Mountain bikes have seen a surge in popularity in recent years as more people discover the joys of riding on unpaved trails and rough terrain. As riders push the limits of what their mountain bikes can do, some have started exploring modifications like adding pegs. But is putting pegs on a mountain bike advisable or even possible? This article will explore the ins and outs of adding pegs to a mountain bike.
What are Pegs?
Pegs are small tubes of metal that protrude horizontally from each side of the wheel axles on a bike. They were originally designed to allow BMX and stunt bikes to perform aerial tricks by giving the rider’s feet something to stand on midair. Here are some key things to know about pegs:
- Made of strong, durable metals like steel or aluminum
- Come in various lengths, usually 2 to 3.5 inches
- Attach to the bike’s front and/or rear wheel axles
- Allow stunt bike riders to stand on them for tricks
- Also used on cruiser bikes for carrying passengers or cargo
Can You Technically Put Them on a Mountain Bike?
Strictly speaking, there is nothing stopping you from attaching pegs to the axles of a mountain bike if the axle is long enough to accommodate them. So technically, yes you can put pegs on a mountain bike. But just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should.
Factors to Consider Before Adding Pegs
While it may be tempting to bolt some pegs onto your trusted mountain bike to expand what you can do with it, there are a few important factors to consider first:
- Intended Use: Mountain bikes are designed for riding off-road trails and absorbing impacts from bumps. Pegs are meant for stunt tricks on smooth surfaces. Trying to use pegs on rugged mountain bike trails is unlikely to end well.
- Weight Capacity: Most mountain bikes have a total rider and cargo weight capacity around 300-400 lbs. Pegs allow you to carry more weight but could exceed the bike’s limits. Too much weight can damage the frame or wheels.
- Suspension and Stability Issues: The suspension systems on mountain bikes are optimized for absorbing shock from the ground without too much sideways motion. Adding pegs can restrict suspension movement and decrease stability on bumpy trails.
- Safety Concerns: Riding mountain bike trails requires skill and concentration to navigate obstacles and avoid accidents. Pegs introduce more opportunities for feet to slip off causing crashes. They also reduce ground clearance.
Why Pegs Don’t Belong on Mountain Bikes
While you can install pegs onto a mountain bike frame, doing so goes against the intended design and purpose of these rugged outdoor bikes. The cons outweighed the pros when pegs meet mountain bikes:
- Not safe for rugged trail and downhill riding
- Too much added weight for mountain bike components
- Restrict needed suspension system movement
- Reduce ground clearance and increase crash risks
The bottom line is that pegs are really only suitable for stunting on smooth surfaces, not mountain biking terrain. You are better off leaving them off your mountain bike. But if you insist, take extreme caution.
Alternative Options to Carry Gear/Passengers
If your goal with adding pegs was to increase your mountain bike’s cargo capacity, there are some safer specialized alternatives:
- Front/Rear Racks – Allow panniers and gear to be mounted above the wheels
- Trailer Hitches – Allow a cargo trailer to be towed behind the bike
- Child Trailer Seats – Secure seats can allow kids to ride along
- Saddlebags – Bags mount behind the seat for extra storage
While not as sturdy, these alternatives provide safer ways to haul more gear and people on your mountain biking adventures.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, pegs are not designed for mountain bikes. The risks outweigh any perceived benefits. For stunting and aerial tricks, a BMX or freestyle bike with pegs makes sense. But don’t compromise your safety or your mountain bike’s handling to bolt on tricks components it wasn’t made for. If more cargo capacity is needed, go with a purpose-built solution instead. Your next epic ride on the trails will be more enjoyable without worrying about pegs getting in the way.
