Look vs Shimano pedals Bearing Durabilty

Ryath

Have been running look classics for a few year's and I was planning on getting the new blade 2's for a new bike. I like the pedals but have been less than impressed with the durability of the bearings and was wondering if shimano are any better. I have had one pair of the classics replaced under warranty at just under two year's and the replacements are already on the way out after less than a year and a half. The higher end Looks do have more bearings so would imagine are a bit more durable. I really don't want to drop €150 on a set of pedals for them to be junk after 2 years.

goose06

I have these for about 5 years now, still going strong, just had to replace the name plates on them as they had worn down. The name plates cost €10

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/shimano-r540-spd-sl-road-pedals/rp-prod5369

Raam

I've been using the same Look pedals for yonks.

Ryath

I'm getting the some mixed views. One guy in LBS has been running keo2s for four years and says there still good. Owner of another LBS said he had the first keo blade carbons for 6 month when the bearings went and the pedal surface was badly worn under the cleat. The pedal wear has been sorted though as the have a metal plate now. He say's he much prefers the shimano pedals they're much more durable.

I'm tempted to give a pair of shimano's a go I've enough shoe's that it wouldn't be a major inconvenience but in the long term I'd need to change them on three bikes.

Raam

I think these might be similar, if not the same, as what you are looking at.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/look-keo-blade-carbon-pedals/

I have a set on a bike for 2 years now. The bike wouldn't see as much use as my banger one but I've been happy thus far with the pedals. There is a nice solid connection with them. I went for the stronger retention and I almost struggled to get out of them initially, such was the strength of them. I can recommend them.

codie

I have a couple of sets of the Look ,Every now and then or if I get caught out in really bad rain I just take out the bearing spindle and soak them in oil overnight.5 min job and can't do any harm.

dave_o_brien

I've had one pair of Keo's since 2008, they're still fine. I've had another since 2010, required regreasing once, they're fine. My uncle recently replaced his Look pedals from 1989. They're also fine. I recently got Carbon Blades, they're class, great connection.

Ryath

Yea looking at the new version
http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=81227;page=1;menu=1000,4,136,33;mid=2,23;pgc=29:124;orderby=2

They should be dry use mainly and I have a winter bike with full mudguards and I'll leave raceblades on my training bike so should avoid the spay from the front wheel when I haven't been arsed putting mudguards on.

Which tension do you have 16nm? I'm thinking of going for these I have the classics dialed up to full which I think is 12nm and I feel I could do with a touch more. Only ever pulled out once but that was probably more to do with worn cleats

Ryath

codie wrote: »

I have a couple of sets of the Look ,Every now and then or if I get caught out in really bad rain I just take out the bearing spindle and soak them in oil overnight.5 min job and can't do any harm.

How do you open them it requires a special tool doesn't it.

07Lapierre

Look pedals last forever. Also there very easy to open and apply grease to the bearings.

codie

Ryath wrote: »

How do you open them it requires a special tool doesn't it.

Once the pedal is off its very easy ,just a small turn of the nut with a 21mm or a pointy nose plyers will do the trick

07Lapierre

Ryath wrote: »

How do you open them it requires a special tool doesn't it.

A Pliers will do the job.

Ryath

Cheer's will do that with the old pedal's can live with a bit of play but the creaking and clicking drive's me mad. Just say the bearing are running fairly dry packing with grease should get me a good bit more use out of them.

Any opinions on which tension to go for 12 or 16nm? I'm fairly light at 65kg and certainly not a sprinter.:(

codie

Ryath wrote: »

Cheer's will do that with the old pedal's can live with a bit of play but the creaking and clicking drive's me mad. Just say the bearing are running fairly dry packing with grease should get me a good bit more use out of them.

Any opinions on which tension to go for 12 or 16nm? I'm fairly light at 65kg and certainly not a sprinter.:(

The 12 should do you fine

Craig06

I have the 12nm blade 2 and the spring tension is perfect. Also the bearings are completely sealed as opposed the the keo max pedals so they should be more durable.