Do you love hitting the trails on your bike but find that your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals aren’t performing as smoothly as they used to? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this blog article, we’re going to walk you through the process of how to adjust your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals to ensure optimal performance and a comfortable ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, a well-adjusted pedal can make all the difference in your riding experience. If you’ve been struggling with issues like excessive play or a stiff feel, it’s time to dive into the world of pedal adjustments.
By following our step-by-step guide, you’ll regain control over your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals and get back to enjoying those exhilarating rides with confidence.
So, if you’re ready to learn how to adjust Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, let’s jump right in and get started!
Adjust Crankbrothers Mallet Pedals: Step-By-Step Guide
Crank Brothers Mallet pedals are popular among mountain bikers for their durability, design, and the efficient power transfer they provide. However, like any other bike component, proper adjustment is essential to ensure optimal performance and rider comfort.
Why Adjust Crank Brothers Mallet Pedals?
Before diving into the adjustment process, let’s briefly discuss why adjusting your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals is important. Properly adjusted pedals provide several benefits, including:
1. Enhanced Power Transfer: Adjusting your pedals ensures that your feet are properly aligned, allowing for efficient power transfer to the bike’s drivetrain. This can result in improved pedaling efficiency and a more comfortable riding experience.
2. Reduced Discomfort: Misaligned pedals can cause discomfort, hotspots, and even numbness during long rides. Adjusting your pedals can alleviate such issues by providing proper foot support and alignment.
3. Improved Control: Properly adjusted pedals allow for better control of your bike, especially during technical or challenging terrain. This can enhance your overall performance and confidence on the trails.
Adjustment Tools and Equipment
Before getting started, gather the following tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and hassle-free adjustment process:
- A pedal wrench or an 8mm Allen wrench, depending on your pedal model.
- Grease or lubricant suitable for pedal threads.
- A torque wrench, if available, to ensure accurate tightening of the pedals after adjustment.
Now that you have everything you need let’s move on to the step-by-step process of adjusting your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals.
Step 1: Remove the Pedals
To adjust your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, you will first need to remove them from your bike. Follow these steps to remove the pedals:
1. Position your bike in a suitable location, such as on a bike stand or upside-down on a soft surface.
2. Identify the left (L) and right (R) pedal. The left pedal usually has reverse threads, so you need to turn it clockwise to loosen it, and the right pedal has normal (right-hand) threads, so you turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
3. Insert the appropriate pedal wrench or Allen wrench into the pedal axle flats located behind the crank arm.
4. Apply steady force in the appropriate direction to loosen the pedals. Remember that the left pedal has reverse threads, so you will turn it clockwise to loosen it, and the right pedal has normal threads, so you will turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
5. Once loosened, unscrew the pedals fully by hand until they are completely detached from the crank arms.
Step 2: Grease the Pedal Threads
Before adjusting your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, it’s a good practice to apply a small amount of grease or lubricant to the pedal threads. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures smooth and easy adjustment in the future.
Here’s how to grease the pedal threads:
1. Clean the pedal threads and the crank arm threads using a clean rag or a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Apply a thin layer of grease or lubricant to the pedal threads using a brush or your finger. Be careful not to apply too much grease, as excessive amounts can attract dirt and cause slippage.
3. Ensure that the entire threaded portion of the pedal axle is evenly coated with grease.
4. Repeat the process for both the left and right pedals.
Step 3: Adjusting the Cleat Position
Once you have greased the pedal threads, it’s time to focus on adjusting the cleat position. Proper cleat alignment is crucial for maximizing power transfer and preventing discomfort or injury.
Follow these steps to adjust the cleat position:
1. Put on your cycling shoes and engage the cleats with your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals.
2. Stand next to a wall or a sturdy support that allows you to lean against it without losing balance.
3. Position your feet on the pedals as naturally as possible, ensuring that your feet feel comfortable and aligned with your legs.
