[JaredP91]

I recently made the decision to switch to clipless pedals after 2/3 months of riding on the stock plastic flat pedals that came with my Boardman SLR 8.6 road bike. However, when I attempted to remove the pedals using a 6mm allen key, they would not loosen no matter how much force was applied (honestly they felt welded on)!

I know that the right pedal follows the standard ‘righty, tighty, lefty loosely’ rule, while the left is the opposite, but despite following this the pedals wouldn’t shift at all.

As a complete novice when it comes to road bikes I fear I am doing something completely wrong and don’t want to damage my bike.

Can anyone offer some advice?

Topic

[JaredP91]

The pedals came factory
The pedals came factory fitted so were installed by the manufacturer, meaning unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to grease the threads.

[Drinfinity]

I would turn the bike upside

I would turn the bike upside down. Chock one crank against the chainstay with a stout stick (I use a wooden mallet handle). Put your Allen key in the other pedal, pointing forwards. Now you can push down on the tool with all your weight – even stand on it. 

You can extend the Allen key with a piece of pipe – I have an old flat MTB handlebar for this.

Repeat for other side. The orientation ensures you are turning the correct way to undo.

When refitting, use copper grease to stop them seizing.

[Hirsute]

Did you grease the threads
Did you grease the threads when you put them on ?

[Welsh boy]

Not wanting to insult your

Not wanting to insult your engineering skills but remember you are probably looking at the pedal from the back if you are using an allen key, are you sure that you are turning the right way, it is easy to get mixed up because of the rear view perspective.

[Compact Corned Beef]

Get some penetrating / 3-in-1

Get some penetrating / 3-in-1 oil on there, liberally, and leave it for a bit (a few hours at least) and try again, adding more oil if they’re still being stubborn. And if you can get a longer handle on the allen key that’ll get you some leverage.

[Author]

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