Peloton Pedals: Removal, Replacement, and Customization Guide

Can you remove Peloton pedals?

Yes, Peloton pedals are designed to be fully removable and replaceable, allowing riders to customize their cycling experience with different pedal systems or to perform necessary maintenance.

The Definitive Answer: Yes, and Why It Matters

Peloton bikes, like most stationary and road bicycles, are built with standard, interchangeable components. This means their pedals are not permanently affixed but are threaded into the crank arms and can be removed and replaced. This modular design is a fundamental aspect of bicycle engineering, offering riders significant flexibility and control over their equipment. Understanding how to remove and install pedals correctly is a valuable skill for any serious cyclist or fitness enthusiast.

Common Reasons for Pedal Removal or Replacement

While Peloton bikes come equipped with Look KEO-compatible pedals, there are several compelling reasons why a rider might choose to remove or replace them:

• Customization of Cleat System: Peloton's standard pedals are compatible with Look KEO road cleats. Many riders, however, prefer other clipless systems, such as SPD (commonly used for mountain biking or spin classes due to its recessed cleat for easier walking) or SPD-SL (another road cycling standard). Replacing pedals allows the use of preferred cycling shoes and cleats.
• Using Flat Pedals for Casual Riding: For those who wish to ride their Peloton bike in regular athletic shoes without cycling cleats, installing flat pedals provides a convenient and accessible option for more casual workouts or for family members who don't own cycling-specific footwear.
• Upgrading Pedals: Riders may seek to upgrade to lighter, more durable, or ergonomically advanced pedals. This also includes the installation of power meter pedals, which provide highly accurate wattage data directly from the pedal stroke.
• Maintenance or Repair: Pedals, like any mechanical component, can wear out over time. Bearings can develop play, or the pedal body might get damaged. Removing them is necessary for cleaning, servicing, or replacing a faulty pedal.
• Travel or Shipping: While less common for a stationary bike, removing pedals can slightly reduce the bike's width, which might be beneficial for moving or storing the unit in tight spaces.

Essential Tools for the Job

Before you begin, gather the following tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth and safe process, preventing damage to your bike or injury to yourself.

• 15mm Pedal Wrench: This is the most common tool required for pedals that have wrench flats on the spindle (the axle of the pedal). A dedicated pedal wrench is often thinner and longer than a standard open-end wrench, providing better leverage and clearance.
• 6mm or 8mm Allen Key (Hex Wrench): Some newer or higher-end pedals (including some Peloton pedals) are designed to be installed and removed using an Allen key inserted into the end of the pedal spindle from the back of the crank arm. Check your specific pedal type.
• Bicycle Grease (Anti-Seize Compound): Crucial for preventing the pedal threads from seizing in the crank arm and making future removal easier. It also helps prevent creaking.
• Rag or Shop Towel: For cleaning up old grease and debris.
• Torque Wrench (Optional but Recommended): For precise tightening of new pedals to the manufacturer's specified torque, preventing over or under-tightening.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Peloton Pedals

Proper technique is paramount when removing pedals, particularly due to the differing thread directions on each side of the bike.

1. Stabilize the Bike: Ensure your Peloton bike is on a stable, level surface. You may want to place a mat underneath to catch any grease or tools.
2. Identify Pedal Type: Determine if your pedals require a 15mm pedal wrench or a 6mm/8mm Allen key. Most Peloton bikes use a 15mm pedal wrench.
3. Position for Leverage:
   • For the right pedal (drive side), rotate the crank arm so it is pointing forward, roughly at the 3 o'clock position.
   • For the left pedal (non-drive side), rotate the crank arm so it is pointing forward, roughly at the 9 o'clock position.
   • Positioning the pedal at the front allows you to push down on the wrench for better leverage, using your body weight.
4. Crucial: Understand Thread Direction: This is the most critical step to avoid cross-threading or damaging your crank arms.
   • Right Pedal (Drive Side): This pedal has standard threads. To loosen it, you will turn the wrench counter-clockwise.
   • Left Pedal (Non-Drive Side): This pedal has reverse threads. To loosen it, you will turn the wrench clockwise.
   • Memory Aid: For removal, always turn the wrench towards the rear of the bike on both sides.
5. Apply Force:
   • Attach the appropriate wrench securely to the pedal spindle.
   • With the pedal positioned forward, apply firm, steady downward pressure on the wrench handle. You may hear a "crack" as the threads break loose; this is normal.
   • If using an Allen key, insert it from the back of the crank arm and apply force in the correct direction.
6. Unscrew Completely: Once the pedal is loose, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Be careful not to drop it.
7. Clean Up: Use a rag to wipe away any old grease or grime from the crank arm threads.

