You can’t push forth without a sturdy set of platforms underneath your feet. Luckily, installing or replacing bike pedals is easy to do. You’ve got this!
What you’ll need
The process is the same for both our kids' and adult bicycles and our snazzy electric bikes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A set of pedals
- Your bike
- A 15mm open-ended spanner wrench (included with many Jetson bike and e-bike models)
Before you start
Though they may look the same at first glance, the 2 pedals included in a set are slightly different. One is designated for the left side of your bike, and the other is for the right.
You’ll need to identify which is which.
In most cases, a set of bike pedals comes labeled with an “R” on one of them (to identify the right pedal) and an “L” on the other (to identify the left one). This is often done with an adhesive sticker, stamping, or engraving on the pedal.
If your pedals are not labeled, you can differentiate the right versus the left pedal quickly. Here’s how.
- Identify the spindle part of the pedal. (It’s the small cylinder that gets twisted the hole on the crank arm of the bike.)
- Hold the pedals in front of you with the spindle pointed up.
- Look carefully and closely at the threading on each spindle. (The threading is the ridged channel that twists around the spindle.)
- Note which of the two spindles has threading that angles up and around the spindle to the right. This marks the right pedal. Note that the other angles up and around the spindle to the left. This marks the left pedal.
Helpful tip: The sloping is very slight. Holding the two spindles side by side, with the pedal on the bottom and the spindle on the top, will help you see the distinction.
Understanding the difference
The threading will affect how you install and remove each pedal.
Right Pedal – Install it with clockwise rotation; remove it with counterclockwise rotation.
Left Pedal – Install it with counterclockwise rotation; remove it with clockwise rotation.
Why the difference in threading? It’s to prevent the pedals from unscrewing over time while you ride. The motion of pedaling rotates the right crank arm in clockwise rotation, but the left crank arm in counterclockwise rotation. To prevent your foot pressure from loosening the spindle from the crank arm hole, we want any effect from that pressure to match the direction of the spindle’s threading. Otherwise, we risk a gradual loosening that could lead to a wobbly pedal.
Installing your pedals.
Once you’ve identified your left and right pedals, let's get them onto your bike!
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Set the scene: If your bike has a kickstand, use it to prop up the bike. If you are installing foldable pedals, ensure that they are unfolded before starting.
- Start with the right pedal. Hold it horizontally with the spindle facing the hole in the crank arm on the right side of the bike.
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Use one hand to hold the pedal steady while you use the other handle to gently twist the spindle into the hole using clockwise rotations.
Important: To avoid damage to the spindle threads or the threading inside the hole, ensure that you are inserting the spindle straight on. If you feel resistance during the first few twists, the spindle is likely askew. Reverse direction of your rotation to remove the spindle, then re-align it before inserting it again.
- Once the spindle is inserted enough to no longer require support from your other hand, use the 15mm spanner wrench to finish the job. Carefully and fully tighten the spindle by turning it clockwise with the wrench.
- Check that the right pedal is secure.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5 with the left pedal, inserting and tightening the spindle with counterclockwise rotation.
- Pop on a helmet, plan a route – and pedal through a fantastic journey.
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. You can find many of them in your model’s user manuals, but we’re available to fill in the gaps by way of chat. You can also tap into our network of bike shops for local, hands-on service. Reach out whenever you need assistance – and happy riding!