Changing pedals

So, I'm trying to be all self-sufficient and not take my bike to the shop for every little thing. I thought changing pedals would be a pretty simple operation, but I think I have the wrong pedal wrench. My bike is a Novara, and I bought a flat wrench. The guys at REI were all busy with other customers, so I didn't ask if it was the right one. When I started trying to turn the nut, I couldn't move it at all, and then realized that the inside of the pedal looks as if that may need the other type of wrench with the allen-head. Does this make any sense to anyone? Am I on the right track here, or do I need to just say uncle and load up into the car and go to the bike shop?

What type of pedal do you have? If it requires an Allen key, they cost less than $2 in a hardware store... My pedals use a 8mm Once you have the right tool, it is relatively easy. You'll also want some grease/lube to put on the pedal thread (so it will come out next time). It can be hard to take them out sometimes. Just remember that they are tightened in the direction you pedal.

I have pedals that use a standard flat wrench (or a pedal wrench, which is longer and better), and pedals that use an allen key. So you are on the right track :) Go get a good long allen wrench. And loosen backwards.

Some use both the allen and the flat head.
This can be a cursed job. Don't start it without beer in the fridge, a bottle of Midol, and a can of WD-40. If all else fails, soak the pedal nut overnight in the WD-40. Best of luck, chap.

It's either a 15mm open end wrench on the spindle outside the crankarm (you may need a special extra thin pedal wrench if there's not a lot of space between the crankarm and the pedal body to fit a standard wrench), or an 8 mm Allen on the end of the spindle inside the crankarm.

Just remember that if your pedal takes the Allen wrench on the inside, you're actually pushing the spindle through the crank, so you have to turn your wrench the opposite direction you would normally turn to loosen something.

Also remember that the right pedal is right-hand threaded and the left pedal is left-hand threaded.

You might possibly also need extra leverage if the pedals are very tight - a long breaker bar if you're using an Allen socket, a length of pipe over the end of your wrench if it's an open end wrench or hex key ... maybe even a soft hammer to the end of the pipe. :rolleyes: Just, before you start waling on it, make absolutely sure you're trying to turn it the correct direction. I always have to think about it, no matter how many times I do it.

When you re-install the pedals, put a little bit of anti-seize lubricant on the spindles (the same stuff you put on spark plugs).