If you’re new to BMX biking, you may be wondering what size pedals you need for your bike. Choosing the right pedal size and thread is important for performance and safety. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what size BMX pedals do I need, types of threads, and popular pedal options to help you find the perfect fit.
Why Pedal Size Matters
The pedals are one of the main contact points between you and your BMX bike. Having properly fitted pedals allows you to:
- Optimize power transfer when pedaling
- Maintain proper foot positioning and angle
- Reduce strain on your knees and ankles
Pedals that are too small or too large can lead to knee pain, hot spots, numbness, and foot slippage. This not only negatively impacts your comfort and endurance, but also increases your risk of injury.
By determining your ideal BMX pedal size based on your foot size, pedaling style, and riding discipline, you can optimize efficiency, control, and safety.
Common BMX Pedal Sizes
BMX pedals are available in a range of widths and lengths to accommodate different foot sizes and riding styles. Here are some of the most common BMX pedal dimensions:
- Small: Approximately 4.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. Best for younger riders with feet under size 6.
- Medium: Approximately 5 inches long by 4 inches wide. Fits youth/teen riders with feet sizes 6 to 9.
- Large: Approximately 6 inches long by 5 inches wide. Made for adult riders with feet sizes 10 and above.
- Extra large: Approximately 7 inches long by 6 inches wide. Ideal for larger adult feet over size 13.
However, keep in mind these sizes are general guidelines and can vary between bike pedal manufacturers. The best way to determine your ideal pedal length and width is by measuring your feet.
what size BMX pedals do I need?
what size BMX pedals do I need? Determining the right size BMX pedals for your feet and riding style is important for both performance and injury prevention. The best way to find your ideal pedal length and width is to measure both feet, then add about 1/2 inch to allow room for growth if you’re a youth rider.
Standard pedal sizes range from 4.5” long x 3.5” wide for small kids, up to 6” long x 5” wide for large adult feet. Race BMX pedals should match your foot width while wider freestyle pedals can exceed foot width for more stability and tricability.
Compare your foot measurements against manufacturer sizing charts to choose flat or concave pedals that provide proper support without crowding or pressure points. correct pedal dimensions give you maximum power transfer and control over your bike.
Measuring Your Feet
When selecting new BMX pedals, take accurate measurements of both feet to find your proper length and width. Here’s a simple process:
Materials Needed
- Tape measure or ruler
- Piece of paper
- Pen or pencil
Steps
- Stand on the piece of paper with bare feet and heels together. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed.
- Use the pen to trace the outline of both feet on the paper. Include your entire foot length and width.
- Measure the tracings from the center of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. This is your foot length.
- Measure across the widest part of the ball of each foot tracing. This is your foot width.
- Compare the measurements of both feet – your pedal size should be based on your larger foot.
- Add approximately 1/2 inch to the length and width to allow room for growth if you’re a younger rider.
Now you have the dimensions to look for a properly fitted set of BMX pedals. Go for a size that matches or slightly exceeds your measurements to prevent hot spots or crowding.
Pedal Thread Sizes
In addition to dimensions, BMX pedals and crank arms use different thread sizes to connect together. The two most common pedal thread types are:
9/16″ Thread
- Also known as “standard” or “traditional” thread
- Used on kids, BMX, and some mountain bikes
- Diameter measures 9/16 inches (or 0.5625 inches)
- Has 20 threads per inch (TPI)
- Thinner threads compared to 1/2″ allow for greater pedal-to-crank contact
1/2″ Thread
- Also known as “BMX” or “American” thread
- Common on BMX and stunt bikes
- Diameter measures 1/2 inch (or 0.5 inches)
- Features 26 threads per inch (TPI)
- Wider threads offer increased strength for hardcore riding
To install new pedals, the threads must match your bike’s crank arms. Many modern cranks are compatible with both 9/16″ and 1/2″ pedals using adapters. However, older bikes may only accept one thread type.
