Test: From 1984 when Look invented the clipless pedal and thus promptly won the Tour de France until 2018, this then revolutionary system was revised and optimized countless times. The LOOK Keo 2 Max Carbon is the product of this continuous perfection. At this point, we have examined in more detail whether it is ultimately worth buying a Look Keo 2 Max Carbon and whether the innovations are worth their money.
First impression
The Keo's are delivered well packaged with instructions for assembly and adjustment as well as two gray pedal plates. On first contact, it quickly becomes apparent that the workmanship is very good and the materials used are of high quality. The pedals including cleats and screws weigh just 312 grams. The double-bearing axle rotates absolutely free of play and smoothly in the pedal body, which is made of carbon.
Test
We were able to test the Look Keo 5 Max Carbon extensively for 2 months in order to look at the functionality and durability in addition to the feel. However, before we could do the first test ride, the pedals had to be on the bike and the cleats on the shoe. The assembly was relatively easy, the supplied Keo plates are attached to the shoe with 3 screws, the pedals are screwed into the crank with an 8mm Allen key.
The notching hardness can be adjusted to the respective preference via a screw, the adjustment range is between 8 and 12Nm. A patented positioning aid makes it unnecessary to adjust the cleats again, provided the shoe used has a mount for it in the middle of the three fastening threads. The black marker remains connected to the shoe, so the set position of the plates remains. It is therefore no longer necessary to set it up again.
The plates are available in 3 different versions, which differ in the lateral freedom of movement of the feet. The blacks correspond to 0 degrees, gray to 4,5 degrees and red to 9 degrees. The gray plates included in the scope of delivery represent the best compromise between loose and bombproof. The majority of drivers will certainly get along well with these.
The cleats are equipped with rubberized pads so that walking does not become a slippery slope. However, these tend to wear out over time, but offer very good grip even on wet surfaces. One of the biggest innovations is the contact surface, which has been widened to 60mm.
Funktionalität
With some pedals, clipping in and out can be a tightrope act, and the minimalistic and fiddly systems of other pedals are often dangerous, especially for clipless pedal beginners. This works better with the Look Keo 2 Max Carbon pedals, in and out goes “fast and smooth”, as the English would say. After a bit of practice, the front nose on the cleat finds its way into the pedal by itself, then a little pressure on the foot and a hearted cracking confirms the firm fit of the shoes in the pedal. There was never anything to shake at this fixed connection, the shoes never left the pedal unintentionally.
We find that the widened contact surface also makes a difference compared to the predecessor, the protection sits firmly and does not give it the opportunity to wobble. The power used arrives where it is supposed to go, namely on the road. To protect the pedal body from wear and tear, a wear plate made of stainless steel has also been incorporated, so the body remains undamaged even after a long period of time. The bearing play did not change noticeably after our test either, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the high quality of the materials and components mentioned above.
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