How to Replace Your Bicycle Pedals in 10 Minutes

Whether you are upgrading to high-performance clipless pedals, switching to grippier platforms, or replacing a worn-out set, changing your bicycle pedals is one of the easiest DIY maintenance tasks you can perform. However, there is a major catch: one of your pedals is reverse-threaded. If you turn it the wrong way, you can easily strip the aluminum threads on your bike's crank arms, resulting in an expensive repair bill.

With the right technique and a simple rule of thumb, you can swap your pedals safely and confidently in under 10 minutes.

Tools and Materials Needed

• New bicycle pedals (labeled 'L' and 'R')
• A 15mm pedal wrench or a standard 15mm open-ended wrench (some pedals use a 6mm or 8mm Allen/hex key instead)
• Bicycle grease or anti-seize lubricant
• A clean rag or paper towel

Step 1: Identify the Left and Right Pedals

Before doing anything else, inspect your new pedals. Bicycle pedals are side-specific. Look closely at the threaded spindle of each pedal for an engraved 'L' (Left) or 'R' (Right). The right pedal goes on the side with the chain (the drive side), and the left pedal goes on the non-chain side.

Step 2: Remove the Right Pedal (Drive Side)

The right pedal has standard threading. To remove it:

• Position your bike securely on the ground or in a work stand.
• Place your wrench onto the flat sections of the pedal spindle (or insert the Allen key into the back of the pedal spindle).
• Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen the pedal.
• Spin the pedal completely out of the crank arm and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side)

The left pedal is reverse-threaded to prevent it from unscrewing itself while you ride. To remove it:

• Attach your wrench to the left pedal spindle.
• Turn the wrench clockwise to loosen this pedal.
• Spin the pedal out completely.

The Golden Rule of Pedal Removal: To loosen both pedals, you always turn the wrench toward the rear of the bicycle.

Step 4: Clean the Crank Arm Threads

Take your clean rag and thoroughly wipe out the threads inside both crank arms. Removing old grease, grit, and road grime is critical. Inspect the threads for any damage before installing the new pedals.

Step 5: Apply Fresh Grease

Apply a generous dab of bicycle grease or anti-seize lubricant to the threads of both new pedals. Do not skip this step! Metal-on-metal threads can seize over time due to moisture and road grit, making them almost impossible to remove in the future.

Step 6: Thread and Tighten the New Pedals

Now, install your new pedals. Always start threading them by hand to prevent cross-threading, which can ruin your crank arms.

• The Right Pedal (R): Insert it into the right crank arm and hand-turn it clockwise. Once it is threaded in smoothly, use your wrench to snug it down firmly.
• The Left Pedal (L): Insert it into the left crank arm and hand-turn it counter-clockwise. Once threaded in, tighten it firmly with your wrench.

The Golden Rule of Pedal Installation: To tighten both pedals, you always turn the wrench toward the front of the bicycle. Ensure they are snug, but do not over-tighten them with excessive force.

Give your pedals a quick spin to ensure they rotate smoothly, and you are ready to ride!