent on the age of the bike as well as the type of bike that you have.^[10]

Why are pedals reverse threaded?

The real reason for left-hand threads is to prevent unthreading due to a phenomenon called “precession,” which is not obvious. The force your foot exerts on the pedal tends to make the threaded pedal rod roll around inside the threaded hole.^[11]

Which pedal is anti-clockwise?

The most important thing you need to know about pedals is that the threads are different between left and right sides. The drive-side pedal has a right-hand thread — the usual kind, that you turn clockwise to tighten. But the left hand side has a left hand thread, so it tightens anti-clockwise.^[12]