Pedals are of course what you use to propel your bike forward, so making sure your bike has the kind of pedal that feels comfortable to you is important. This can be a matter of trial and error, but most bikers find out quickly if their pedals work for them or against them.
How Size Varies
Pedal sizes are pretty standard, not varying much from the average size 11 cm in length, 7 cm wide and 2.8 cm, as mentioned in the Dimensions Guide. The most important thing to consider when purchasing new pedals for your bike is not the size since it barely varies, but the type of pedal, and the type of riding you do with your bike, as well as the type of foot ware you intend to use.
Different Types of Pedals
The Dimension Guide website mentions two types of pedals: platform pedals and traditional quill pedals. Of those two, platform pedals are considered more versatile, partly because they come in different widths.
Platform Pedals
With a platform pedal the foot rests on a flat area. The top of the pedal is also flat and can be used with toe clips or straps. This feature makes it possible for a rider to wear soft-soled foot ware, and even flip-flops. However, if you are riding a mountain bike with your platform pedals, you might want to reconsider your foot ware. According the the Dimensions Guide, the toe clips for instance are thought to be unsafe under some circumstances.
Quill Pedals
Quill pedals have so-called cages to which you can attach toe clips, which come in three varieties: tourist pedals, road pedals and track pedals. The most narrow pedal is the track pedal, followed by the road pedal already on the wider side, and then the tourist pedal is the widest of the three. Obviously, the type of biking will decide which of the pedals suit you best. If you intend to wear non-racing shoes, consider the tourist pedal.
Pedal Replacement
The tool required to change a pedal depends on its size. According to Jim Langley, you can change an average size pedal of 15 mm van with a combination wrench. Other pedals might need a long-handled wrench. Either way, changing a bike pedal can be tricky if you don't know what you are doing. In part this difficulty arises from the two different materials involved: steel pedal axles and soft aluminum crank arms, with one easily damaging the other. In addition, the left pedal's threading is the opposite of what is common in that clockwise loosens the pedal and counterclockwise tightens it. Another reason why pedal removal is particularly challenging is that they an be attached to the crank arms unusually tightly.
Member Comments