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Best 9/16 Inch Bicycle Pedals for Tricycles
Most adult trike cranks take a 9/16 inch spindle, but not all of them, so thread size comes before platform size.
Updated · 4 min read · 5 products evaluated
The number on a pedal spindle decides whether it screws into your crank at all. Most adult bikes and many trikes use a 9/16 inch thread, while one-piece cranks on some budget trikes use 1/2 inch. A 9/16 pedal forced into a 1/2 inch crank strips the thread, so the size check is the first step, not the last.
These five pedals all carry a 9/16 inch spindle, and they split into two groups: metal platforms with pins that bite into a shoe, and nylon or composite bodies that are gentler and lighter. On an upright trike your feet stay flat and your weight sits back, so platform width and ease of stepping off matter more than the racing claims on the packaging.
Short answer
ROCKBROS is the best overall pick, a 101 mm aluminum platform with sealed bearings and a 9/16 inch Cr-Mo spindle. FIFTY-FIFTY gives the largest platform at 106 by 104 mm with 9 replaceable pins per side. MZYRH suits riders who want sealed three-bearing metal at 0.45 lb. FBGAGH adds reflective strips for evening rides, and Schwinn is the hedge when you are unsure of your crank thread.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Pedals
Riders wanting one durable metal pedal
Best Large Platform
FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Flat Pedals
Riders with big feet or wide shoes
Best Sealed Metal
MZYRH CNC Sealed 3-Bearing Pedals
Riders wanting smooth spin and low weight
Best When Thread Is Uncertain
Schwinn Basic Composite Pedals
Buyers unsure which crank they have
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 5
ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Pedals
A 101 mm CNC aluminum platform with sealed bearings that suits most adult shoes.
Best for
Riders wanting one durable metal pedal
Why we like it
This is a 9/16 inch pedal with a CNC aluminum body, a chrome-moly steel spindle and sealed bearings that keep dust and water out of the spindle. The 101 mm width spreads pressure under the foot, and the weight is 0.66 lb (302 g) for the pair, so it does not add much to an already heavy trike crank arm.
Against MZYRH it is a touch wider and a touch heavier, and against FIFTY-FIFTY it is smaller but metal rather than nylon. It suits riders in US size 12 or under who want grip without hunting for the most aggressive pin pattern. The stainless spikes bite hard, so expect scraped shins if a foot slips while mounting.
Key specs
| Size | 101 mm wide platform |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch thread, marked L and R |
| Features | CNC aluminum, sealed bearings, stainless anti-skid spikes, 302 g pair |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Wide 101 mm platform
- Sealed bearings on spindle
- Chrome-moly steel spindle
- Clear left and right marks
Limitations
- Spikes can scrape shins
- Fits shoes up to about US 12
Consider it if
- Daily neighborhood rides
- Riders in regular shoes
Skip it if
- Riders with very large shoes
- Anyone with a 1/2 inch crank
Best Large Platform2 of 5
FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Flat Pedals
The biggest platform here, at 106 by 104 mm, with 9 pins per side you can replace.
Best for
Riders with big feet or wide shoes
Why we like it
The nylon composite body is only 0.7 inch thick and measures 106 by 104 mm, the largest platform in this group. Nine replaceable steel pins per side hold the shoe, and the pair weighs 351 g with a Cr-Mo spindle and sealed bearings.
Compared with ROCKBROS it gives more foot support in exchange for a little more weight, and compared with the Schwinn it grips far harder. It is the pick for a rider whose boots hang off narrower pedals. Because the pins can be swapped, a bent pin does not mean a new pedal, but the grip can feel sticky if you like to slide your foot around.
Key specs
| Size | 106 x 104 mm platform, 0.7 inch thick |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch thread, L and R marked |
| Features | Nylon composite, 9 replaceable pins per side, sealed bearings, 351 g pair |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Largest platform in the group
- Replaceable steel pins
- Thin 0.7 inch profile
- Sealed bearings, Cr-Mo spindle
Limitations
- Heavier at 351 g a pair
- Pins grip hard on soft soles
Consider it if
- Larger shoes and boots
- Riders wanting replaceable pins
Skip it if
- Riders who slide feet often
- Anyone wanting minimal weight
Best Sealed Metal3 of 5
MZYRH CNC Sealed 3-Bearing Pedals
A compact aluminum platform with three sealed bearings at 0.45 lb.
Best for
Riders wanting smooth spin and low weight
Why we like it
Each pedal measures 105 by 91 by 26 mm and weighs 0.45 lb, with a lubricated three-bearing sealed design in high-strength aluminum alloy. Aluminum anti-skid pins sit on the platform, and the left and right pedals are marked for the 9/16 inch thread.
