Look's latest KéO Blade pedal uses an innovative carbon fibre leaf spring (the 'blade') instead of the usual wound steel retention plate spring.
This reduces weight as one would expect, but only slightly so. Complete with a long carbon fibre body and titanium spindle, the Blade weighs 195g a pair – a single gram lighter than the current KéO Carbon Ti.
However, the carbon material's unique spring curve does lend a distinctly snappier and more positive feel when clipping in and out when compared to a conventional KéO. Entry and exit are smooth and fluid as usual but you're either very much 'in' or very much 'out' with no vagueness in between.
Release tension is non-adjustable in the typical sense but Look will offer two different blades to suit rider preferences: one roughly corresponding to the lower range of adjustment in the conventional KéO and the other one more towards the stiffer end. Pedals will come with one or the other pre-installed and a properly equipped Look dealer can perform spring changes as needed.
Of course, the Blade body also incorporates the wider platform and stainless steel upper plate of the newest KéO 2 Max for additional stability. The KéO Blade will be available in January. Retail price will be around £305/US$499/350 euros.
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