You saw some cyclists who have foot pegs on their stunt bikes, and you wonder if you can have them on yours too?
You ask some rider friends, and their answers vary. Some say you can install pegs on a mountain bike, while others say you shouldn’t.
You now have a dilemma: should you still push through with your plans?
Many mountain bikers have the same problem; thus, they turn to the internet for answers.
Fortunately, you come across this article for answers. So read on to learn if you can put rear pegs on a mountain bike.
What Are Pegs?
Pegs are robust metal tubes you can attach to your bike’s axles if you prefer grinding rails and ledges. You probably notice them in many BMX bicycles.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Put Pegs on Your Mountain Bike
Too Much Fork and Frame Stress
You should be aware that using pegs for their intended purpose can damage the frame and fork. Mountain bike frames have longer and thinner tubes than BMX frames.
The bike peg can be a short lever if you hop on a ledge. But, unfortunately, it stresses the fork and frame.
Moreover, many MTB frames are carbon or aluminum, and these materials can’t sufficiently deal with the impact.
Aluminum may easily crack or scratch because it’s soft. Carbon is also less resistant to shock; therefore, prepare to replace your expensive frame if you insist on using pegs.
If you have a new MTB frame that cracks because of the pegs, you may not claim the manufacturer’s warranty because of misuse.
On the other hand, a BMX bike has a thicker steel frame; therefore, it can handle the stress from a BMX peg.
Insecure and Challenging Installation
Many mountain bikes have quick-release skewers that are incompatible with pegs. You can’t tighten them if you attach a stunt peg because they’re very short.
If you have the thru-axle, you also can’t attach pegs because it can’t handle lateral stress. It’s also short.
You may install pegs on your mountain bike, but you must replace the original wheel axle with a bolt-on model.
You may also attach pegs to the mounts for fenders or racks, but they’re catastrophic for the mountain bike frame.
Delicate Mechanisms
The mountain bicycle’s rear derailleur isn’t for grinds. So expect a damaged derailleur if you hit it against a ledge.
The derailleur may disintegrate the rear wheel and spokes.
Wider Profile
Expect to have a more comprehensive mountain bike if you attach pegs. Unfortunately, if you go mountain biking, you risk falling if a branch hits them.
Additional Tools
It would help if you had a socket and wrench extension for installing and removing the pegs.
Moreover, carrying the tools while riding would be best because you need to remove the pegs to fix a flat tire.
Weight
If you attach four pegs to your mountain bike, expect to carry an additional kilo when you ride.
Looks
You may not like the overall appearance if you attach pegs because they need to be more pleasing to the eyes.
Social Criticisms
Your fellow BMX riders may not like the pegs, and they won’t hesitate to tell you about it.
How to Safely Install Pegs on a Mountain Bike
Chromoly Frame
A Chromoly frame can withstand the impact better than carbon and aluminum. Therefore, Chromoly BMX frames are better with pegs than other frames.
Rigid Steel Fork
Aluminum suspension forks aren’t suitable for the lateral stress created by the pegs. You should purchase a rigid Chromoly fork to install pegs on your mountain bike.
Single-Speed
If you have a single-speed bike, it doesn’t have a derailleur; thus, it can’t handle technical failures when riding.
Robust Hubs with Additional Extended Bolt-On Axles
You should get reinforced hubs and bolt-on axles if you want to install pegs on your mountain bike.
Buying these axles and hubs will be challenging because mountain bikes have quick-release skewers and thru-axles.
However, you may still install pegs if your mountain bike frame has a 14mm rear axle.
High Bottom Bracket
If you have a too-low bottom bracket, you may need help installing pegs because the cranks interfere with grinding.
Therefore, your bottom bracket should be high to provide sufficient clearance for grinding.
Are Pegs Specifically For Grinding?
Generally, you install pegs for you to perform several street stunts. Some bikers also use them to transport people.
However, if you plan to use the pegs for your passengers, you should get the ones with more comprehensive platforms.
Top Tips for Installing Pegs on a Mountain Bike
If you plan to install pegs on your mountain bike, you should ensure to do it correctly.
Pick the Correct Location.
Your pegs should be as close to the solid axle as possible and on the bike frame. When you perform tricks, there should be enough clearance between the ground and the pegs.
Attach the Pegs
You may use clamps or bolts when attaching the pegs to your MTB. However, if you’re after better security, get the bolts.
On the other hand, if you prefer ease of use, opt for clamps. Ensure you tightly attach the peg to the mountain bike frame.
Test the Pegs
Ensure to test the pegs before you use them for your tricks. They should be secure and stable and won’t loosen when you perform tricks.
Top Tips For Riding with Pegs on Your Mountain Bike
- Tightly attach the pegs to the mountain bike frame. Ensure they will stay upright and move while riding.
- Test the pegs before you use them.
- Know the potential dangers and risks of using pegs, and be careful when riding in dangerous or rough terrain.
- Wear your protective gear, especially a helmet, when you ride your bike.
