City bike pedals

Flat and non-slip pedals, the everyday pedal

In the city, we ride in shoes for every day: the flat pedal is a must, with a wide enough platform to distribute the pressure well and a non-slip surface that holds up even in the rain. The models with a resin cage, such as the Marwi with a steel body, are lightweight, economical, and won't mark your soles. The aluminium pedals, like the Newton with bearings, are stiffer and last longer without play thanks to high-quality bearings, a major benefit for those cycling every day. A thin platform lowers the foot and improves stability, especially on a loaded bike or when starting at a traffic light.

Components

City bike components are also available:

• Handlebars and Stems.
• Grips.
• Saddles and Saddle Covers.
• Seat Posts.

All the components are listed on the peripheral components page.

Folding pedals and toe clips: two practical solutions

The folding pedals, like those from P2R, fold against the crank with a simple press: the bike takes up less space in a corridor, a bike shed, or a boot, and no longer hits the walls. The toe clips VP Components, mounted at the front of a flat pedal, keep the tip of the foot in the right place, above the axle, and allow for a slight pull when lifting the leg. With a loosely fitted strap, the foot can be released easily when stopped, and your city shoes stay on. This is a popular solution for quick trips and urban bikes with a fixed gear.

Thread and mounting: the left pedal is reverse threaded

Pedals screw into the cranks with a thread of nine-sixteenths of an inch on the vast majority of adult bikes; some entry-level bikes with a one-piece crank use a half-inch thread, which should be checked before purchase. The right pedal, marked R, screws in a clockwise direction; the left pedal, marked L, has a reverse thread and screws in the opposite direction. Grease the threads, hand-tighten to avoid cross-threading, then tighten firmly with a 15mm wrench or Allen key. Checking the tightness after the first few kilometres prevents a pedal from becoming loose.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The annual highlights follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Are reflectors mandatory on pedals?

Yes, road regulations require orange reflective devices on the pedals of any bicycle used on public roads. If the new pedals do not have them, adaptable reflectors should be added before hitting the road.

How to remove stuck pedals?

Unscrew the right pedal counterclockwise, and the left pedal clockwise. If it resists, apply a penetrating oil, wait a few minutes, and use a long lever with the crank facing forward.

Which pedal for a city electric bike?

A wide flat pedal with bearings can handle the motor's torque and the daily kilometres well. Stick with the standard nine-sixteenths thread and prefer a non-slip surface, as starts at traffic lights often require power.

Why does a pedal squeak or become loose?

Most often, the pedal is improperly tightened in the crank or its bearing is dry. First, tighten it with a wrench; if the play or noise persists when turning the pedal by hand, re-grease the axle or replace it.

Can you ride in city shoes with flat pedals?

Yes, that's the whole point of flat pedals: they accept all types of shoes. With smooth soles or heels, place the front of the foot on the platform; a non-slip surface and a wide pedal limit slipping in wet weather.