Consult your bike specs, crank manufacturer, or local bike shop if you’re unsure of your bike’s thread size. Mixing pedal and crank threads can destroy the components.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size BMX Pedals
Once you know your foot sizing and thread requirements, use these tips to select properly fitting BMX pedals:
- Test pedal width – Your pedals should be at least as wide as the ball of your foot. Narrow pedals increase pressure and cause discomfort.
- Allow length for foot position – Longer pedals like 6″ models provide room to shift foot position for pedaling leverage.
- Consider pedaling style – Wider platforms like 5″ are ideal for foot stability if you pedal with the balls of your feet. Narrower pedals work for heel pedaling.
- Compare flat vs. concave – Low-profile flat pedals maximize surface area. Concave pedals cradle smaller feet but may feel cramped for wide feet.
- Review your bike type – Race BMX bikes use narrower pedals for ground clearance. Wider platforms are common on freestyle/jump bikes for tricks.
- Think about riding discipline – Aggressive downhill and freeride riding benefits from wider, grippier pedals over skinny models.
With the right dimensions and style for your needs, you’ll enjoy improved power, traction, and handling with new BMX pedals.
Are Bike Pedals Universal?
For the most part, pedals are designed to fit any standard 9/16” or 1/2” crank arm thread. So whether you ride a BMX, mountain, road, or hybrid bike, you can use pedals made for one style on another without issue.
However, things to keep in mind when swapping pedals include:
- Road bikes may have narrower crank arms requiring narrower pedals for clearance.
- Suspension and added tread on mountain bike pedals add unnecessary weight to a road bike.
- Thinner road pedals don’t offer the needed grip and support for jumping BMX bikes.
While the pedal threads are universal, choosing the right platform dimensions and surface for your riding style optimizes performance and control. Consult your local bike expert for advice.
Popular BMX Pedal Options
With so many BMX pedals available, it can be tough to decide what size BMX pedals do I need. Here are some top-rated pedal picks for all types of riders:
Race BMX Pedals
- ECLAT Centric Pedals – Low-profile aluminum pedals with 8 replaceable pins per side. Available in multiple colors in 9/16” or 1/2″ threads.
- ECLAT Slash Pedals – Ultra-thin with 12 grip pins per side. CNC machined aluminum with chromoly axle for durability.
- ODYSSEY MDS Microns – Compact nylon composite pedals with 12 removable pins for customizable grip. Great for clearing cones in race gates.
Freestyle BMX Pedals
- ANIMAL HAMILTON Pedals – Nylon composite pedal with 14 replaceable pins. A concave platform for secure footing when jumping.
- ODYSSEY Twisted PC – Injection molded plastic pedals with glass-filled nylon spindle. Available in 9 different bold colors perfect for stylish bikes.
- CULT Vans Waffle Grip – Signature BMX pedals with waffle grip tread for control, modeled after classic Vans skate shoes.
Downhill/Freeride Pedals
- ANIMAL Trap Pedals – Durable aluminum alloy platform with 20 removable steel pins for maximum grip on rough terrain.
- DK Iron Cross Pedals – Extra wide 105x105mm pedal surface with 12 grip pins to tackle tough trails in style.
- ODYSSEY MDS Trailmix – Hard-wearing nylon composite pedals with 16 reusable pins and raised leading edges that won’t pack with mud.
No matter your foot size or riding style, choosing quality BMX pedals designed for your needs provides the control and confidence every ride demands. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be equipped to find the ideal fit.
FAQs
Q1) how do I know if my bike pedals are 9 16 or 12?
A: The two main thread sizes for bike pedals are 9/16″ and 1/2″ (also called 9/16″ and 15/16″). An easy way to determine which thread size your pedals use is to measure the diameter of the threads with a ruler or calipers.
9/16″ pedals will measure approximately 0.56 inches in diameter.
1/2″ pedals will measure 0.5 inches in diameter.
