Look has added a wider Q-factor option for its Keo Blade pedal range. Until now, the Keo road pedals have been available in only one spindle length, with a 53mm Q-factor. Look has now introduced an option with a 3mm longer spindle, extending the Q-factor to 56mm.
With 5mm of lateral movement available via cleat positioning, that enables you to obtain an effective stance width of between 53mm and 58mm on the longer-axle pedals and down to 50mm on the short axles.
Incorrect Q-factor – or more correctly stance width – can be a factor in knee, foot and hip discomfort while cycling and even lead to injuries.
Research has shown that a narrower stance width is usually more efficient, as well as being more aero. But what’s efficient for a shorter rider with a narrower pelvis may not be optimal for a taller rider, who may benefit from longer pedal axles.
Look has until now been the only major pedal manufacturer not to offer multiple stance widths. Shimano offers its Dura-Ace and Ultegra road pedals and XTR XC pedals with both 52mm and 56mm Q-factor. Time XPro pedals are sold with 51mm, 53mm and 57mm Q-factor.
Speedplay pedals offer the most options, although only for the Speedplay Zero pedals, which can be bought with 53mm, 56mm, 59mm and 65mm Q-factor. Along with the high adjustability of the cleat’s float and release angle, that has long made Speedplay pedals a favoured choice for bike fitters.
More release-tension options for the Keo Blade
Keo Blade pedals rely on a ‘blade’ carbon leaf spring to close the cleat retainer. The 56mm Q-factor Keo Blade pedals will be sold only with the mid-range 12Nm blade, but Look is now offering two different release-tension options pre-installed across its 53mm Q-factor Blade pedal range.
So, whereas the top-spec Keo Blade Ceramic Ti (190g a set) has formerly been sold only with a 16Nm blade installed, there is a new 12Nm option available.
The Keo Blade Ceramic (without a titanium axle but with ceramic bearings) will now be sold in an option with an 8Nm blade installed, in addition to the current 12Nm option.
Finally, the Keo Blade with steel bearings will be sold with a 12Nm blade option, in addition to the current 8Nm blade pedal.
Look already sold its 8Nm, 12Nm and 16Nm blades as an aftermarket upgrade, as well as a 20Nm blade, which it reckons is only suitable for pro riders who usually aren’t going to have to clip in and out except at the beginning and end of a race or stage.
It also sells replacement axle kits in 53mm and 56mm lengths in CroMo steel and titanium, so you can potentially change your pedals' Q-factor yourself.
Look’s power-meter equipped Keo Blade Power pedals will for now only be available in the current 53mm Q-factor.
Look has been steadily working on its pedal design and variants for a few years, with the fourth-generation Keo Blade pedals launched in 2024 claimed to be more aero than their predecessors.
