Installing the new Keo 2 Max graphite pedals on my bike I was expecting more.
The new Look Keo 2 Max pedal has been improved in three areas.
- Wider stainless platform.
- Improved bearings and axles.
- Longer pedal/crank interface.
The wider stainless platform and improved bearings might do the trick and get me through another four years or more...
Keo 2 max, It's all in the name, Keo as in Keo same as the older models, you do not have the change your cleats. 2 Max for maximum power, maximum reliability.
How do they compare? I would venture to say a new pair of the original Keo's would feel very close to a pair of Keo 2 Max but a worn pair of the original Keo's makes the switch to the new Keo 2 Max feel smoother and more secure. The wider stainless platform allows the cleat to float over it's surface smother and easier than the worn out surface of my old pedals. Given that the stainless platform will not wear at the same rate as the carbon or graphite surface of the older models, it's safe to say the Keo 2 max are going to be better over the life of the pedal.
The squeak is back! Something about the original style Look Delta pedals that drove me wild was the cleat squeaking once they were even a little bit worn or dirty. With the introduction of the Look Keo line it seemed for the most part to have disappeared, but it's back with the Keo 2 Max.
With new cleats and a clean surface the Keo 2 Max are quiet. But, as soon as I swapped to a pair of shoes with worn cleats or the day after riding in the rain squeak-squeak-squeak, Hummmm???
Watch out for the white one. White seemed like a good idea when I picked out my pedals but as you can tell looking at the image its just not working. I have not yet worked out how to clean them. The surface is rough and attracts dirt like J. Howard Marshall.
Bearings and axles. Before my move to Keo some four years back I was using Speedplay
Zeros. Which I never really got into. The small pedal, large cleat, long exposed axle with all the
riders preasure on the last inch of the pedal supported by some tiny bearings... Not for me. With the Keo 2 Max Look have enlarged the bearings, and beefed up the axles. This seems to be a real solid solution to the problem I had with the original Keo's. So far so good the bearing improvements are not something I feel during my test rides but I expect many a good mile from them.
Extra thread length. Something I know I will never need but might be a huge plus for someone who needs the pedals to be further apart. Take note how the threaded part of the axle is so long it protrudes out the other side of the crank. I am not crazy about this look.
On the road. They clip in easy enough, the float
is smooth, my feet feel secure when I sprint and climb. Pulling my foot out is not a concern but with that said pedals are something you only notice if they are not working well. It's hard to discern one well adjusted pedal from another, even switching between brands when everything is new and 100% correct they feel quite similar. It's all about wear and adjustment with pedals. My take on the Keo 2 Max is that they are of the best in the business and have a few small things that make them the pedal of choice for me. The cleats are great for walking as well as been inexpensive and easy to install. The tension adjustment is simple to use and works. Adjusting float is easy enough, after only one ride you can tell which side of the cleat you are wearing and can adjust from there.
Final word. Four more years, maybe even more.
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Posts
18 comments:
These pedals don't spin freely even after 1000 miles. Call Look and get on the recall list. They overbuilt the bearing seal causing the axles to not rotate freely.
Per previous comment, the new KEO 2 Max pedals don't spin freely. Especially noticeable as they don't rotate when you remove a foot, say, while waiting at a red light, meaning they could be in any position and when you want to re-enter them you have to look down and line them up first. This is a SAFETY issue. And I am sure this adds friction I certainly don't want! Went back to my old KEO Classics.
...any further info from Look on this issue? ...an easy fix? I have a set of the new 2010 Look Keo 2 Max carbon pedals that seem to be acting the same way. At first I thought they were running just a little tight because they were new and needed a little "run in period" but after 2000km riding on them they are still tight. (dont spin freely and consequently do not hang properly for easy pickup of shoe cleat)
Cris, if you purchased the pedals from an authorized Look USA dealer you are under warranty and Look will supply free of charge, replacement seals that will not give you this problem.
If you got the pedals from me, shoot me an e-mail and I will send you a replacement pair of pedals and a call tag for you to send those back.
I bought a pair of Look Keo 2 Max Pedals today and I don't feel any problem with the spin. They spin as freely as my previous Keo Sprints, although a bike that I saw in my LBS had the same pedals, but it didn't spin freely. I think I had bought an updated model. Manufacturing date underneath was September 2009.
Gosh Im not going mad,although the squeaking will send me there in the end.I have recently fitted a set of Look Keo2 Carbon pedals and noticed also that they do not spin freely,even after 1000kms or so.The Squeaking issue also more than minor especially after a couple of hours out on the road.Suggestion is to use TALC as a dry lubricant prior to use,will stay in place for quite a while before re-application needed.
I (and the rest of my team) got Keo 2 Max pedals in Dec. '09 and have the problem with the spinning. Everyone has mentioned it but don't seemed to concerned about it. Many of us switched from Speedplays and are struggling with crit starts (it is sort of funny for the entire team to start on the line and get to the first corner last). I'm assuming this can be fixed by getting some aftermarket ceramics, but I'm not sure what size the bearings are. Anybody know?
Funny story!
The problem is not the bearings it's the rubber seals. If you purchased the pedals from us we replace them at no charge.
I bought my pedals over a year ago when the max carbon was just introduced, and I too thought they needed a break in period. However, after a whole season they still aren't rotating freely. I purchased them from an online look dealer and don't have a receipt. I have emailed look and gotten no response several times. I feel like my pedals should be warranteed and replaced free of cost, but local shop says look won't do anything without a receipt. Disappointing.
The online retailer you purchased them from should get the warranty replacement from Look.
The problem is that I can't find the paper receipts for them anywhere, and don't recall where I purchased them. It seems absolutely ridiculous that I can't take them to any look dealer for warranty. Its obvious that there was a problem with the first release of these and not having sympathy for the consumer blows my mind. We are cyclists, we don't make much money, and we rely on safe and proper products to continually perform.
Now I'm nervous: I was on the verge of buying the KEO 2 Max pedals (have been on Shimano SPD). Don't know what to do.
Keo 2 max are still one of the better options on the market and a considarable step up form the older Shimano SPD. The new Shimano SPD SL pedals are however very similar to the Look, I am testing them at this time and they are great. Might be my favorite thus far.
Are there any differences between the Keo 2 Max and the Keo 2 Max Carbon? I need to get a set for my wife's new bike and don't know which one to get? Any advice?
Practically the carbon and graphite version are the same. Only a small weight advantage to the carbon.
I would get the graphite.
Had my Keo2Max for over a year. Yesterday I crashed after the spindle completely sheared leaving the pedal still attached to my cleat and shoe and the rest of the spindle in the crank. Emailed Look and awaiting reply. A number of bruises, ruined front wheel, damage to handlebars - could have been worse, fortunately wasn't in traffic.
John R
Buying a new pedal (brand/model)
in not ez
"LOOK" needs competition, of a higher name.
Look OUT for another.
(I say this as an owner of 4 pairs of "LOOK" pedals)
I came to this (review)website, while I was originally be searching to buy 'Keo Classic.'
Seems that my conscience originally made the correct decision.
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