What To Look For
Look is the originator of the clipless pedal and the company revolutionized the bicycling world with the introduction of its first pedal in 1983. Look offers many styles of pedal, from those for novice riders to professional grade race pedals. Look pedals offer a rider increased efficiency, better control and more stability. By positively attaching his feet to the pedals, a rider can transfer power to the bike through all points of the pedal stroke.
Common Pitfalls
Failure to adequately adjust to the nuisances of Look pedals can lead to embarrassing falls. Look pedals positively lock the rider's feet onto the pedal via a cleat built into the rider's shoe. Releasing from the pedal is accomplished by rotating the foot outwards. Before taking your new pedals on your weekly group ride, be sure to practice and become comfortable with your new pedals. Ask your sales person if it is possible to set your bike up on a trainer so you may get accustomed to unclipping. Riding around an empty parking lot is another great way to get used to your Look pedals.
Where To Buy
Your local bike shop is an excellent source for information and help in purchasing Look pedals. The staff will be able to help you decide which model is right for you, and will even install your new pedals on your bike. Look pedals require some adjustment to ensure proper fit and function, which your local shop will be able to assist with.
Cost
Look offers pedals for both the road and off-road market. The Keo Blade is aimed at the professional racer. At $500, it is the most expensive of the Look line, but also the lightest at 190 grams per pair. Buy these if every ounce matters to your split time. Priced at $120, the Keo Classic is designed for the weekend-warrior who seeks both performance and value. They offer the same features that made Look famous, but utilize less-exotic materials. If flowing down single track is more your speed, then the Look Quartz is the pedal for you. Designed to easily shed mud and debris, these pedals make mountain biking more enjoyable. Look has several quartz models ranging in price from $100 to $400.
Accessories
Look pedals will require dedicated bike shoes that attach to the pedals via cleats. Be sure to purchase a pair of shoes that are compatible with your new Look pedals, otherwise you will be unable to use them. Bike shoes come in many different styles and price-points, choose wisely. Look pedals include the cleats needed to mate with the pedal, but they are a wear item and will need to be replace eventually. Spare cleats can be brought anywhere Look pedals are sold.
Insider Tips
Although Look pedals are referred to as "clipless" pedals, you do actually clip into them. The term "clipless" came about during the transition from toe-clips to Look style pedals. Since they didn't have clips and straps like traditional pedals, riders began referring to them as "clipless."
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