How I Clean My Pedals (Griptape)

[gon2fast]

I spend a good amount of time riding off-road on my MSP and constantly have dirty or even mud caked pedals. I have changed the griptape out once, but I find the need to to clean my pedals on a weekly basis to keep the griptape functional. 

Duration - usually about an hour for both pedals, but could be done much quicker (20 minutes) if necessary

Difficulty - minor

Tools/Materials Required - 2* small wire brushes (metal), belt sander cleaner, window cleaner**, water**, small bowl**, paper towel(s)**, fan**, sponge**, blower/compressed air**

* 1 brush will be fine. I personally like to have a wet and dry brush when doing this activity.

** optional

Before I get into the process I should so some before/after pics -

This is after one dry/wet run on the left pedal. It was as soiled as the right pedal

 This is the right pedal after one dry run

Process

I use the dry metal brush to break up the caked on soil and what not. Please keep in mind that when brushing with the wire brush little to no pressure is needed most of the time. You only want to add minimal pressure in the areas that are heavily soiled, but this step is really just to knock off the surface stuff and prep for the next step. I also keep a small fan blowing away from me during this process so I do not inhale the stuff coming off of my pedals, optional though.

Next I use the belt sander cleaner which is essentially a piece of semi-soft rubber attached to a stick. Most hardware stores stock these and they are very handy stand alone tool to clean griptape with. I then clean the entire pedal with the belt sander cleaner. You will see the rubber come off as it absorbs the soil. 

 

Note - the previous steps can be repeated to the gain your desired results, but the next steps speed up the process tremendously 

At this point I get my "product" together for the second brush. I use 1 part glass cleaner and 2 parts water. There is no science to this other than it was the mixture I used as a kid on skateboards. I then dip my second brush in the product and start to lightly brush/scrub again. For my MSP I dip the brush 3 times to cover each pedal with product. If you are worried about the product seeping into your wheel you can position a piece sponge on top of the pedal hanger to catch any runoff. I do not use a sponge as this work is done below the batteries/board, but that is my wheel and if I blow it up it all is on me!

As you can see the brush is picking up a lot of debris.  The "product" in this dirtied state is useless. Make sure if you are using product of any sort that it is clean/clear. 

Side note - be sure to put your product in a protected space away from sensitive items and don't be a numbskull and knock your new batch into the fan

 

The next step is to dry the pedal/griptape. I use blue shop towels, but a towel, napkin or blower will also work. 

I also utilize a small fan to aid in drying the griptape, optional of course.

Process complete. Repeat until you are satisfied with the results!

[Roadpower]

I only ever "cleaned" the grip tape on the pedals once. All I did was take a very wet sponge and dab or press it. I did not move it side to side at all. I only wanted to achieve lifting of whatever would come off. The grip tape does not need to look pristine, it just has to keep griping and it is doing that just fine after 3,300 miles of use.

BTW, are those custom made power pads on your wheel? I like those, they look pretty low key but still effective.

[gon2fast]

53 minutes ago, Roadpower said:

The grip tape does not need to look pristine, it just has to keep griping and it is doing that just fine after 3,300 miles of use.

Very true. I tend to do this as part of my regular wheel maintenance or, like in this case, if I end up in the mud and have grip issues after. I also swapped out the outer shell hardware and re-did my wonky RTV weather sealing. 

The pads are made from a set of surfboard traction pads. I am not a fan of having the movement of my legs constricted while riding, but needed something to add a little leverage on steep climbs so I made little hooks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJLSWDX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

 

[Funky]

Or you could simply upgrade to honeycomb pedals. With pedal studs.   Mud/Snow would fall true.

And if you don't want to spend $$$. Simply remove grip tape. Open the pedals, screw some regular 3-4mm stainless steel screws with nuts true plastic.. Much better grip and no problem losing grip because of mud/snow. < My dad did that to his wheel.

Or if the pedals don't open, simple roofing screws true top of pedal.

One time fix and forget about it. I got my self hextech pedals, in my eyes worth the upgrade.

Then again some people like to clean their wheel time to time. Nothing wrong with that. <3

[Roadpower]

@gon2fast Oh, thanks for sharing that link. That looks like a very cost effective low key solution that I have been thinking about.

[gon2fast]

Awesome, glad I could be of help! I have the same thing on my V11, but added some of the flat material to pad the saddle as well.

Edited March 25, 2022 by gon2fast

[TantasStarke]

Thank you for this, I've been thinking about getting some Splattergoat custom grip tape and was worried about my design getting filthy, seeing how you can get the tape looking pristine again is very nice