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There is a lot on the market with regards to bike pedals and cranks, therefore hopefully with this guide you can narrow down the size of pedal that will fit your bicycle.
Are All Bike Pedals the Same Size?
Bike pedals are not all the same size. Bike pedal sizes vary due to the crank arms dictating the specific sized threads that it will take; this is mainly dependent on the age of the bike as well as the type of bike that you have.
For example vintage bikes with a one piece crankset will often take a different size pedal thread in comparison to a modern bike from a big manufacturer.
Are All Bike Pedal Threads the Same Size?
No bike pedal threads are not the same size. These days there are two major sizes. For example, 9/16 20 TPI (threads per inch) is the most common size of thread used on bicycle pedals and will be the size needed for all modern bikes today.
The other size thread that is used, but is less common, is ½ 20 TPI which is used mainly for childrens bikes and BMX bikes. There is also an old style French thread that is far less common which measured in at 0.55 20.32 TPI (14 mm x 1.25 mm).
So… Are Bike Pedals Universal?
Pedals are universal as long as the thread is the right size for the crank that you have on your bike. The 9/16 20 TPI size is pretty much standardised on adult bikes in the industry now, meaning there are just the two main threads as previously mentioned.
Therefore you can relax knowing that when you buy a modern style bike, whether it’s a mountain bike, hybrid or a road bike, you will find that it takes a 9/16 20 TPI thread pedal.
Bike Pedal Sizes
The differences in pedal sizes can be a little confusing sometimes. The table below shows the different types of pedals you can buy and their size of thread, along with their main usages to help you know which ones to buy for your bike.
But if you haven’t yet bought a bike and are looking for one to commute to work on, then make sure you take a moment to read our best bikes for cycling to work, then refer back to this table in order to buy the best suited pedals for your new rig!
| Platform / Flat Pedal | Toe Clip / Cage Pedal | Hybrid Pedals | Clipless Off Road Pedals | Clipless Road Pedals | Kids Platform / Flat Pedals | |
| Thread Size | 9/16 20 TPI | 9/16 20 TPI | 9/16 20 TPI | 9/16 20 TPI | 9/16 20 TPI | ½ 20 TPI |
| Main Pedal Use | Any bikes | Road or hybrid bikes | Hybrid or touring bikes | Mountain, gravel and cyclocross bikes | Road bikes | Childrens bikes / BMX bikes |
How Do I Know My Bike Pedal Size?
If you want to know your bike pedal size you can check the width of the thread with a set of digital callipers. Alternatively you can ask the manufacturer of the crank or you can take your bike to a local bicycle service repairs / local bike shop and ask them to clarify the pedal thread size needed.
How to Change Bike Pedals ( inc. video:
If you are curious as to how you can change your pedals be sure to check out this useful visual guide from GCN on how to change your pedals and what tools you may need to use for the job.
We would also highly suggest any maintenance, such as pedal changing, to be carried out while your bike is in a stand, therefore if you don’t own one already be sure to check out our guide to the best bike maintenance stands as well as our useful general maintenance guide for beginners.
