Have you ever wondered if there’s a perfect pedal to help you ride comfortably and preserve those precious knees? For many seasoned cyclists—especially those of us over 50—finding the right pedal can feel a bit puzzling. Should you go with Look or Shimano? Does float matter when your knees sometimes creak? And how does pedal height affect your comfort on long rides?
Why Pedals Actually Matter
It might be tempting to think pedals are all the same. If they spin freely and clip your shoes in place, that’s good enough, right? Well, not quite. The pedal is one of three contact points between you and your bicycle (the others being your handlebars and your saddle). It directly influences how power is transferred from your legs to the bike. A good pedal-and-cleat combination can reduce stress on your joints, help you ride more efficiently, and maybe even save you from an awkward slip when you dismount to grab a snack.
As we get older, every small detail helps. We want our gear to feel supportive, not punishing. Knees and ankles might get fussy, so having a pedal system that offers adequate float and easy engagement can be a real game-changer.
A Little Background: Look and Shimano
Look’s story begins with ski bindings back in 1951, when the company invented a pivot-style binding to protect skiers’ ankles. Eventually, they brought this clip-in concept to cycling in the early 1980s, creating the first modern clipless pedal, the PP65. Bernard Hinault gave the design global attention by winning the Tour de France on these pedals. Greg LeMond followed suit, and soon, traditional toe clips were on their way out.
On the other side of the ring, Shimano, the giant of Japanese cycling components, introduced its own clipless pedals in 1987 under the Dura-Ace label. It borrowed elements of Look’s ideas early on, then branched out and crafted new designs. Not all of Shimano’s first attempts were successful—some early SPD-R two-bolt road pedals were less than stellar. But by the early 2000s, Shimano hit gold with the SPD-SL system that remains a favorite on many road bikes today.
The Showdown: Look Keo vs. Shimano SPD-SL
Let’s dig into some specifics that might matter to you, especially if you’re juggling comfort, performance, and ease of use.
Weight
- Look Pedals: Look’s Keo family typically prides itself on being lighter, especially in the higher-end Keo Blade range. If you’re a fan of trimming grams and you want something that’s relatively sleek, Look has a good reputation.
- Shimano Pedals: Shimano options can weigh a bit more, although the difference may feel minor on casual rides. Still, if you’re chasing performance gains and counting every gram, Look might have the advantage.
For riders over 50, you might not be on an all-out quest to shave every gram, but a lighter pedal can help with easier spin-up and reduce cumulative fatigue on long rides. It’s not a make-or-break factor, just something to keep in mind.
Stack Height
- Look Pedals: The Keo Classic 3 has a stack of around 17.8mm, which goes down to 14.8mm for the fancier Keo Blade Carbon models.
- Shimano Pedals: The entry-level Shimano road pedals (like PD-RS500) have a stack around 16.5mm, going as low as 14.6mm for top-tier Dura-Ace pedals.
You might hear folks say stack height is crucial because lower stack means better power transfer and stability. Personally, I find a marginal difference in real-world riding, but if you like the sensation of being closer to the pedal axle, Shimano’s SPD-SL line (especially the higher-end ones) often sits a bit lower.
Float
Float refers to how much your foot can swivel while clipped in. If you have knee issues, this can be significant. You’ll see terms like 4.5°, 6°, or 9° of float.
- Look Cleats:
- Keo Black = 0°
- Keo Gray = 4.5°
- Keo Red = 9°
- Shimano SPD-SL Cleats:
- SM-SH10 (red) = 0°
- SM-SH11 (blue) = 2°
- SM-SH12 (yellow) = 6°
Look’s Red cleat provides 9° float, which is notably more than Shimano’s 6° max. If your knees occasionally complain and you prefer more freedom of movement, Look’s Keo Red might be just the ticket. If you’re already comfortable with 6°, Shimano’s SM-SH12 or SM-SH11 is a good middle ground.
For riders past 50, having a bit more float can alleviate unwanted stress on aging joints. It’s one reason some folks swear by Look. Others find 6° more than enough and enjoy how Shimano cleats feel sturdier when walking.
