This version 4 of the Keo Carbon Blade pedal see a few nice upgrades from the previous Blade design. The Blade retention spring has been covered from the top eliminating dire and debris to enter the entry/exit mechanism. The pedal body has been reinforced on the outside of the pedal and some unnecessary material has been removed from the rear of the pedal body. As with the previous design, full compliment of ceramic bearings (1 ceramic inboard roller bearing, 1 ceramic centered needle bearing) adorn the pedals.

Featuring the widest and most supportive platform of the Keo series with a super-generous 700mm² surface area with a 67mm wide carbon body for the ultimate in shoe/pedal contact, the Blade Carbon's body has been enhanced by a stainless steel plate affixed to the body over the pedal axle for the full 67mm width. The plate adds stiffness to the already stiff carbon body, but more importantly prevents wear between the cleat and the pedal body, ensuring long term durability, but also creating a smoother action between the two interfaces.

The spindle of the new Carbon Blade has been completely redesigned. It is built around an oversized 53mm long axle and spindle that pass through internal roller and needle bearings located directly under the pedal platform. This construction allows a gain of approximately 2 to 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 end plug with an o-ring washer and has also been equipped with an internal, double-lipped seal.

The "blade" is a carbon spring that is the cleat retention mechanism, which saves a huge amount of weight over a steel or even titanium spring design with supporting hardware. The key to the Blade system is that it integrates into the body and shroud of the pedal for a very clean aerodynamic shape into the oncoming air. Incidentally it also delivers a refined appearance as well. With this pedal set, Look provides a 12 Newton meter release tension blade. The release action- twisting your heel away from the crankarm is the same, and just as smooth as any Keo, and releases at the same point of rotation (dictated by the cleat option), it is just the force required to get the pedal to release that differs between the Blades.

Like nearly all Look Keo pedals, the Carbon Blade includes the Grey 4.5° float Keo cleat set with hardware for the 3-bolt Delta system. The pedals install with a 8mm Allen wrench through the axle end. Overall we expect the Keo Blade Carbon Pedals to continue their reign as one of our best selling high performance, race grade pedal systems. The newly designed carbon body and blade system deliver the qualities racing cyclists require, while the new axle and bearing system add more efficiency to complement the aerodynamic properties of the pedal design. We particularly appreciate the platform width and power transfer, and the stainless steel plate goes a long way to ensure durability over time.