Do Bike Pedals Need to be Greased?

The Short Answer is:

Yes, bike pedals need to be greased. Greasing the pedals helps them function properly long-term, makes pedal installation smoother, and prevents corrosion of the involved materials.

Bike pedals are an essential component of a bicycle, and they require proper maintenance to function correctly. One of the most common questions that arise among bike enthusiasts is whether bike pedals need to be greased.

While some argue that pedals don’t require grease or lubrication to the extent a bike chain or gears would, others believe that pedals need to be greased for them to function properly long-term. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide an answer to the question: Do bike pedals need to be greased?

Understanding Bike Pedals and Their Function

Bike pedals are an essential component of any bicycle, and they come in different types, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some things to consider when choosing bike pedals:

Types of Bike Pedals

1. Flat Pedals: These pedals are also known as platform pedals and are suitable for casual riders, commuters, and mountain bikers. They offer a large surface area for the foot and do not require special shoes. Flat pedals are ideal for riders who need to put their feet down quickly on rough terrain or those who prefer not to be clipped in.
2. Clipless Pedals: These pedals require special shoes with cleats that clip into the pedal. They offer better control and power transfer, making them ideal for road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to tackle challenging terrain. Clipless pedals come in different types, including road pedals and mountain bike pedals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bike Pedals

1. Riding Style: The type of riding you do will determine the type of pedals you need. Flat pedals are suitable for casual riders, commuters, and mountain bikers, while clipless pedals are ideal for road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to tackle challenging terrain.
2. Shoe Compatibility: Clipless pedals require special shoes with cleats that clip into the pedal. Make sure the shoes you choose are compatible with the pedals you plan to use.
3. Float: Most modern clipless pedals provide some degree of float, allowing your feet to self-align on the pedals. This feature is like a buffer that helps prevent knee problems.
4. Power Transfer: Clipless pedals optimize the connection between foot and pedal, so more of your energy makes its way into every pedal stroke, which is great for climbing, accelerating, and long rides.
5. Body English: Flat pedals require more body English to get the bike to behave under the rider due to not being clipped in. This can create a feeling of being trapped for some folks hence their love of platform pedals.

In conclusion, choosing the right bike pedals depends on your riding style, shoe compatibility, and personal preference. Flat pedals are suitable for casual riders, commuters, and mountain bikers, while clipless pedals are ideal for road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to tackle challenging terrain.

Importance of Proper Lubrication

Proper lubrication of bike pedals is essential for a smooth and safe ride. Here are some reasons why it is important to keep your bike pedals well-lubricated:

1. Smooth engagement and disengagement: Lubricating the pedal springs and cleats will ensure that the engagement and disengagement of the pedals are smooth. This will help you to avoid any accidents or injuries while riding.
2. Prevents corrosion: Greasing the threads of your bike pedals will prevent corrosion of the involved materials. This will help to extend the lifespan of your pedals and ensure that they continue to function properly.
3. Easy installation and removal: Grease makes pedal installation smoother and easier. It also helps to prevent the pedals from becoming stuck or difficult to remove.
4. Improved performance: Proper lubrication of bike pedals can improve their performance and make them last longer. Pedals that are well-lubricated will operate more smoothly and efficiently.

It is recommended to use a light, waterproof lube such as Boeshield T-9 Waterproof Lubricant or Pedro’s Chainj. Grease, such as Phil Wood Waterproof Grease, should be applied to pedal threads every time you install pedals so they’ll actually budge the next time you go to remove them.

It is important to avoid using motor oil or WD-40 as they contain acids and particles of metal that can compromise a chain’s strength and cause it to wear more quickly.

In conclusion, proper lubrication of bike pedals is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. It can help to prevent accidents, extend the lifespan of your pedals, and improve their performance.

Signs that Indicate the Need for Pedal Greasing

Pedals are an essential part of a bike, and it is important to keep them well-maintained to ensure a smooth ride. Here are some signs that indicate the need for pedal greasing:

• Squeaking or creaking sounds: If you hear a squeaking or creaking sound when you pedal, it may be a sign that your pedals need greasing. This could be due to a dry or dirty thru-axle or quick release.
• Stiffness: If the pedals feel stiff or hard to move, it may be a sign that they need greasing. This could be due to a lack of lubrication on the pedal pivot points.
• Difficulty clipping in or out: If you are having trouble clipping in or out of your pedals, it may be a sign that they need greasing. This could be due to a lack of lubrication on the pedal cleats.

