Pedals

Q: How is a BMX Pedal constructed? (Anatomy)

Pedal Body (Platform) The surface you stand on. It usually features pins (molded or metal) for grip. Axle (Spindle) The shaft that screws into the crank arm. High-end pedals use heat-treated CrMo axles. Attention: The left pedal always has a left-hand thread! Bearings Inside the body, allowing the pedal to spin. Sealed Bearings (SB) are smoother and last longer than Loose Ball (LB) bearings.

Q: What types and materials are there?

Plastic / Nylon / Composite The standard for Street and Park. They are lightweight, slide well on grinds (pedal grinds), and are more affordable. If you hit your shin, they hurt slightly less than metal. Aluminum / Metal Preferred for Dirt and Trails. They offer superior grip due to sharper metal pins and are very durable, but heavier and do not slide well on concrete or steel. Magnesium A high-end metal option that is lighter than aluminum but very expensive. Rare in modern freestyle.

Q: Which axle size do I need?

There are two sizes, and they are not compatible: 9/16" (approx. 14.3mm): The standard for almost all modern BMX bikes with 3-piece or 2-piece cranks. 1/2" (approx. 12.7mm): Only for old-school 1-piece cranks (often found on very cheap kids' bikes or vintage rides).

Q: How do I install BMX Pedals?

Identify Left/Right: Check the stamp on the axle (""L"" for Left, ""R"" for Right). Grease: Apply grease to the threads. Right Pedal: Screws into the right crank arm (drive side) clockwise (normal thread). Left Pedal: Screws into the left crank arm counter-clockwise (reverse thread!). Tighten firmly with a 15mm wrench or 6mm/8mm Allen key.

Q: How do I maintain my Pedals?

Check for play: If the pedal body wobbles on the axle, the bearings might be worn or the nut is loose. Replace pins: On metal pedals, worn-down pins can be replaced to restore grip. Clean: Keep mud and dirt out of the spindle area to prolong bearing life.

Pedals FAQ

What are BMX Pedals and what is their purpose?

BMX pedals provide the platform for your feet, transferring power to the cranks and giving you control over the bike during jumps and tricks. They need to offer maximum grip without locking your foot in place (unlike clipless pedals), allowing you to bail safely if needed.

How is a BMX Pedal constructed? (Anatomy)

Pedal Body (Platform): The surface you stand on. It usually features pins (molded or metal) for grip.
Axle (Spindle): The shaft that screws into the crank arm. High-end pedals use heat-treated CrMo axles. Attention: The left pedal always has a left-hand thread!
Bearings: Inside the body, allowing the pedal to spin. Sealed Bearings (SB) are smoother and last longer than Loose Ball (LB) bearings.

What types and materials are there?

Plastic / Nylon / Composite: The standard for Street and Park. They are lightweight, slide well on grinds (pedal grinds), and are more affordable. If you hit your shin, they hurt slightly less than metal.
Aluminum / Metal: Preferred for Dirt and Trails. They offer superior grip due to sharper metal pins and are very durable, but heavier and do not slide well on concrete or steel.
Magnesium: A high-end metal option that is lighter than aluminum but very expensive. Rare in modern freestyle.

Which axle size do I need?

There are two sizes, and they are not compatible:

9/16" (approx. 14.3mm): The standard for almost all modern BMX bikes with 3-piece or 2-piece cranks.
1/2" (approx. 12.7mm): Only for old-school 1-piece cranks (often found on very cheap kids' bikes or vintage rides).

How do I install BMX Pedals?

Identify Left/Right: Check the stamp on the axle (""L"" for Left, ""R"" for Right).
Grease: Apply grease to the threads.
Right Pedal: Screws into the right crank arm (drive side) clockwise (normal thread).
Left Pedal: Screws into the left crank arm counter-clockwise (reverse thread!).
Tighten firmly with a 15mm wrench or 6mm/8mm Allen key.

How do I maintain my Pedals?

Check for play: If the pedal body wobbles on the axle, the bearings might be worn or the nut is loose.
Replace pins: On metal pedals, worn-down pins can be replaced to restore grip.
Clean: Keep mud and dirt out of the spindle area to prolong bearing life.

What do the specifications mean for BMX Pedals?

Spec	Description	Examples / Available
Material	Material of the body.	Nylon/Fiberglass, Aluminum, Magnesium
Thread Size	Diameter of the axle thread.	9/16" (Standard), 1/2" (One-Piece Crank)
Bearings	Type of internal bearings.	Sealed Bearing (SB), Loose Ball (LB)
Pins	Grip elements on the surface.	Molded (Plastic), Removable Metal Pins
Platform Shape	Design of the surface.	Slim, Concave, Wide