Positioning your LOOK Kéo cleats is much more than a simple adjustment: it is the key to efficient pedaling, long-lasting comfort, and active prevention of joint pain. Whether you are a competitor, a regular cyclist, or a leisure rider, precise adjustment allows you to get the very best out of your LOOK pedals.
Incorrect positioning can:
· Cause pain in the knees, hips, or tendons, and in the long term lead to injuries or muscular imbalances
· Reduce pedaling efficiency and power transfer
· Lead to premature wear of equipment (cleats and pedals)
· Your cycling shoes
· A set of LOOK Kéo cleats (red, grey, or black depending on your needs)
· A 4 mm Allen key
· A marker or adhesive tape to mark your settings
Angular float (or “float”) refers to the side-to-side rotation allowed for the foot on the pedal. The greater the float, the more naturally the foot can adapt; the smaller the float, the more fixed and demanding the position becomes.
| Cleat model | Angular float | User profile | Advantages | Points to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (0°) | None (fixed) | Competitors, experts | Maximum stability, optimal efficiency | Very precise adjustment required |
| Grey (4.5°) | Medium (semi-fixed) | Regular, experienced cyclists | Good balance between comfort and efficiency | Slight additional tolerance |
| Red (9°) | High (free float) | Beginners, leisure riders | Maximum comfort, reduced joint stress | Slight loss of precision |
Advice: LOOK pedals are supplied with grey cleats (4.5°), offering an ideal balance between comfort and performance. If you experience joint sensitivity or are looking for greater freedom of movement, choose red cleats (9°).
Stick a piece of adhesive tape horizontally on the sole, along the big toe.
Put on the shoe and, by touch, identify the head of the first metatarsal (big toe joint). Mark a reference point on the tape at the center of this metatarsal head.
Remove the shoe, place the cleat, and install the screws and washers without fully tightening them.
Before tightening:
· Align the cleat axis with your reference mark (corresponding to the joint).
· Center the cleat in a mid-position for a baseline setup (use the reference marks on your shoes if available).
· This “neutral” setup can be fine-tuned after your first ride.
Tighten the screws between 5.5 and 6 Nm using an Allen key. Repeat the operation on the second shoe.
Tip: mark the position of your cleats (with a marker or tape) before replacing them to preserve your settings.
Install your bike on a home trainer or a stable stand.
Pedal for a few minutes: your knees should move up and down while staying aligned with your ankle.
After 15 to 20 minutes, make sure no pain or tension appears.
Adjust if necessary: a slight rotation or lateral shift can correct discomfort — please refer to the table below.
| Pain area | Recommended cleat adjustment |
|---|---|
| Front of the knee | Move the cleat backward (therefore moving the foot forward on the pedal) |
| Inside of the knee | Move the cleats inward to widen foot stance. Also check that heel rotation remains natural. |
| Outside of the knee | Move the cleats outward to narrow foot stance. Also check that heel rotation remains natural. |
Warning: cleat adjustment should only be carried out after a complete bike setup, including saddle height, saddle fore/aft position, and saddle tilt.
· Replace cleats at the first signs of wear to maintain precise and secure engagement.
· Regularly check bolt tightening.
· Consult a professional bike fitter for a personalized setup based on your posture and riding style.