Basically, bike pegs are the wheel cylinders sticking out from the wheel axle of bicycles. You can place the bike pegs on the front wheel, rear-wheel, or on both wheels. While some bikes may come with bike pegs, it is essential to know the best bike pegs and acquire them since some bikes will not have them during purchase and will be forced to buy them separately.
How do You Install Bike Pegs?
When you want your bike pegs installed, you need to get a good mechanic. He will advise you on the tools needed and install the pegs. The tools include:
- Ratchet 3/8”
- Socket extension
- 15 mm, 17 mm, and 19 mm deep well socket
- 5 mm Allen Wrench
When you have the tools, you need to install the axle adapter washer. However, if you are installing a 14 mm peg on a 14 mm axle, you can skip this step. When using a 3/8 mm axle, you will need the 14 mm adapter. You insert the adapter washer into the end of the peg or slide it over the axle.
After all, this is done, slide the peg over the end of the axle. If your peg has an anti-roll pin, you should turn the peg so that the pin gets inside the dropout slot.
Then, put your axle nut at the end of the deep well socket and insert it at the end of the peg. Now, thread the axle nut clockwise onto the axle but do not tighten it completely.
How to Ride on Bike Pegs?
Carrying a passenger on a bike can be challenging at first, but you will keep getting better at it with experience. You can either choose handlebar riding or riding on bike pegs. Riding on bike pegs is when you have your passenger stepping on the bike pegs and supporting themselves on your shoulders.
This way is safer than handling riding since the rider can swiftly propel the bicycle, and the rider can see where they are going. The rider should stand on the back with one foot on the bike peg and one hand on the rider’s shoulder to prevent any accidents. Then the passenger should lean forward before the rider accelerates. However, you should ensure that you are not riding on bike pegs on a very busy road.
The Uses of Bike Pegs
Bike pegs are not essential bicycle accessories, and that is why most bicycles do not have them. Mostly, the bike pegs are used by riders to place their feet and weight in the center of the wheel. They give your bicycle more stability compared to the pedals. The rider has more control over the movements of the bike.
The bike pegs are also a great aid if you travel with a friend since they will ride on the pegs. Bicycle pros use the bike pegs to perform stunts and tricks that are impossible to perform from front wheelies.
The bike pegs can also be used to accessorize your bike and make it look more attractive. You only need to paint the pegs to make them look more attractive.
What to Look for When Buying Bike Pegs?
When buying bike pegs, there are a number of things you need to consider. First, you need to consider the material. Most people will prefer bike pegs made of metal. They are sturdier and more durable. However, you can find sturdy bike pegs made of plastic made from tough and hard-wearing plastic sleeves.
You also need to consider the axle size, length, and diameter of the bike pegs. Most bike pegs come in standard axle size. The standard size is designed for the 14 mm axle found on street and park bikes.
Other bike pegs are meant for the 3/8 inch (ca. 20 cm) axle standard that is mostly found on racing bikes. The typical length of bike pegs is 100 mm. But if you have big feet, you can go for the 110 mm. You can also find bike pegs that are perfect for people who engage in-air tricks. For diameter, the most common is the 38.5 mm bike pegs; however, you can find some with diameters of 35 mm, and they are lighter.
Conclusion
Bike pegs are not essential bike accessories. If you need your bike to get you to different places quickly, then you do not have to use bike pegs. However, if you like performing stunts with your bicycle, you must have your bike pegs. They help protect you from accidents by enhancing your bicycle’s stability.