You can also count the number of threads per inch – 9/16″ has 20 TPI while 1/2″ has 26 TPI.
If you’re still unsure, check your crank arm specs, and pedal specs, or consult your local bike shop. Mixing incompatible pedals and cranks can damage the threads so it’s important to match the sizes
Q2) how do I know my bike pedal size?
A: The best way to determine your ideal bike pedal size is to measure your feet. Follow these steps:
Trace the outline of your feet on paper while standing.
Measure the length from heel to longest toe.
Measure across the ball of the foot for width.
Compare to pedal size charts – add 1/2 inch for growth room if needed.
Lengths range from 4.5″ for kids, 5″ for youth, 6″ for adults.
Widths range from 3.5″ for small feet to 5″+ for larger feet.
The right pedal size matches or slightly exceeds your foot measurements to prevent hot spots and slipping. Narrow race pedals should equal your foot width. Wider freeride pedals can exceed foot width for more stability. Choosing the right size for your foot and riding style prevents injury and discomfort.
Q3) what size pedals should I get?
A: Choosing the right pedal size depends on your foot measurements, riding style, and bike type. Follow these tips:
Measure both feet for length and width to find your shoe dimensions.
Add 1/2 inch to allow growth room if you’re a youth rider.
Race BMX pedals should match your foot width. Freeride pedals can exceed the width.
Opt for wider platforms around 5 inches if you pedal with the balls of your feet.
Narrower 4.5” pedals work if you pedal with heels.
Make sure the pedal thread matches your crank arm – usually 9/16” or 1/2”.
Downhill/jump pedals should be wider with more grip than street/park pedals.
The right-sized pedals provide optimal power transfer and control while reducing injury risk. Consider your measurements, riding needs, and bike specs to choose the best fit.
Q4) what pedals are best for BMX?
A: The best BMX pedals match your riding style and give great grip and stability. Top picks include:
Race BMX – Eclat Centric, Odyssey MDS Micron
Freestyle/jump – Animal Hamilton, Odyssey Twisted PC
Downhill/freeride – Animal Trap, DK Iron Cross
Look for thin, durable pedals like nylon or aluminum for race. Wider plastic/nylon pedals provide more support for tricks. Aggressive riders need thick, grippy pedals like the Animal Trap.
Q5) what pedals do BMX racers use?
A: BMX racers need thin, lightweight pedals that won’t get caught on gate cones during tight-pack riding. Popular pedal choices include:
Eclat Centric – Low-profile aluminum pedals with 8 replaceable pins per side.
Eclat Slash – Ultra-thin nylon pedals with 12 removable grip pins.
Odyssey MDS Micron – Compact nylon pedals with 12 adjustable pins.
Tioga MX Pro – Durable chromoly axles with removable pins.
Shimano MX-30 – Affordable nylon composite pedals with reflectors for visibility.
Look for narrow, smooth pedals around 4.5-5 inches long.
Materials like nylon, plastic, or aluminum keep weight down. Adjustable or removable pin configurations provide grip while staying snag-free. Propedal bearings also help accelerate out of tight corners. The right racing pedals minimize hang-ups and shave precious seconds off your lap times.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect BMX Pedal Fit
Selecting properly fitted BMX pedals that match your riding style, foot size, and bike thread is crucial for both performance and safety. Avoid discomfort and injury by taking the time to measure your feet, compare pedal sizes and styles, and consider your specific cycling needs.
Whether you’re a hardcore free-rider or casual neighborhood rider, a dialed pedal setup brings confidence and control to every wheelie, jump, and trail-shredding session.
With this guide’s tips on measuring feet, common pedal dimensions, thread types, and popular pedal recommendations, you have all the details to choose ideal BMX pedals.
Now you can push your skills to the limit knowing your connection to the bike is stronger than ever. So get out and shred knowing your pedal platform is primed to power you through every heart-pumping maneuver.