Removing pedals

[HelenD123]

What tool do you guys take for removing pedals rfeady for taking a bike on a plane. I have a pedal spanner but it's big and heavy and I don't fancy lugging it several thousand miles!

 

[Soltydog]

I have spd pedals that are tightened with an allen key at the back of the cranks, would they be better for you? I pressume you'll be carrying a multi tool

 

[gavintc]

I also use an allen key and if you do not tighten it up too hard, the will come off with a multi-tool.

 

[HelenD123]

I use flats and the ones I have need a pedal spanner. Can you get flats that use an allen key?

And, no, you won't persuade me to use SPDs. I took them off the Galaxy earlier in the week!

 

[rich p]

Take a cheapo Chrome Vanadium 15mm spanner and throw it away after refitting

 

[gavintc]

A cone bearing spanner is also 15mm and quite light. This might work.

 

[HelenD123]

A cone bearing spanner is also 15mm and quite light. This might work.

I'll have to have a rummage in my Lidl tool kit. I'm sure there'll be one in there.

 

[TheDoctor]

Take a cheap 15 mm spanner with you (not in hand luggage, obviously) use it to refit pedals and then bin it.
At the other end, buy a pedal spanner or a cheap 15 mm spanner.
Or get a decent adjustable. Like a Bahco. Not cheap, but they do work well.
Simples!!

 

[Cathryn]

It's an utter nightmare, pedals. We nearly weren't allowed on our flight to France for the beginning of our trip because we couldn't get the pedals off. I was close to crying.

My advice would be to get them loosened here in the UK and then YOU do them up to a tightness you can undo again. Then, before you fly home, get a shop to loosen them and do it again. That way, you'll always know you can undo them.

 

[guitarpete247]

You could also try something like these if they fold flat enough to get bike in bag or onto plane.

 

[stephenjubb]

adjustable spanner, can be used for other jobs as well

 

[3tyretrackterry]

you can get removable pedals that undo on a bayonet type fixing have you enough time to get some

 

[HelenD123]

It's an utter nightmare, pedals. We nearly weren't allowed on our flight to France for the beginning of our trip because we couldn't get the pedals off. I was close to crying.

My advice would be to get them loosened here in the UK and then YOU do them up to a tightness you can undo again. Then, before you fly home, get a shop to loosen them and do it again. That way, you'll always know you can undo them.

I swapped them onto the Galaxy from another bike only this week, well greased them and didn't tighten them up so there shouldn't be any problems removing them. Actually there won't be any problems because I just remembered I'll be boxing the bike up at home. I'll go with the option of buying a cheap spanner at the other end or asking nicely at a bike shop. One less problem to think about. I'd better be off to tape up my bars and wrestle the bike into the box. Thanks everyone.

 

[HelenD123]

you can get removable pedals that undo on a bayonet type fixing have you enough time to get some

I fly out on Wednesday, ash permitting, so probably not unless any of the LBSs stock them.

 

[HelenD123]

adjustable spanner, can be used for other jobs as well

Another good suggestion. I'll look into getting one once I arrive to save on weight for the flight.