Look Keo Blade Review

We received our first pairs of the new Look Keo Blades over the summer. I got myself a pair in one of my weaker, splurging moments. I didn't really need new pedals but I wasn't about to put beat up old pedals on a brand new Serotta Meivici. I grabbed a pair out of the display case and threw them on and that was that.

The Keo Blade is available with either a 12nm or 16nm spring. Very basically the 16nm spring is tighter and I like to have my pedals pretty tight. They are also available with a titanium axle or a steel axle, one is lighter, one is cheaper. I chose the titanium. They are insanely light. I don't usually go for the feather light equipment but this time I did. I am about 175lbs and I generally like equipment to be durable and functional above all else.

I have been riding them since September very regularly and have been very happy with them. The bearing quality seems a bit nicer than previous generations of the Keo. There is no excessive play and the bearings are super smooth. The larger platform on the new Keo is noticeable and any increase in foot stability is a good thing. The spring has held up very well and there has been absolutely no decrease in spring tension over time. The addition of the metal plate at the cleat/pedal interface is found on most the the new Keo line and is a welcome improvement as well. There is less creaking and less wear and tear on the pedal with the new plate. The cleats are still the same and are available with or without rubber grippers. I recommend the bi-material cleat without the grippers for two reasons. One, the grippers tend to make it more difficult to clip in. Two, the gripper cleats make noise in some pedals.

These are durable, reliable pedals that happen to work very well and they are very light too. With the option of a steel axle, there is nothing I could say against these pedals. My only gripe is the gripper cleat issue but that was easily remedied by switching back to the non-gripper cleats. All in all they are outstanding!

The Look Keo Blade Titanium costs $499 and the steel version is $319.