It is narrower than the ROCKBROS and FIFTY-FIFTY platforms, so it suits regular shoe sizes best. Its extra bearing helps the pedal turn freely, which you notice mainly on slow starts with a loaded trike. The aluminum pins are shorter and gentler than steel, though they wear faster if you walk in them.
Key specs
| Size | 105 x 91 x 26 mm each |
|---|---|
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch thread, L and R marked |
| Features | Aluminum alloy, 3 sealed bearings, anti-skid pins, 0.45 lb |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Three sealed bearings
- Compact 26 mm thickness
- Aluminum body and pins
- Marked left and right
Limitations
- Narrower 91 mm platform
- Short aluminum pins wear
Consider it if
- Regular shoe sizes
- Riders who value smooth spin
Skip it if
- Riders in large boots
- Riders on 1/2 inch cranks
Best for Evening Rides4 of 5
FBGAGH Reflective Nylon Pedals
A light one-piece nylon pedal with reflective strips and sealed bearings.
Best for
Dusk and evening rides
Why we like it
These pedals are a one-piece reinforced PP body with reflective strips on the sides, sealed bearings and a 9/16 inch thread. The pair weighs 255 g, the lightest here, and left and right pedals are clearly marked.
Next to the metal picks they are less grippy and the body is plain plastic, so they trade bite for a gentle feel on the shins. The reflective strips add moving visibility at the ankle, which pairs well with a rear light. They do not fit 1/2 inch cranks, so check the thread first.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | 9/16 inch thread only, not 1/2 inch |
|---|---|
| Features | One-piece PP body, reflective strips, sealed bearings, 255 g pair |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Reflective strips on body
- Lightest at 255 g a pair
- Sealed bearing design
- Gentle on shins
Limitations
- Plastic body feels basic
- Less grip than pinned metal
Consider it if
- Evening neighborhood rides
- Riders who dislike sharp pins
Skip it if
- Heavy-duty daily use
- Riders on 1/2 inch cranks
Best When Thread Is Uncertain5 of 5
Schwinn Basic Composite Pedals
Ships with both 1/2 and 9/16 inch axle options plus reflectors.
Best for
Buyers unsure which crank they have
Why we like it
The Schwinn set includes both 1/2 inch and 9/16 inch axle options, so it covers the two most common crank threads in one box. The body is lightweight composite with molded surface pegs and built-in reflectors, sold as a set of two.
It has a narrower platform and gentler grip than the other four, so it is a hedge rather than an upgrade. If you have confirmed your crank is 9/16 inch, the ROCKBROS or FIFTY-FIFTY are firmer choices. If you have not, this one saves a second order.
Key specs
| Fit and mounting | 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch axle options |
|---|---|
| Features | Composite body, molded pegs, built-in reflectors |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Both axle sizes included
- Built-in reflectors
- Molded grip pegs
- Rust-proof composite body
Limitations
- Narrower platform
- Less grip than pinned pedals
Consider it if
- Unsure crank thread
- Light, easy-release foot hold
Skip it if
- Riders wanting aggressive grip
- Large shoe sizes
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Fit | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Pedals Best Overall | 101 mm wide platform | 9/16 inch thread, marked L and R | CNC aluminum, sealed bearings, stainless anti-skid spikes, 302 g pair | Check price |
| FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Flat Pedals Best Large Platform | 106 x 104 mm platform, 0.7 inch thick | 9/16 inch thread, L and R marked | Nylon composite, 9 replaceable pins per side, sealed bearings, 351 g pair | Check price |
| MZYRH CNC Sealed 3-Bearing Pedals Best Sealed Metal | 105 x 91 x 26 mm each | 9/16 inch thread, L and R marked | Aluminum alloy, 3 sealed bearings, anti-skid pins, 0.45 lb | Check price |
| FBGAGH Reflective Nylon Pedals Best for Evening Rides | — | 9/16 inch thread only, not 1/2 inch | One-piece PP body, reflective strips, sealed bearings, 255 g pair | Check price |
| Schwinn Basic Composite Pedals Best When Thread Is Uncertain | — | 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch axle options | Composite body, molded pegs, built-in reflectors | Check price |
How We Chose These 9/16-Inch Bicycle Pedals for Tricycles
- Thread fit first
- We checked each pedal for a 9/16 inch spindle and noted the one that also ships a 1/2 inch option. Thread mismatch is the most common return reason for trike pedals.
- Platform size
- Platform width and depth decide how well the foot is supported on an upright trike, so we compared the millimeter sizes given and flagged where a shoe may overhang.
- Grip against ease of release
- Pins grip, but a rider who stops often needs to step off easily, so we weighed pinned metal against gentler composite surfaces and noted the shin risk.
- Bearings and weather
- Sealed bearings keep water and grit away from the spindle, which matters for a trike stored outdoors, so we noted the bearing count and body material for each.
