Putting pegs on mountain bikes is possible, however, it may come at a cost depending on the way you do it. Stunt pegs are most commonly seen and used in BMX and single speed bikes. They have the purpose of adding a little flair and style to bike riding, but with some imagination, they can also be placed on a mountain bike. However, mountain bike frames aren't really meant for pegs.
When I was a young rider, I started to do some stunts on my mountain bike and wanted to get some pegs for it. I didn't have any money to buy a BMX bike, so I just bought the stunt pegs and attached them. However, they did come with a warning to not give the bike very rough use. Fortunately, I followed the warning and was able to do some simple stunts with my bike.
In this article, we´ll try to answer the question: can you put pegs on a mountain bike? We´ll take a look at what stunt pegs are, as well as learn how to install them on your mountain bike. Finally, some of the ups and downs of taking the risk.
Table of Contents
Bike pegs are tiny metal tubes that are attached to the wheel´s axle. This can be the front or rear wheel. They are normally used to create traction and stability when riding on rough surfaces. They are most commonly found on BMX bikes as they have the necessary frame to support the begs.
Bmx bikes are known for performing tricks with stunt pegs, but they are also sometimes used to support an extra passenger on the bike. This can actually be quite dangerous as the pegs and the bike itself aren't designed to support that much weight.
Most mountain bikes aren't designed for holding pegs, as it slightly changes the fork´s position and the frame isn't ideal for supporting the pegs. However, here's how to install stunt pegs on your bike:
Instead of mounting the pegs directly on the wheel´s axle, you´ll be placing them on top of peg wedges. The benefit of doing it this way is that you´ll avoid damaging the frame and rear axle. However, you´ll only be able to do this in the rear wheel.
A peg wedge has a boomerang shape, and 2 layers. So, the first step will be to tighten the screws holding these layers together. You can use your allen wrench to do so.
Place five nylon cable ties through the peg wedge. You can find exactly where to do this by looking for an uneven surface. Do this for both wedges.
When inserting the cable, make sure the smooth end of the cable side is facing in towards the wedge.
You´ll have to place the peg wedge on the rear of the bike's frame to make sure it's as close as possible to the frame´s V. Be careful not to mess with the rear derailleur or any other delicate parts in that area of the bike.
Make sure that the wedge is properly placed. Then start tightening from the rear most cable forward. Before tightening the cables, check that they don't wrap any brake cables. Once the cables are tight, you can cut the excess.
Place the coach bolt in the middle of the wedge, and remove the hex nut.
Once you´ve removed the hex nut, slide the stunt peg over the bolt, reattach the hex nut and with the help of your ratchet, tighten the peg as much as possible.
To install pegs on a bike without a bike peg wedge, you´ll have to do it directly on the wheels´ bolt on axles. So treat the bike delicately, as applying too much force would damage the wheel´s axle.
To install pegs on a mountain bike, you´ll also need long bolts on axles so that there´s enough space to properly screw the stunt pegs. a long bolt on axle will allow to screw the pegs tighter. This makes your bike more resistant to lateral stress during your stunt riding.
Depending on the wheel, the size of the axle may not have the same thickness. Normally, front wheel axles measure 3/8 and rear wheel axles measure around 14 mm. According to the type of nod, you´ll have to use the necessary tool to remove it.
Most wheels come with a tiny metal piece between the axle and the nod called the washer. When removing the peg, also remove the washer as it´ll no longer be necessary.
Place the peg through the axle and press it directly into the fork dropout. With the help of your ratchet, tighten gently.
You´ll have to repeat the same process with the bike pegs on the other side of the bicycle and on the rear tires.
In some bikes, the installation process may be a bit more complex. If you are unsure, there are guides and videos that will help you fit your bike pegs.
If you don't feel confident that you'll be able to install the pegs, going to the local store is always an option. Just expect it to become a small expense.
Placing stunt pegs on your mountain bike will have both upsides and downsides. Here are some examples to help you make a better decision:
You can find a variety of bike pegs in special bike shops, but if you´re not in the mood to go searching, you can find any pair of stunt pegs you want on the internet.
Although most pegs you´ll find will most likely be for bmx bicycles or single speed bikes, you may find pegs for universal bikes if you dig deeper. These can fit on almost any type of bike given the proper conditions.
You may have a harder time finding stunt pegs specifically made for mountain bikes or track bikes, as the two don´t ideally match. With some good searching skills, you´ll find some.
The average price for bike pegs can range a little bit. Regardless, you´ll still be able to find quality pieces for under $25.
Standard bmx pegs are normally made out of a steel frame or some kind of metal alloy, but there are also plastic pegs which have a lighter weight. Consider using plastic which might actually be a great way to keep your mtb frame in good condition.
Some factors that allow the best possible conditions for bicycle peg installation are:
Bike pegs can´t be mounted on quick release skewers as they are too short and can´t be tightened. Many riders buy new thru axles to replace said quick release skewers. As most bikes still have this axle, this problem is regularly seen.
Be sure to keep your tires to a relatively low air pressure. This will also help the back wheel with lateral stress. Regular bikes have a tire PSI of around 100, so you could try keeping it at 95. Be sure to know that there are risks involved with this technique.
Can you put pegs on a mountain bike? The answer is yes. It is possible to place pegs on your bicycle. Additionally, there are plenty of ways in which you can try to avoid damaging your bike. One of these is by using peg wedges. Nevertheless, the pegs and the bike aren't compatible by nature, so there will always be some risk in the equation.
In the end, the decision of installing pegs will come down to you and what you´re looking for. Just take time to think about it. Always try to go with the best alternative, even if it's slightly more expensive. In the long run it´ll pan out. Now go enjoy your bike.
