Installing pedals – quick and easy

Clipless pedals, platform pedals, or duo pedals? It's up to you. That's why sports bikes usually don't come with pedals. Good to know: Almost all of them can be installed in exactly the same way. You can find out how to do it here.

• 15 mm spanner / pedal wrench (for pedals with a tool holder on the outside of the axle)
• Hex wrench, 6 or 8 mm (for pedals with a tool mount on the inside of the axle)
• Assembly grease

• Place the bike securely on the ground, preferably in a workstand.
• Identify the right and left pedal:

  - Most pedals are marked with an "R" (right) and an "L" (left).

  - Attention: The left pedal has a left-hand thread, so it is tightened counterclockwise to prevent it from coming loose while riding.

• Clean the threads on the crank arms and pedals with a cloth.
• Apply some grease or anti-seize paste to the pedal's threads. This prevents the screw from seizing up later, protects the threads, and makes it easier to unscrew.

• Take the pedal marked with an "L" and attach it to the outside of the left crank arm.
• Keep it as straight as possible and screw the first few turns in by hand, counterclockwise. There should be no noticeable resistance. Otherwise, unscrew it and try again—otherwise you risk damaging the thread.
• After the first few turns, you can use the pedal wrench or hex wrench to help. Note that the hex wrench is inserted from the opposite side, and the direction of tightening changes from this angle.
• Repeat this process with the right pedal. This is turned in clockwise (viewed from the outside).

• Tighten both pedals firmly, but don't use excessive force.
• Ideally, you should use a suitable torque wrench – 35 Nm is standard (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
• If you don't have a torque wrench, tighten the pedals hand-tight, then tighten them a little further (no more than a quarter turn).

• Turn the cranks all the way to the left and right: The pedals should turn freely and smoothly.
• After your first ride, check again to see if they have come loose (this is rare, but possible).
• Make sure to check regularly that your pedals are secure – especially on gravel and MTB trails.