To keep your pedals well-maintained, it is important to clean and lubricate them regularly. You can use grease for small or slow movements and oil for fast or low-friction movements. You can also follow the steps in this video to clean and lubricate your pedals.

How to Grease Bike Pedals

Here are the steps to grease bike pedals:

1. Remove the pedals from the bike: Use a pedal wrench to loosen the pedals from the crank arms. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the pedals.
2. Clean the pedal threads: Use a clean cloth to wipe the pedal threads and remove any dirt or debris.
3. Apply grease: Dab a spot of grease onto the pedal thread and then use a cloth to rub it over all of the pedal threads. You can use any type of grease, such as calcium sulfonate or Vaseline.
4. Reinstall the pedals: Screw the pedals back onto the crank arms by turning the wrench clockwise. Make sure the pedals are tightened securely.
5. Test the pedals: Spin the pedals to make sure they are moving smoothly and there are no unusual noises. If there are any issues, check the pedals again to make sure they are installed correctly.

It is important to grease bike pedals as it makes pedal installation smoother and prevents corrosion of the involved materials.

Choosing the Right Lubricant for Pedals

Choosing the right lubricant for pedals is important to ensure optimal performance and durability. Here are some tips:

Types of Lubricants

• Light Lubricant: This type of lubricant is best for cables, brake levers, and derailleurs.
• Heavy Lubricant: This type of lubricant is best for bearings, pedals, and suspension systems.
• Calcium Sulfonate Grease: This type of grease can be used on any bike component, including pedals.
• Quality Bike Pedal Grease: Choosing quality bike pedal grease will be of great help.

Considerations

• Personal Preference: Choosing the right lubricant may come down to personal preference.
• Messiness: Grease can be messy, so it’s recommended to keep a towel handy to avoid getting it all over the pedals.
• Corrosion Prevention: Greasing pedal threads is beneficial as it makes pedal installation smoother and prevents corrosion of the involved materials.

It’s important to note that while there are many lubricants and compounds available, it’s best to choose ones made specifically for bicycles. Common household penetrating oil such as WD-40 is not an ideal chain lubricant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to bike pedal maintenance, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your pedals are functioning properly. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not greasing pedal threads or over-tightening them: It is important to apply some grease or anti-seize to the threads on the pedal axle before fitting them to the bike. This will prevent the pedals from becoming difficult to remove or fuse together with the cranks permanently.
2. Removing pedals with the outer chainring exposed: When removing pedals, it is a good idea to have the chain in the biggest chainring to avoid any painful, knuckle-skinning experiences.
3. Applying too much grease: While it is important to apply grease to the pedal threads, too much grease can make the pedals slippery while riding.
4. Not cleaning the threads: Before fitting pedals to your bike, make sure to clean the threads on both the crank and the pedals to avoid any damage or wear out over time.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your bike pedals are functioning properly and avoid any unnecessary trips to the bike shop.

Other Maintenance Tips for Bike Pedals

Here are some additional maintenance tips for bike pedals:

1. Grease pedal threads: Make sure to apply some grease to the pedal threads before installing them. This will help prevent the pedals from seizing up and make them easier to remove in the future.
2. Avoid over-tightening pedals: When installing pedals, be careful not to over-tighten them. This can cause the threads to strip and make it difficult to remove the pedals later on.
3. Use the right tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job when removing or installing pedals. You will typically need a 15mm spanner to remove pedals with parallel faces on the spindle between the pedal body and the crank.
4. Check for loose fasteners: Regularly check for and tighten any loose fasteners on your pedals. Replace any missing ones as well.
5. Clean and lubricate pedals: Clean and lubricate your pedals once a month, or after each muddy or wet ride. This will help prevent dirt and grime from building up and keep the pedals running smoothly.
6. Avoid knuckle injuries: When removing pedals, make sure to have the chain in the biggest chainring to cover the sharp teeth of the chainring and avoid any painful, knuckle-skinning experiences.

By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your bike pedals in good condition and avoid any unnecessary issues.

Conclusion: Do Bike Pedals Need to be Greased?

In conclusion, it is important to grease your bike pedals to prevent rust and corrosion, as well as to ensure smooth and efficient pedaling. Greasing the pedal threads is beneficial and can be done using bike grease or anti-seize grease.

However, it is important not to over-grease the pedals, as this can make them slippery and dangerous while riding. When choosing a grease for your bike pedals, consider the type of riding you will be doing, as well as the conditions you will be riding in.

With proper maintenance and care, your bike pedals can last for many years and provide a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.