Peloton Bike: Pedal Removal, Tools, and Re-installation

How to remove Peloton Bike pedals?

Removing Peloton Bike pedals is a straightforward process that requires the correct tools and a fundamental understanding of bicycle pedal threading, particularly the reverse threading on the left pedal.

Why You Might Need to Remove Peloton Pedals

There are several common reasons why a Peloton Bike owner might need to remove their pedals:

• Upgrading or Changing Pedal Systems: The most frequent reason. Peloton Bikes typically come with Look Delta compatible pedals. Riders often wish to switch to SPD pedals for mountain bike shoes, flat pedals for casual riding, or even different road cycling cleat systems.
• Maintenance and Repair: Over time, pedals can develop squeaks, loose bearings, or other issues requiring removal for cleaning, lubrication, or replacement of internal components.
• Moving or Shipping Your Bike: Removing the pedals can make the bike slightly more compact and easier to maneuver or pack, reducing the risk of damage during transport.
• Crank Arm Replacement: If a crank arm needs to be replaced due to damage or wear, the pedal must first be removed.

Essential Tools for Pedal Removal

Having the right tools is crucial for a safe and efficient pedal removal process. For Peloton Bikes, you will typically need:

• 15mm Pedal Wrench: This is the primary tool for the standard Look Delta pedals that come pre-installed on most Peloton Bikes. A dedicated pedal wrench is often thinner and longer than a standard open-end wrench, providing better grip and leverage.
• Allen Wrench (6mm or 8mm): Some aftermarket pedals, particularly many SPD-compatible models, are designed to be installed and removed using an Allen (hex) key from the inside of the crank arm, rather than a pedal wrench on the spindle flats. Check your specific pedal type.
• Bicycle Grease: Essential for re-installing pedals to prevent seizing and facilitate future removal.
• Shop Towel or Rag: For cleaning the pedal threads and surrounding areas.
• Penetrating Oil (Optional): For extremely stubborn or seized pedals.

Understanding Pedal Threading: A Critical Concept

This is the most important concept to grasp before attempting pedal removal. Bicycle pedals are threaded in a specific way to prevent them from unscrewing themselves during normal pedaling.

• Right Pedal (Drive Side): This is the pedal on the same side as the bike's chainring. It has standard threading, meaning "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey." To loosen it, you will turn your wrench counter-clockwise.
• Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side): This is the pedal on the opposite side of the chainring. It has reverse threading. This means that to loosen it, you will turn your wrench clockwise.

A helpful mnemonic: To loosen both pedals, you will always turn the wrench towards the rear of the bike if the crank arm is positioned forward. Or, think of it as turning the wrench in the direction opposite to how the pedals would normally spin if you were pedaling forward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Peloton Pedals

Follow these steps carefully to remove your Peloton Bike pedals:

1. Prepare Your Bike:

   • Unplug your Peloton Bike for safety.
   • Ensure the bike is stable.
   • Position the crank arm (the arm holding the pedal) you are working on so it is pointing forward or slightly upward, which will give you the best leverage.

2. Identify Pedal Type and Tool:

   • Examine your pedals. If they have two flat edges on the spindle closest to the crank arm, they likely require a 15mm pedal wrench. This is typical for the stock Peloton pedals.
   • If there is a hexagonal recess on the inside end of the pedal spindle (facing the crank arm), you will need an Allen key (usually 6mm or 8mm).

3. Remove the Right Pedal (Drive Side):

   • Position the right crank arm pointing forward or slightly up.
   • Place your 15mm pedal wrench onto the two flats of the pedal spindle. Ensure the wrench is fully seated.
   • To loosen, turn the wrench counter-clockwise.
   • Apply firm, steady pressure. You may need to put significant force into it, especially if the pedals have been on for a long time. You can use the opposite crank arm or the frame for leverage. Once the initial "break" occurs, it should loosen more easily.
   • Carefully unscrew the pedal by hand once it's loose enough.

4. Remove the Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side):

   • Position the left crank arm pointing forward or slightly up.
   • Place your 15mm pedal wrench onto the two flats of the pedal spindle.
   • To loosen this pedal, turn the wrench clockwise (due to reverse threading).
   • Again, apply firm, steady pressure. The initial break can be the hardest part.
   • Carefully unscrew the pedal by hand once it's loose enough.

5. Inspect and Clean:

   • Once both pedals are removed, inspect the threads on the crank arms and the pedals themselves.
   • Use a clean rag to wipe away any old grease, dirt, or debris from the crank arm threads.

Tips for Successful Pedal Removal

• Leverage is Key: Position your body and the crank arm to maximize your leverage. Standing over the bike and pushing down on the wrench can often be more effective than pulling up.
• Steady, Firm Pressure: Avoid sudden, jerky movements. A consistent, strong push or pull is less likely to slip and cause injury or damage.
• For Stubborn Pedals: If a pedal is seized, apply a small amount of penetrating oil (like WD-40 or similar) to the threads and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow it to work its way in. Then, try again with firm pressure.
• Protect Your Hands: Wearing work gloves can provide better grip and protect your hands from scrapes or slips.

Re-Installation Considerations

When installing new or old pedals, always remember these crucial points:

• Grease the Threads: Before re-installing any pedal, apply a thin, even layer of bicycle-specific grease to the pedal threads. This prevents corrosion, seizing, and makes future removal much easier.
• Hand-Tighten First: Always start threading the pedals by hand. This allows you to feel if the threads are aligning correctly. If you encounter significant resistance, stop and re-align. Forcing it can cross-thread and permanently damage your crank arm.
• Mind the Threading: Remember: the right pedal tightens clockwise, and the left pedal tightens counter-clockwise.
• Torque Specifications: Once hand-tight, use your 15mm pedal wrench or Allen key to tighten the pedals firmly. While you don't need to overtighten, they should be snug. Many pedal manufacturers provide torque specifications (often around 30-40 Nm). If you have a torque wrench with the appropriate adapter, use it for precision.