Help removing reflectors from pedal for toe-clips

SerialComplaint

Hi folks

Probably a very basic question for all you bike maintenance experts, but anyway...

I got a new Specialised Hardrock last week, and I'm trying to fit a pair of strapless toeclips. The pedals seem to be carbon material, and have orange reflectors on both sides. There is no obvious clip or opening on the reflectors, so I'm just wondering what is the best way to remove these without causing any damage. The new toeclips have reflectors to be fitted onto the clip, so I don't need the built-in ones.

All advice welcome...

Hungrycol

Post up some pics if you can. If you don't want to keep the reflectors just just a pliers to prise/break them off. I doubt the pedal would be carbon, could be carbon effect or plastic.

SerialComplaint

Here's the best photos I can get. If I try to move or zoom any closer, I lose focus altogether.

All ideas welcome...

victorcarrera

I have a pair of those and removed the reflectors as follows.

Inspect the pedal carefully and you will notice an open slot on the inside (crank side). This is where they are installed and removed.
Push the end of a small screwdriver in behind the reflector and slide it out through the aforementioned slot.

Wrap a towel or similar around the hand you use to hold the pedal in case the screwdriver slips.

SerialComplaint

Thanks Victor C - Sorry to be making a mountain out of a molehill, but I'm still a bit stuck here.

I had a quick look at the pedal this morning, and I can see the slot on the crank side all right, but I can't see where I should push in the screwdriver to start pushing out. Does this go in at the side of the reflector? At the opposite end to the crank, it seems to be covered in, so I can't push from there.

blorg

Have you considered that it may not be possible to fit toe clips to those pedals? Looking at them I don't see where you are going to screw on the clips.

SerialComplaint

I was assuming that once I get the reflector off, I will be able to fit the screws through whatever is left after the reflector comes off. Does this make sense? I reckon that this is the bike, though the website isn't explicit as to whether toe clips are compatible. http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45757&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

The toe clip comes with its own reflector, so I should be able to fit that onto the clip afterwards.

victorcarrera

SerialComplaint wrote: »

... Does this go in at the side of the reflector? At the opposite end to the crank, it seems to be covered in, so I can't push from there.

Yes. Prise a small flatbladed screwdriver in at the end farthest away from the crank. Twist the screwdriver slightly to get the reflector moving. Then push it all the way out. It is not difficult mine popped out easily. It is possible that your ones are glued in though.
As blorg says these pedals do not already have the holes to take the two screws that hold the toe clips that I am familiar with. Neither do they have the holes for the straps. (But you indicated you had strapless clips) so I thought you had something compatible. If you are on a low budget you could bore a few holes to suit.
But these are cheap pedals. I got them free with a bike I bought and never used them. Consider buying different pedals before you go any farther.

blorg

SerialComplaint wrote: »

I was assuming that once I get the reflector off, I will be able to fit the screws through whatever is left after the reflector comes off. Does this make sense? I reckon that this is the bike, though the website isn't explicit as to whether toe clips are compatible. http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45757&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

Those pedals are not designed for toe clips, as Victor suggests your only option is to drill them which may be more or less successful.

SerialComplaint

As some suspected, these pedals won't take toe clips at all. Kudos to those nice guys at the Cycle Inn who replaced the pedals with a new set including toe clips for no charge.

Thanks all for your patience. Anyone want to buy a set of strapless toe clips?