Are Road Bike Pedals Universal?
Road biking is one of the best ways to exercise or relieve stress. It’s okay to be an amateur to enjoy this sport. Road bikes are costly, and you want to ensure that you use the right pedals. Pedals are one of the most critical parts of your road bike. Bike pedals are replaced regularly, so you only want the best, but are they universal?
Road bike pedals are universal. It is pivotal that the thread is the right size. It must be the right size for the type of crank you have on your road bike. If you want to ensure the longevity of your road bike, you should always use the best products for your bike.
If you are a big fan of road bikes, you must make sure you buy the right pedals. Pedals are an integral part of your bike. It is the part of your bike that will be replaced regularly or require service. Road bikes do not come cheap! So, maintaining your bike is crucial. Continue reading as we investigate the pedals of your road bike, their importance, and why maintenance is essential.
Are Road Bike Pedals Universal?
At first, the different pedal sizes can be confusing. Road bike pedals are universal. If the thread is the right size for the crank, you won’t have any problems. The standardized size is 9/16 TPI. This size is one of the most common in the industry available today. Whether you buy a mountain bike, hybrid, or road bike, you will find that it requires 9/16 20 TPI thread pedals.
Once you get started, it will be easy! It is advisable that any type of maintenance, including pedal changing, should be carried out while your bike is stationed on a stand. That being said, getting a sturdy and durable bike stand is an excellent investment.
Are Bike Pedals The Same Size?
You get different bike pedal sizes. The size difference can vary due to the crank arms. Crank arms determine the exact thread sizes that it will take. This can be dependent on the age of your bike. It will also depend on the type of bike that you have. These factors are essential in determining what bike pedals you need, including the size.
Vintage bikes’ cranksets will differ from the more modern bikes. A vintage bike will, for instance, have a one-piece crankset. The latter means that this one-piece crankset will frequently take a different size pedal thread when you compare it to a modern bike.
How Will You Know Your Bike Pedal Size?
It is easy to determine your bike pedal size. You can use a set of digital calipers to determine the thread’s width. If you choose to, you can also ask the crank manufacturer. The other option is to take your bike to your local bike service repair or your local bike shop. They will be able to clarify the pedal thread size that is needed.
Cranks are made of three separate sections. These three sections are:
- Two different crank arms;
- The spindle that goes through the frame.
If the above is applicable, your bike pedal size will be size 9/16” x 20 TPI. It will be an expensive mistake to put the wrong type of pedal on your bike. The above size is the most common thread and has been manufactured for adult bikes in the last fifteen years. There are major brands, such as Specialized, Giant, Trek, and Cube, to name a few, that will have the exact thread size on all their models.
Can You Change The Pedals On Your Bike?
The pedals on your road bike need to be changed often, serviced, or replaced. Do new road bikes come standard with pedals? The answer to this question is no. Most frequently, you will have to fit them yourself. Fortunately, it is not a hassle and is relatively easy. Below you will find four easy steps to change or install bike pedals for your road bike.
Sometimes that annoying bike creak can be caused by the pedals. If you are experiencing this problem, you first need to remove your bike pedals, clean them thoroughly and then continue refitting them. Replacing your pedals can be done in under 10 minutes!
What Tools Are Required To Remove Bike Pedals?
When removing your bike pedals, you will need specific tools. The tools below are what you will need to remove your bike pedals.
- A 15mm pedal wrench;
- A 6mm Allen key;
- Loctite or assembly grease;
- New pedals (if required).
How Do You Remove Old Bike Pedals?
When you remove your old bike pedals, you will realize that it can be challenging. Why is it difficult? The self-tightening thread can make the removal a daunting task. Loosening the pedals will require a fair amount of grease. If you still need to remove or grease your pedals, this will be the case.
Is There A Difference Between The Left And Right Pedal?
Yes, there is a difference. The screw threads on the left and right pedals are different. They screw in or out in different directions. You will notice that the pedals are marked left or right. It is essential to take note of that to avoid any problems.
The good thing about bike pedals is that they have a self-tightening mechanism. It tightens as the pedal moves forward. This safety feature helps to prevent the pedals from unscrewing themselves. The pedals are marked with an L for left and an R for right.
How Do You Clean And Re-lubricate The Screw Thread?
The screw thread is located on the cranks. To clean it, you can use an old dry cloth. You can also apply a degreaser. If you put the same pedals back on, you should remember to clean them. Pay special attention to their screw threads.
To ensure you do a proper job, remove all the old grease. After doing so, you should smear the screw threads of the pedals with grease. You can also use Loctite.
Conclusion
Road biking is for more than just professional cyclists. Everyone can enjoy it! It’s an easy way to stay in shape and relieve stress. An essential part when owning a road bike is, without a doubt, the maintenance of your bike. Always check your bike pedals, and make sure they are adequately greased. Use the correct tools when you change your pedals. What’s the best part? Enjoy your road biking!
