This page will discuss how to remove bike pedals without needing a bike repair stand.
Things to note :
- Depending on the pedal design, you’ll need to use an 8mm hex wrench or a pedal wrench.
- Right side pedal installs clockwise, removes counterclockwise.
- Left side pedal removes clockwise, installs counterclockwise.
- Pedals can be tight and hard to remove. Make sure to check the threads before applying force.
Should I use a hex or pedal wrench?
A quick and easy way to decide is to look at the spindle body next to the threads. Is there a flat, 5mm wide surface?
If yes, then you can use a pedal wrench. Otherwise, use the hex wrench.
Here’s a quick summary of some of the common pedals.
Use 8mm hex wrench
- Shimano Dura Ace / Ultegra / 105 series
- Shimano XTR/ XT series
- Look
- Speedplay
- Time
- Favero Assioma
Use pedal wrench
- Shimano PD series
- Garmin Rally / Vector series
How to remove pedals from your bicycle
- Shift the chain to the largest front chainring.
- Place the bike on flat ground.
- Start with the left side pedal.
- Stand on the bike’s left, place the left pedal at 4 o’clock, and put on your right foot on the pedal.
- Slightly turn the handlebars to the left, so the front wheel is out of the way.
- While applying pressure on the pedal, pull the hex or pedal wrench towards you. This is the clockwise direction to remove the left pedal. Be careful not to hit the downtube.
- If the pedal is tight, you’ll need to apply more force. Continue to unthread the pedal until it’s removed from the crankarm.
- Proceed with the right side pedal.
- Stand on the bike’s right, place the right pedal at 4 o’clock, and put your left foot on the pedal.
- Slightly turn the handlebars to the right, so the front wheel is out of the way.
- While applying pressure on the pedal, pull the hex or pedal wrench towards you. This is the counterclockwise direction to remove the right pedal.
- Continue to unthread the pedal until it’s removed from the crankarm.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.