Look Keo Classic 3 Plus pedals review

The Look Keo Classic 3 Plus is a decent entry-level pedal that offers great ease of use and a stable pedalling platform. And while the Classic 3 Plus is one of Look’s most affordable pedal models, you still enjoy the same proven technology found on its more expensive models.

The body of the pedal is made from a composite material, and spins on a chromoly axle, which obviously saves money over the more expensive materials used higher up the range, but the upgrade to the Plus from the Classic 3 pedals adds small stainless steel plates to boost durability.

The pedal body provides a wide 60mm surface area, the stack height of the pedal is low at 11.5mm, or 17.8mm including cleat, and the spring retention device is adjustable.

The Keo cleats have a compact design that minimises weight, and the three-bolt fixture is compatible with all regular road cycling shoes. The provided cleats offer 4.5 degrees of float, but if that’s too much or not enough, cleats with 0 degrees and 9 degrees float are also available.

The company offers a version of the cleat with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer too, for increased grip on carbon shoes.

Look Keo Classic 3 Plus cleat and pedal performance

Setting the pedals and cleats up was very easy, helped by the small size that doesn’t totally obscure the markings on the sole as some larger cleats can.

There’s a nice range of release tension adjustment, which will suit a wide range of experience levels, but I found the factory setting struck a good balance between easily clipping in and out and keeping my shoes securely clipped in place.

Clipping in and out of the pedals was really straightforward, helped by the pedal always hanging at the same angle on the crank arm. That means less time trying to tip the pedal over to the correct angle before pushing the cleat home.

The cleat locks into place with a reassuring click, and clipping out is similarly smooth with a positive disengagement feel through the sole of the shoe.

Despite their low price and use of lower-grade materials, there’s no shortcut in the Look's performance. They just work very well; the pedals and cleats are easy to set up on the bike and on shoes, and the clipping in and out action is a breeze to get used to.

They felt secure too. Even during my all-out sprints and grinding up 20 per cent climbs there was never any hint of unwanted movement or fear of an unintended disengagement at the most critical moment.

I also found the range of float more than ample to ensure comfortable pedalling during longer rides.

Look Keo Classic 3 Plus bottom line

Look is one of the oldest and most popular clipless pedal systems and these pedals bring all the technology from its high-end pedals to an affordable price, with the stainless plates boosting durability.

These make for an ideal first clipless pedal for a new cyclist.