LOOK’s Pedal Product Manager’s interview

Frédéric Roudergues, Pedal Product Manager’s, developed the Kéo Blade. He explains in details how it came to be and all the benefits of this revolutionary pedal.

 - What are the main benefits of the Kéo Blade ?
The main improvement is the precise and immediate engagement and disengagement which are confidence-inspiring. Then, there is the contact surface area, which is unequalled to date ; this allows great stability and great pedaling efficiency. Finally, there is its weight : the Kéo Blade is one of the lightest pedals currently available, and it certainly is the lightest if you factor in the weight of the cleats.
LOOK is one of the only pedals brand to invest so much in R&D and in new technologies. We innovate to bring genuine improvements to our customers.
 
- Why replace the traditional spring by a carbon blade ?
We wanted to develop a pedal which allowed the cyclist to clip out more rapidly when necessary. LOOK’s experience in designing carbon products and transforming carbon led us naturally towards the use of this material. The carbon blade, thanks to buckling (blade distortion), insures a more positive cleat entry and release. The blade has also allowed an interesting weight gain.
 
- On the Kéo Blade, how have you reenforced the reliability ?
Reliability is one of our main concerns. We chose very technical materials, which we know for their reliability  : we added a stainless steel plate to the contact area, which is moulded into the pedal’s body.
Carbon, of course, is used for the body, which is made up of long and extremely stiff fibres.
Then, we did a lot of work on the axle’s line : it has been enlarged to improve its stiffness, the bearings are protected by a double seal to insure their longevity.
LOOK has always worked under a very strict quality charter, which even goes beyond the legal requirements. LOOK pedals undergo very harsh tests : 100% of the blades are tested to insure their reliability.
 
- Why launch a Crmo version ?
High tech is made more available with this steel axle version *.
 
- A new Aero version is coming out. Who is it aimed at ?
The Blade Aero is the first pedal for triahtlon and TT. We know that aerodynamics have a huge impact on performance, especially at high speed, since air resistance is equivalent to the speed squared.
Our goal was to make a pedal which had all the benefits of the Keo Blade, ie weight, large surface area, safety, and to increase its aerodynamics thanks to a carbon shell which also stiffens the pedal’s body.
 
- How did you achieve that ?
We did some research in wind tunnel to define different aero profiles. Then, we developed the one offering the best performance and presented the least possible air flow resistance.
 
- Does the carbon shell weigh down the pedal ?
It adds very little weight, the pedal remains very light. The shell only adds 5g, which is nothing compared to the significant gain it allows.
 
- A good cleat adjustment is very important. How do you adjust your cleats with precision ?
Good cleat adjustment is very important to limit the risk of injury and to improve pedaling efficiency. There are different solutions, but there are not extremely accurate. We recommand the Kéo Fit, a system we developed. It is the only scientific and reliable solution to check and improve cleat adjustment. On top of this, it helps you define which angular float you need (0° : black cleat ; 4,5°; grey cleat ; 9° : red cleat). Once you’ve fitted your cleat, it is very easy to keep it when you change your cleat thanks to LOOK’s cleat position memory.

*The Keo Blade Carbon Crmo’s recommended retail price is 169,90 € in France
Keo Blade Carbon Ti  : 269,90€ - Kéo Blade Aéro : 249,90 € – for more information, please contact your local LOOK dealer