LOOK has launched the latest version of its KEO Blade Carbon pedal called the KEO Blade Carbon Ceramic, which as the name implies, now incorporates ceramic axle bearings.
According to LOOK, the addition of ceramic bearings has resulted in a reduction of friction by 18%, as well as an increase in bearing life by 4 to 6 times more than their standard counterpart. Moreover, the French brand says the inclusion of double-sealed axles give the bearings waterproof ratings of IPX7 (submersion) and IPX6 (water jet) respectively.
Similar to the regular KEO Blade Carbon, the new ceramic version also features adjustable tension courtesy of replaceable carbon blades.
The pedals come standard with blades that offer 12Nm and 16Nm of release, while monster sprinters can opt for the super strong 20Nm.
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Designed to win, the new KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC improves the experience associated with the use of blade technology in a clipless pedal. This new version is the result of experience gained during years of development in the heart of our manufacturing facility and to continual improvements made thanks to daily input from the greatest of champions.
Lightweight, aerodynamic, powerful, the new KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC has all the assets to allow you to improve and optimize your performance until victory is yours. It is for these reasons that KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC is the unanimous choice of many champions who have made it a weapon of choice in the conquest of their greatest achievements.
The KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC has the best weight / power ratio in its class.
Its new design completely integrates the blade for unrivaled aerodynamics. Equipped with a carbon body and blade, the Blade Carbon Ceramic is available in a CrMo version (chromoly spindle) for a weight of 110g per pedal. It is available in three tension release levels: 12,16 and 20Nm.
CERAMIC BEARING
Every component, every ball is meticulously selected to ensure the highest level of quality and performance. The balls are precisely calibrated one by one by a machine, down to the micrometer. They are then ordered according to size in perfectly-adapted rings, with the result that every bearing has a totally unique structure.
A long lifespan is the main advantage of ceramic bearings. Rounder and harder than traditional balls, they are less sensitive to dust or deposits and guarantee consistent, durable performance. Furthermore, ceramic is not subject to corrosion. These physical properties ensure the bearings have a lifespan 4 to 6 times longer than standard steel bearings.
The spindle of the new CARBON BLADE CERAMIC has been completely redesigned. It is built around an oversized axle and spindle that passes through internal roller and ceramic bearings located directly under the pedal platform. This new construction saves approximately 2 watts at 100 rpm.
The distance between the roller and needle bearings has been increased by 25%. This provides more rigidity along the entire length of the spindle, and as a consequence, improved power transmission.
Special attention has also been given to ensure that it is water resistant. Weather resistance has been improved by 120% for even more reliability and longevity. To accomplish this, the new spindle received an updated endplug with an o-ring washer and has also been equipped with an internal, double-lipped seal.
To meet the demands of the most demanding cyclists, especially competitors, the pedal-cleat system must allow efficient power transfer thanks to a broad and rigid platform.
The platform of the CARBON BLADE CERAMIC is fitted with a 67mm-wide stainless steel plate, optimizing the cleat/pedal contact areas, regardless of pedaling angle.
With 700 mm² of surface area, the CARBON BLADE CERAMIC offers an optimized contact platform for an efficiency and power transfer that is unmatched on today’s market.
Its weight / power ratio positions it well above the competition
LOOK axles are only approved after a rotational test of 2 million cycles at 100 rpm with a load of 90 kg on the center of the pedal and an eccentric rotation (which creates stress on each revolution). This is equivalent to a sprint by André GREIPEL of 1700 watts at 100 rpm for 333 hours! This test is much more demanding than the current standard, the ISO 4210.
Reduced friction is the best-known and most characteristic advantage of ceramic bearings. The perfectly circular shape and the hardness of the balls combined with ceramic-specific, optimized greases allows for an 18% reduction of the frictional forces applied to the bearing.
Using a carbon body lightens the weight of the pedal and provides an additional gain in stiffness for improved power transfer.
BLADE technology is a major technical innovation in the history of the automatic pedal because of its many benefits: LIGHTWEIGHT, AERODYNAMIC, ULTRA-SECURE WHEN CLIPPING IN AND OUT
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