Bike Pedal Parts

Bike pedals are one of the most important parts of a bicycle, as they transfer your power to the drivetrain and allow you to control your speed and direction. Read below for an overview of the different parts that make up a bike pedal.

The main parts of a bike pedal are:

• The axle or spindleis the metal rod connecting the pedal to the crank arm. The axle rotates on bearings inside the pedal body and has threads that match the crank arm. Most bike pedals have 9/16-inch axles, but some BMX and kids' bikes may have 1/2-inch axles.

• The platform or bodyis the part you put your foot on. The platform can be made of metal, plastic, or composite materials and can have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of riding. Some platforms have holes or slots for attaching cleats and metal or plastic pieces that clip into compatible pedals for better power transfer and stability.

• The bearings, which are small balls or rollers that reduce friction between the axle and the platform. Bearings can be sealed or unsealed, with sealed bearings being more durable and resistant to dirt and water. Bearings need to be lubricated regularly to prevent wear and tear.

• The gripis any feature that helps prevent your feet from slipping off the platform. The grip can be provided by pins, sandpaper, toe clips, straps, or rubber pads on flat pedals, tension adjustment on clipless pedals, or by shoe tread on platform/clipless hybrid pedals.

• Other parts: Some bike pedals may have other parts such as reflectors for visibility; dust caps for protecting bearings; washers for spacing; extenders for increasing clearance; display stands for storage, and toe straps for securing the foot to the pedal.