How to Change Pedals on a Mountain Bike
Mountain bike pedals go through extensive punishment when riding on rough and rugged trails in the backcountry. However, they are still overlooked despite being the most critical contact points on a mountain bike. Knowing when to replace your pedals is critical to your riding experience, and learning how to do it is a crucial skill for any mountain bike enthusiast. This step-by-step guide will tell you how to replace your MTB pedals.
Why would you want to change mountain bike pedals?
Pedals are an essential component of a bike. They are what connects the rider to the bike and are responsible for transferring power from the rider to the bike's wheels. There are many reasons why you may want to change your mountain bike pedals: -The main reason is to improve their riding experience. This can be done by switching to a different pedal that is more comfortable, provides better grip, or has a more ergonomic design. -You may also want to change your pedals because they are boring! If you don't like how your current pedal set looks, it might be time for a new pair. Pedals can wear out over time, decreasing their efficiency and making them more difficult to use. - If you find yourself slipping off your pedals too often, chances are that your cleats are too thick, and you should get a thinner set.
What are the different types of pedals?
The two most common types of pedals are flat and clipless. Flat pedals have a large surface area designed to be used with shoes or cycling shoes with cleats. On the other hand, Clipless pedals only have one point of contact between the pedal and shoe, which makes them more efficient at transferring power than flat pedals. A quick way to tell which type of pedal is on your bike is by looking at where your feet go when you're sitting in the saddle with both feet on top of the pedals. If your feet touch each other without extra space, you have clipless (SPDs).
How do you change mountain bike pedals?
Mountain bike pedals have a long history of being a tricky part to replace. They are difficult to remove and are often stuck in place with an adhesive that is very hard to get off. However, the following easy steps will help you replace your mountain bike pedals at home: Step 1- Get your tools in place Luckily, you don't need too many tools to do this. You will only need an 8mm hex wrench or a 15mm crescent wrench. Alternatively, you can go with a pedal wrench specific to your mountain bike. Step 2- Remove the old pedals -Take your monkey/pedal/crescent wrench and slide into the flat, threaded part of the pedal-where it joins with the crank arm. -Turn the wrench on the drive side of the pedal in a clockwise direction to loosen the pedal and remove it. -For the left-sided pedal, turn the wrench in the anticlockwise direction to loosen and remove it. Note that the left pedal on your mountain bike is reverse threaded. So, what you do to loosen your right pedal is the opposite of what you do on the left pedal.
If you only have a hex wrench to work with: -From inside the crank arm, slide the short end of the hex wrench into the hole in the crank arm until it hits the hole in the pedal. -Turn the hex wrench clockwise to unscrew the left side pedal -Turn the hex wrench anticlockwise to unscrew the right side pedal
Step 3- Install your new pedals Before installing your replacement pedals, the most important thing to remember is that they are not interchangeable. The right pedal goes on the right side and vice versa. Luckily, they are clearly labeled "R" and "L," so this won't be a problem -Use a clean rag to wipe down the pedal spindle and crank arm before lubricating the pedal spindle -Position the pedal spindle in line with the crank arm hole so that they are level and parallel to the ground but perpendicular to the crank arm. -Using your fingers, thread the spindle into the hole. This should be easy but in case of any resistance, try redoing it to get it right. -Once you've threaded it as tightly as your fingers can, insert the wrench between the crank arm and pedal, through the crank arm hole. -Tighten the right pedal by turning the wrench clockwise before moving to the left side and turning the wrench counterclockwise.
Are mountain bike pedals expensive?
Mountain bike pedals are not as expensive as you might think. A good pair will set you back about $60-$80, and these can last for years with proper care.
Do lighter bike pedals make a difference?
Many people believe that the weight of the pedals does not make a difference. But some also believe that lighter pedals can improve their performance. To find out if lighter bike pedals make a difference, we need to look at the physics of the situation. Bike pedals are designed for your feet and legs to provide resistance when you push down on them. This resistance should be proportional to how hard you push down on them. If the pedal is too light, it will not provide enough resistance, and it will be easy for you to push down on it and move your bike forward quickly. If the pedal is too heavy, it will be difficult for you to push down on the pedal and move your bike forward at any speed.
Final word
Changing your mountain bike pedals can seem like an intimidating task for the uninitiated. But you don't need to go to the bike repair shop and waste your hard-earned cash. With proper guidance, as explained above, you can do it from the comfort of your garage!