Cleats: Walkability and Durability
- Look Cleats: Pure plastic. The standard version can be a bit slippery when walking across smooth floors. Look does offer a Keo Grip variant with anti-slip pads, which helps, but these still wear out fairly quickly.
- Shimano SPD-SL Cleats: Each cleat has rubber walking pads on the front and rear. They’re definitely more stable to walk in, though they can stick out a bit on the sides of your shoe. They also tend to last a bit longer before the engagement becomes sloppy.
For everyday riders who need to hop off the bike frequently or who worry about the occasional slip on a coffee shop floor, Shimano’s design might feel more reliable. If you love the finer points of Look’s system but want to minimize your fall risk, go for Look’s Grip version.
Q-Factor
Q-factor is the distance between your crank arms at the pedals. Some folks prefer a narrower stance, while others need more space due to hip structure, knee alignment, or just plain comfort.
- Look Pedals: Standard Q-factor is 53mm. You can add washers to get up to around 57mm. That’s an easy solution if you find your feet brushing the cranks or your knees turning in too much.
- Shimano Pedals: Standard Q-factor is 52mm, but for Ultegra and Dura-Ace pedals, Shimano makes 4mm longer axles. That lets you push your stance to 56mm or slightly more if you add a washer or two.
Many older riders who have had knee or hip concerns appreciate the ability to tweak their stance width. Both brands give you some wiggle room. If you need a very wide stance, Shimano’s 4mm extended axle plus a washer or two might be perfect.
Maintenance and Reliability
Both Look and Shimano have been in this game a long time. Their higher-level pedals can last a decade or more. You’ll find:
- Look Pedals: Service can be done with a 19mm wrench to remove the spindle. Look suggests using a specific Loctite adhesive on the threads when reassembling. Bearings hold up quite well but can squeak if the cleat is heavily worn.
- Shimano Pedals: They require a special Shimano tool (TL-PD40) to remove the axle and access the bearings. It’s cheap, but you do need one more gadget. Shimano pedals generally feel bulletproof. Just remember to grease them from time to time.
When it comes to cleats, Shimano’s typically outlast Look’s by a fair margin. This can matter if you frequently put your foot down at stoplights or walk around in your cycling shoes.
How to Choose: Some Simple Guidance
If you’re still on the fence, let’s break it down:
- You love low weight and sleek looks. Go with Look. Their pedals often weigh less, which may appeal if you’re keen on a lighter setup.
- You’re worried about your knees and want extra float. Go with Look’s Keo Red cleat for 9°.
- You want easy walkability and a more durable cleat. Shimano SPD-SL might be best.
- You want a wide stance or you have unique fitting needs. Shimano’s extended axle or adding washers to Look’s pedals can both work. If you need the widest possible stance, Shimano’s 4mm extension plus washers goes even further than Look washers alone.
- You just like a certain brand. Sometimes it’s about brand loyalty or the look of your setup. Many Campagnolo riders use Look, for instance, because it just feels more natural than finishing off a Campy drivetrain with Shimano pedals.
For many cyclists who are stepping into serious road riding, Look Keo 2 Max or Shimano 105 pedals hit the sweet spot. They’re not crazy expensive, they perform nicely, and you won’t feel out of place using them even on a high-end build.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing between Look and Shimano pedals can spark a lively debate, but both brands have proven themselves over decades of professional and recreational use. Look arrived first, giving us the birth of modern clipless pedals, while Shimano refined the design for smooth engagement and durable cleats. You can’t go wrong with either. Pick what suits your riding style, your comfort needs, and your budget.
If you’re an over-50 cyclist balancing performance with joint-friendly solutions, pay particular attention to float, cleat design, and Q-factor. Little details can make a big difference in how you feel after a 30-mile spin, and they certainly matter for longer rides. Above all, never underestimate recovery. A solid approach to rest, stretching, and mindful self-care will keep you clipping in with confidence for many years to come.
So, whether you fancy the lighter, slick look of a Keo Blade pedal or the time-tested reliability of Shimano’s SPD-SL system, the decision is yours. Remember, riding should be fun, and part of that fun is feeling good on and off the bike. Now go enjoy the open road—just don’t forget to do a quick stretch afterward.