Downhill mountain bikers and extreme BMXers often damage and bend the bike pedals during high-impact falls and painful slide outs. Professional BMX rider Matt Wilhelm recommends applying grease to the threads when installing a new pair of bike pedals. The waterproof grease helps to prevent metal-on-metal contact between the threads of the pedals and crank arms. When equipping your bike with Shimano pedals, choose a pair that matches your riding style. According to Shimano, the company offers a variety of pedals for advanced mountain bikers and BMX riders.
Step 1
Insert a 15-mm wrench into the slot between the inner edge of your right pedal and the base of the crank arm that holds it. Rotate the wrench handle counterclockwise to loosen the pedal nut. Pull on the pedal to remove it from the crank arm.
Step 2
Align the wrench around the nut located between the inner edge of your left pedal and the base of the crank arm. Turn the wrench handle in a clockwise direction, because this nut has reversed thread. Pull on the pedal body to remove it from the crank arm.
Step 3
Squeeze a small amount of grease onto the end of an old wheel spoke. Rub the grease onto the metallic threads located on the cylindrical spindles on your Shimano pedals.
Step 4
Apply a small amount of grease into the pedal holes at the base of the crank arms to lubricate the threads.
Step 5
Align the spindle threads of your pedals into the threads of the crank arms.
Step 6
Rotate the right pedal clockwise to pack in the grease and prevent metal-on-metal contact. Tighten the pedal bolt with the wrench to secure it in place.
Step 7
Repeat the process with the left pedal while remembering the reverse thread.
Things You'll Need
- 15-mm wrench
- Old wheel spoke
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