If you’ve ever taken a look at the pedals on your bike, you may have noticed something strange: the threads on the pedals are the opposite of what you might expect. Instead of being clockwise, the threads are counter-clockwise. This is known as reverse threading and it serves an important purpose.
First, let’s look at why bike pedals use threads in the first place. Threads are used to allow the pedal to stay securely attached to the crank arm. The threads provide enough friction to keep the pedal from spinning or coming off when you’re pedaling.
Now, let’s look at why these threads are reverse threaded. The main reason is that the pedals are constantly exposed to a lot of force when you’re pedaling. This force can cause the pedals to become loose over time, leading to a dangerous situation. Reverse threading helps to prevent this by locking the pedal in place.
Reverse threading also helps to keep the pedals from becoming loose due to vibrations or impacts. When the pedal is threaded in the reverse direction, the threads are held firmly against the crank arm, which helps to keep the pedal from loosening up.
Finally, reverse threading can help to keep dirt and debris from getting into the threads. When the threads are facing the wrong direction, dirt and debris are less likely to get stuck in the threads and cause problems.
In short, reverse threading on bike pedals is a safety feature that helps to keep the pedals from becoming loose. It also helps to keep dirt and debris from getting into the threads and causing problems. If you ever need to replace your bike pedals, make sure to use the correct threading!