My SRAM Rival 1 cranks came with pedal washers, and there is a little tab saying I should use them. But what is there purpose? Are they for low end pedals that don’t have a proper shoulder?

My XT pedals have a nice big and round shoulder, do I need to use the pedal washers?

If your cranks are alloy and the pedal spindle is steel then using the washers is a good idea. Why wouldn’t you if you’ve got them anyway?

I asked in a bike shop about this and they said if they’re SRAM cranks you should always use washers irrespective of pedal choice

Most of all i’m trying to understand their purpose.

It’s just annoying that the manual says that I HAVE TO use them, but I don’t know why. 🙂