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How to Remove Pedals

Our quick illustrated guide shows you how to your bicycle pedals with ease.

You'll need to remove your pedals for general bicycle maintenance if you are travelling with your bike and of course to replace them.

Tools required

CONDOR ALLEN KEY
Suitable for Time, Look and Crank Brother pedals
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CONDOR 15MM PEDAL WRENCH
Remove flat pedals and Shimano pedals with ease.
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MUC-OFF BIKE SPRAY
Helps loosen stubborn pedals
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Tip 1

If your pedals haven't been removed in a while, you might need to spray a little penetrating fluid, such as GT85 or Muc Off Bike Spray, to get them started. If, after a couple of turns, you've managed to expose a few threads then spray the fluid again, repeating every few threads until the pedals are free. A dry, corroded thread can become damaged if you remove the pedal without a little help from a lubricant or oil.

Tip 2

Before removing the pedals, protect yourself from possible injury by placing your chain onto the big ring.

Tip 3

Remember, the left pedal spindle is reverse threaded. Turn it clockwise to remove the pedal when facing the crank arm. The right side is normal, so turn it anti-clockwise to loosen it.

To loosen pedals using an Allen key, you will need to insert the Allen key into the pedal axle opposite the pedal.

Remove pedals - drive side (right)View of the drive side

Steps to remove pedals

1. Face the drive side of the bike. This is the right-hand side of the bike with the with the chainset and chain. Turn the crank arm to the 3 o'clock position.
2. Place spanner on the flattened surface between the pedal body and the crank arm.
3. Holding the brakes with your hands. Push your foot down onto the spanner to rotate the tool anti-clockwise.
We find that using your foot allows you to generate additional leverage and ensure that you are positioned in a way that will prevent you from striking sharp edges on the bike or losing your balance if the pedal should suddenly decide to break loose.
4. Once the pedal has been loosened, continue to rotate the tool anti-clockwise to free the pedal.

Remove pedals: non-drive side
Non-drive side

5. Turn the bicycle around. The non-drive side (left-hand side) is now facing you.
6. Rotate the crank arm to 9 o'clock so it is horizontal with the floor.
7. Position the spanner or Allen key in line with the crank arm.
8. Push down with your foot onto the spanner. The spanner will rotate clockwise to loosen the pedal.

Remove pedals: with allen keyPositioning of an allen key to remove a pedal

SHOP THE PEDAL HOW-TO GUIDE

CONDOR ALLEN KEY
Suitable for Shimano & Time pedals
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CONDOR 15MM PEDAL WRENCH
Remove pedals with ease
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MUC-OFF BIKE SPRAY
Helps loosen stubborn pedals
SHOP NOW
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