MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
PEDALS
Pedals are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, and each are designed with a particular purpose in mind. Some
pedals can be fitted with toe clips and straps. These help to keep the feet correctly positioned and allow the rider to exert
pulling force, as well as downward pressure, on the pedals. Use of toe clips with straps requires practice to acquire the neces-
sary skill to operate them safely.
Inspection: Pedals should be inspected every month, taking note of the following areas:
- Check that the pedals are tightened securely against the crank arm. If pedals are allowed to become loose, they will not only
be dangerous but will also cause irreparable damage to the cranks.
- Check that pedal bearings are properly adjusted. Move the pedals up and down, and right to left, and also rotate them by
hand. If you detect any looseness or roughness in the pedal bearings then adjustment, lubrication or replacement is required.
- Ensure that the front and rear pedal reflectors are clean and securely fitted.
WARNING! Never ride with loose pedals. Always wear shoes.
Lubrication and Adjustment: Many pedals cannot be disassembled to allow access to the internal bearings and axle.
However, it is usually possible to inject a little oil onto the inside
bearings, and this should be done every six months.If the pedal
is the type that can be fully disassembled, then the bearings should be removed, cleaned and greased every six to twelve
months. Because of the wide variety of pedal types and their internal complexity, disassembly procedures are beyond the scope
of this manual and further assistance should be sought from a professional bicycle mechanic.
Attachment
Note: The right and left pedals of a bicycle each have a different thread and are not interchangeable. Never force a pedal into
the incorrect crank arm. Check for the right (R) and left (L) letters on each pedal and crank arm. Match the appropriate pedal to
each crank (right to right and left to left) for assembly. Insert the correct pedal into the crank arm and begin to turn the thread
with your fingers only. When the axle is screwed all the way in, securely tighten using a 15mm narrow open-ended wrench so
that the shoulder of the pedal spindle is securely tightened against
the crank arm. If removing a pedal, remember that the right
pedal axle must be turned counter clockwise, i.e. the reverse of when fitting. If replacing the original pedals with a new set,
make sure the size and the axle thread is compatible with the cranks on your bicycle. Bicycles use one of two types of cranks
and these use different axle threads. Your bike may be equipped with cranks that are a one piece design with no separate axle.
These operate with pedals that have a 1/2"(12.7mm) thread. Bikes equipped with three piece crank sets with a separate axle,
left crank and right crank, use a slightly larger 9/16"(14mm) thread. Note: Never try and force a pedal with the wrong thread size
into a bicycle crank.
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