4. Pay attention to any discomfort, pain, or hotspots in your feet. If you experience any, it might indicate that your cleat position needs adjustment.
5. If necessary, make small adjustments to the cleat position by loosening the bolts that secure the cleats to your cycling shoes.
6. Slide the cleats forward, backward, or to the side to achieve the most comfortable and natural foot position.
7. Tighten the cleat bolts securely using a torque wrench or an appropriate-sized Allen wrench. Refer to your cycling shoe manufacturer’s recommendations for the recommended torque value.
Step 4: Pedal Installation and Adjustment
After adjusting the cleat position, it’s time to reinstall the Crank Brothers Mallet pedals onto your bike. Follow these steps for proper pedal installation and adjustment:
1. Identify the left (L) and right (R) pedals. Ensure you are installing the correct pedal on the corresponding side of your bike.
2. Apply a small amount of grease or lubricant to the pedal threads on both the left and right pedals, similar to the greasing process mentioned earlier.
3. Align the pedal threads with the crank arm threads and start threading the pedals by hand. Ensure they are going in smoothly and do not force them.
4. Once the pedals are threaded correctly, use the appropriate pedal wrench or Allen wrench to tighten them securely. Apply firm pressure and ensure they are tightened in a clockwise direction for the right pedal and counterclockwise for the left pedal.
5. Use a torque wrench, if available, to tighten the pedals to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. If you don’t have a torque wrench, apply sufficient force to ensure the pedals are tight but be cautious not to overtighten and damage the threads.
Step 5: Test and Refine
Once you have completed the pedal installation and adjustment process, it’s important to take your bike for a short test ride to evaluate the changes you made. Pay attention to the following aspects:
1. Pedaling Efficiency: Assess if there is an improvement in power transfer and pedaling efficiency compared to before the adjustment.
2. Comfort and Discomfort: Notice if there are any changes in foot comfort, hotspots, or numbness during your ride. If discomfort persists, consider fine-tuning the cleat position further.
3. Control and Stability: Focus on how the adjustments affect your control and stability on various terrains or technical sections. Note any improvements or areas where further adjustment may be required.
Based on your evaluation, you may need to make additional adjustments to achieve the perfect fit. Don’t be afraid to iterate and experiment until you find the most optimal setup that suits your riding style and preferences.
Remember, adjustments to your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals are not a one-time process. As you gain more riding experience or switch cycling shoes, you may need to revisit the alignment and fine-tune the cleat position periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I adjust the tension on my Crank Brothers Mallet pedals?
To adjust the tension on your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, use a 3mm hex wrench to turn the tension screw clockwise to increase tension or counterclockwise to decrease tension.
2. Can I adjust the release angle on my Crank Brothers Mallet pedals?
Yes, you can adjust the release angle on your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals. Use a 2mm hex wrench to rotate the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the release angle or counterclockwise to decrease it.
3. How do I position the cleats on my shoes for Crank Brothers Mallet pedals?
To position the cleats on your shoes for Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, align them with the center markings on the sole. Make sure they are centered and adjust the angle slightly if needed for comfort.
4. How can I change the pins on my Crank Brothers Mallet pedals?
To change the pins on your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, use a 2mm hex wrench to remove the old pins and replace them with new ones. Make sure to tighten them securely.
5. Is it possible to adjust the float on my Crank Brothers Mallet pedals?
Yes, it is possible to adjust the float on your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals. Use a 3mm hex wrench to adjust the cleat position and fine-tune the float to your preferred range.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals is essential to ensure optimal performance and comfort while riding. By following these steps, you can easily make adjustments to fit your preferred riding style and maximize efficiency.
Start by adjusting the release angle and tension to find the perfect balance between security and ease of release. Then, experiment with the float and cleat position to find the most comfortable and efficient pedaling position for your feet.
Lastly, double-check all the adjustments by riding and making further tweaks if necessary. With these simple adjustments to your Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, you can enhance your riding experience and maximize your power transfer every time you hit the trails.
