How it works
The parts of a bike pedal are a spindle that screws into the crank arm and a body that turns on it. Two more drawings show the ways a pedal can hold a shoe.
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From above
The pedal is drawn a little way out of the crank arm. The threads on the spindle screw into the arm, and a wrench fits the wrench flats beside them. The pedal body has a window cut in it, so you can see the spindle running through and the bearings at each end. A reflector lies along the front and back edges.
Two ways to hold a shoe
A toe clip curves round the toe and a toe strap pulls the shoe down. A clipless pedal has a binding that grips a cleat bolted under the shoe.
- The shoes are drawn in dashes and are not asked.
- Many pedals bear a stamped L or R: left or right.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a bike pedal?
A spindle, or axle, with threads and wrench flats at its inner end, and a pedal body that turns on bearings. Many pedals carry reflectors. A pedal may also have a toe clip and strap, or a binding for a cleat.
Which way do bike pedals unscrew?
The right pedal has a normal right-hand thread and unscrews counterclockwise. The left pedal's thread is left-hand and unscrews clockwise.
Why is it called a clipless pedal?
Because it has no toe clip. The clip and strap are replaced by a binding on the pedal that locks onto a cleat under the shoe. Twisting the heel outward lets the shoe go.
What is the pedal spindle?
The steel shaft the pedal body turns on, also called the pedal axle. Its inner end is threaded and screws into the crank arm.