Different pedal types

Exactly how you take them off will depend on what type of pedals you’re running.

If you use Shimano, Look, Time, Speedplay or, to be honest, most brands, what you’ll need is an 8mm Allen key (in certain cases you might need a 6mm version instead).

If you’re using flat pedals then a 15mm pedal spanner is your friend.

So, on to the practicalities. The first thing to remember is the pedals are opposite threaded. I know we mentioned that earlier but it’s easy to forget, especially if you’re in a rush.

So remember the left pedal undoes clockwise, and the right anticlockwise.

There’s a chance you might find the pedals require more persuasion than simply trying to turn the Allen key/spanner, as they’re quite tight.

The best way to get around this is to tap the end of the allen key with either your palm or a rubber ended mallet. I tend to start with my hand, and only turn to something more industrial as a last resort.

If you’re running metal cranks, there is a last resort if you absolutely can’t get the pedals to budge. I can’t stress how much this is a last resort, and if you have carbon cranks and are mad enough to do this (don’t, seriously, just don’t) you deserve everything you get.

Heat up the end of the crank using a lighter or similar. Metal expands when hot, and when the crank arm heats up enough you should be able to unscrew the pedal with relative ease.

Hopefully it won’t come to that but, however much persuasion your pedals needed, there you have it. Job done.