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Pedal Thread Directions
Bike pedals have two dif-
ferent thread directions.
The right pedal has a
right-hand (clockwise)
thread, and the left pedal
has a left-hand (counter-
clockwise) thread. Pedals
are usually stamped with
an R or L on the pedal
axle near the threads.
Always grease your pedal
threads on new pedals
before their rst instal-
lation.
Fig. 18 Pedal tightening for drive side.
Reverse direction for non-drive side.
Loosen
Tighten
Installing Pedals
Mechanic’s Tip: The quick and easy way to remember which
way to thread your pedals on is applicable to either side of
the bike [SEE PHOTO ABOVE]. You can put a wrench on the
pedal’s wrench ats, and using a back pedaling motion will
screw the pedals on. Use grease before threading pedals.
Note: We recommend starting thread engagement with your
hands instead of a wrench (see below), so use this tip as
a practical way to know which way to begin threading the
pedals.
Thread in the Pedals
Using your nger, start the pedal threads into the proper
crank arm. Be careful not to cross-thread the pedals! Once
the pedal threads are started, you may use a wrench to n-
ish threading them in, and then tighten securely.
Mechanic’s Tip: The threads on a pedal are steel (hard) and
the threads on a crank arm are aluminum (soft). It is very
important that the pedal is tightly secured to the crank arm.
With grease on threads there is no need to over tighten. If
the pedals are not tightly secured, the “slop or play” in the
connection will allow the steel threads to rip out the alu-
minum crank threads. Your bicycle may have shipped with
a set of pedal washers. For some cranks, the use of the
washer in between the pedal and the crank arm creates a
more solid and secure base or foundation for the pedal to
contact the crank arm with. If included, use them!
Assembly: Pedals Double Check Your Friday
Double Check Your Bike Friday!
At this point your bike should be ready to ride. However,
before you ride away, be sure to double-check your assembly.
• Are the handlebars tight?
• How about the stem and pedals?
• Are the quick releases all secure?
• Is the saddle secure and at a reasonable angle?
• Are the handlebar and control levers in a proper place
and clamped tight?
Although we always inate the tires at the factory, check
your tire pressure for proper ination. Under-inated tires
not only wear faster and are more prone to ats, but they
also add rolling resistance.
Be sure to have at least the 5/6mm S wrench in the mono
tube bottle cage for quick roadside adjustments. If you have
the folding tool, take it with you. You will probably want to
stop and adjust saddle height and the angle, as well as per-
haps adjust a few other items during your rst ride or two.
Mechanic’s Tip: Grease is your friend. Be sure to keep a light
lm of grease on any intersecting bike parts. This will help
to prevent corrosion, facilitate disassembly, and eliminate
annoying noises. Areas include: OSATA Main Frame coupling
joint, seatposts, saddle rails, handlebars, stems, pedal
threads and seatmast. Doing this a couple of times per year
during routine maintenance should be enough. Wipe off any
excess or visible grease. Also be sure to lightly grease all
bolt threads on your bicycle as you repair or upgrade com-
ponents. Lubricating your bolts will allow you to adequately
tighten the fasteners and keep them from seizing in the
future.
