So I just got in a pair of Gr9's and the pedals are nice but the bearing feel gritty when I spin them. I've done some forum searching, and someone suggested loosening the bearing cones slightly and greasing the hell out of the bearings. Sounds good to me. The problem is that I'm having difficulty getting the dust-cap off (*begin rofl*) . No joke, i've tried a pin, a pen, a knife... I can't get this damn dust cap off. Can anyone please explain how they managed to get theirs off? And if you have any advice for making the bearing roll a little more smooth, that'd also be appreciated. Thanks.

i'd say use them for a few days before you try to tinker with them too much, they just may need some working in.

Now are they new or used? The new pedals take a few runs to set the bearings. After that they run butter smooth.

GR-9s are notorious for their initial performance. Work them in for a couple miles and you'll see a dramatic difference.

I'd say it's pretty common in MKS' lower-end pedals. I got a set of the Sylvan tracks and before I put them on my bike I was considering a re-pack. Now? Fine, just fine.

for future reference, use a corkscrew to get the plastic dustcaps off. just poke the corkscrew into the plastic and then twist the screw somewhat and pull out like a cork on a wine bottle.

dewwd ive had them for like over a yearish and ive had no problems- no grittiness rough spots or whatever- alwayz buttery smooth- hate the dustcaps tho; no replacements available xcept 4 nickels

GR-9's are great $20 dollar pedals... but that's what they are, cheap pedals... just ridem'

I repacked mine before I even rode them. There was very little grease and the bearings were not adjusted quite right when I got them.

BTW, I used a pocket knife to get the dust caps off. On a side note, I hate screw-on dust caps that are just knurled around the edges rather than having an allen hole. The Sylvan dust caps are like that.