Installing New Pedals: A Reverse Process with Key Nuances

Installing new pedals correctly is just as important as removing them, especially regarding proper lubrication and thread engagement.

1. Clean Threads and Apply Grease: Before installing, ensure both the pedal spindle threads and the crank arm threads are clean. Apply a generous amount of bicycle grease to the threads of the new pedal spindle. This prevents seizing, reduces friction, and allows for easier future removal.
2. Hand-Thread First: This is vital to prevent cross-threading. Gently insert the pedal spindle into the crank arm hole and turn it by hand.
   • For the right pedal, turn clockwise by hand.
   • For the left pedal, turn counter-clockwise by hand.
   • If you feel any resistance or the pedal doesn't thread smoothly, stop immediately. Back it out and try again, ensuring it's straight. Never force it.
3. Tighten with Wrench: Once the pedal is hand-tight, use your pedal wrench or Allen key to tighten it.
   • Memory Aid: For installation, always turn the wrench towards the front of the bike on both sides.
4. Observe Torque Specifications: Pedals should be tightened securely, but not excessively.
   • Standard Torque: Most pedals require a torque of approximately 30-40 Newton-meters (Nm). Consult the pedal manufacturer's instructions if available.
   • If using a torque wrench, set it to the recommended specification and tighten until it clicks. If not, tighten firmly using good leverage, but avoid over-tightening which can damage the crank arm threads.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

• Avoid Cross-Threading at All Costs: This is the most common and damaging mistake. Always start threading by hand to ensure proper alignment. Cross-threading can permanently damage the crank arm, requiring an expensive replacement.
• Grease is Your Friend: Reiterate the importance of grease. It's not just for preventing squeaks; it's a critical anti-seize agent that protects your components.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically check your pedals for any looseness. A loose pedal can cause creaking, reduce power transfer, and potentially damage the threads over time.
• Peloton Warranty: Changing pedals on your Peloton bike typically does not void the warranty. However, any damage caused by improper pedal installation would likely not be covered. Always follow proper procedures.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

While removing and installing pedals is a relatively straightforward task, there are situations where seeking help from a professional bike mechanic is advisable:

• Stuck or Seized Pedals: If a pedal is extremely tight and won't budge even with significant leverage, it might be seized. Forcing it could strip the threads. A mechanic has specialized tools and techniques to free seized pedals safely.
• Damaged Threads: If you suspect the threads on your crank arm or pedal are damaged (e.g., from cross-threading), do not attempt to force a pedal in. A mechanic can assess the damage and, in some cases, re-tap the crank arm threads.
• Uncertainty or Discomfort: If you are unsure about any step of the process or feel uncomfortable performing the task yourself, a bike shop or a Peloton service technician can perform the work quickly and correctly.

Conclusion

The ability to remove and replace Peloton pedals is a practical skill that offers significant benefits for customization, maintenance, and enhancing your overall cycling experience. By understanding the critical difference in thread direction between the right and left pedals, using the correct tools, and applying proper technique and lubrication, you can confidently manage this essential aspect of bike ownership. This knowledge empowers you to tailor your Peloton to your exact preferences, ensuring a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable ride for years to come.