What to Look for in a 9/16-Inch Bicycle Pedal for Tricycles
Crank thread size
Pedals screw into the crank arm, and the thread is either 9/16 inch or 1/2 inch, with the left pedal threaded the opposite way from the right. Forcing the wrong size strips the crank.
Most adult bikes use 9/16 inch, while one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch. Check your old pedal's axle or the crank manual before ordering, and look for L and R marks on the new pair.
Platform width and shoe size
A wider platform spreads load over more of the sole, which reduces hot spots in the foot on a long, flat ride. Narrow platforms can leave the heel overhanging.
On a trike, you pedal in ordinary shoes, so compare millimeter width to a shoe you wear. A 101 to 106 mm platform suits most adults, while sizes near 91 mm suit smaller shoes.
Pins, pegs and shin risk
Metal pins bite into a shoe to stop slip, but they also rake a shin if your foot slides during mounting. Molded pegs on composite pedals grip less and forgive more.
Pick pins if you wear soft shoes or ride wet roads, and pegs if you step on and off often. Replaceable pins save the pedal when one bends.
Bearings and body material
Sealed bearings keep moisture out of the spindle, while an open bearing wears and grinds. Aluminum bodies resist impact better, and nylon bodies are lighter and cheaper to replace.
A trike left outdoors benefits from sealed bearings and a rust-proof body. Check that the product names the bearing type, and spin the pedal by hand when it arrives.
How to Choose
By Foot Size and Shoe Type
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large shoes or boots | FIFTY-FIFTY Nylon Composite Flat Pedals | 106 by 104 mm platform supports a wide sole |
| Regular sneakers | ROCKBROS Aluminum Wide Platform Pedals | 101 mm platform fits most shoes, strong spikes |
| Smaller shoes, smooth spin | MZYRH CNC Sealed 3-Bearing Pedals | Compact 91 mm width with three bearings |
| Soft shoes, little grip needed | Schwinn Basic Composite Pedals | Pegs hold gently without raking shins |
Pins vs Molded Pegs
- Pins
- Pins bite into the sole and stop slip on wet pavement. ROCKBROS, FIFTY-FIFTY and MZYRH use them, and they can scrape a shin if your foot slides while mounting a trike.
- Pegs
- Molded pegs hold more gently and release easily. The Schwinn and FBGAGH use them, which suits riders who stop often or have limited ankle flexibility, though wet-shoe grip is weaker.
Most riders should default to pins on a trike you ride in all weather, and pegs if mounting is awkward or shins are sensitive.
For Evening Riders Specifically
- Look for
- Reflective strips on the pedal body that move with your ankle, plus sealed bearings so evening dew does not reach the spindle. Pair them with a rear light, because pedal reflectors alone are minor.
- In this comparison
- FBGAGH carries reflective strips on the body, and Schwinn has built-in reflectors. FBGAGH is lighter at 255 g a pair, while Schwinn adds the thread hedge for owners unsure of their crank.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You ride daily, store the trike outdoors or wear large boots. ROCKBROS gives a durable metal body and sealed bearings, and FIFTY-FIFTY gives replaceable pins and the biggest platform.
- Save if
- You ride a few times a month on dry paths. FBGAGH or Schwinn will do the job in lighter plastic, provided you have confirmed the 9/16 inch crank thread first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my trike takes 9/16 inch pedals?
Look at the threaded end of your current pedal, or read the crank arm's stamped size. Most adult bikes use 9/16 inch, while one-piece cranks use 1/2 inch. If you cannot tell, the Schwinn set ships both axle options and removes the guesswork.
Are 9/16 pedals interchangeable left and right?
No. Pedals are marked L and R because the left pedal is threaded in the opposite direction from the right. Forcing a left pedal into the right crank strips the thread. All five picks here mark the sides clearly, so read the label before you tighten.
Do pinned pedals suit a tricycle?
They can, because an upright trike keeps your feet flat and you rarely clip in. The risk is shin scrapes when mounting. If you dismount often or ride in shorts, composite pegs from Schwinn or FBGAGH are gentler, while pins add grip on wet roads.
Do I need sealed bearings on pedals?
They are worth having if the trike lives outdoors, because water and grit wear open bearings. ROCKBROS, MZYRH, FIFTY-FIFTY and FBGAGH all mention sealed bearings. A pedal that spins freely by hand and stays quiet after rain is doing its job.
Should I grease the pedal thread before installing?
Yes, a light film of grease on the spindle thread makes installation easier and stops the pedal seizing in the crank. Start threading by hand so you do not cross the thread, then snug it with a wrench. Check tightness after the first ride.
Bottom Line
For most trike riders on a standard 9/16 inch crank, ROCKBROS is the safest all-round pick, with FIFTY-FIFTY for large shoes. FBGAGH suits evening riders, and Schwinn is the sensible hedge if you are unsure of your crank. Confirm the thread size before ordering, whichever you choose.