Bicycle Mechanics - look pedals and red cleat with float

I have an original set of look pedals (at least 20 yrs old). I just replaced the cleats on my shoes with the red cleats which have float. I have previously used the fixed cleat, and was used to that. The floating cleats felt a bit funny at first but I seem to be getting used to them, although I would prefer a little more resistance in the float or less float. I'm considering a new pair of look pedals. Any suggestions? Do the current pedals have any adjustment for float (and presumably will work with my red cleats) aside from the usual spring tension to adjust for release?

Look pedals use the cleats to control the float. Even the new KEO line maintains the red floating cleat and the black fixed cleat.

While it is true that the red cleat is used for float, there are Look pedals with adjustable float settings. I have a pair of 356s that have a float selector dial on the back of the pedal. Ithas three settings after fixed - Free Arc adjustment: 0, 3, 6 or 9 degrees.

Their CX-6 Road Pedal is the only current model I could find on their web-site that had this adjustment.

I just found out that the look A5.1 also has adjustable float. Bike Nashbar asks $89 for these; seems like a good deal.

Not particularly. Given that the 105 spd-sl's are $38 shipped on probikekit. With cleats.

I just found out that the look A5.1 also has adjustable float. Bike Nashbar asks $89 for these; seems like a good deal.

Not a bad buy....the original MSRP for those was around $179. That pedal does have an aluminum body though which I can tell you from personal experience, has a tendency to develop a bad squeek.

Look came out with a "bi-material" cleat that helps to resolve that squeek better than just using lube. Here's an example of it Cleat (http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=LOBIM&tnum=478044&c=637021&ref=pd). I would suggest acquiring these is you buy that pedal and end up developing a squeek. It could take a couple of hundred miles to develop so just ride out with the arc cleat that the pedal comes with.

I just found out that the look A5.1 also has adjustable float. Bike Nashbar asks $89 for these; seems like a good deal.

Buy them. I have been riding 5.1s for 2 years (paid $150 at the time). Great pedal and nicely adjustable.

There are 3 different cleats. Black, red and grey. The grey fall into the middle ground with about 4 degrees of float. This is what my Keo Sprints came with.

There are 3 different cleats. Black, red and grey. The grey fall into the middle ground with about 4 degrees of float. This is what my Keo Sprints came with.

KEO's are a whole different animal compared to the rest of the Look family. Cleats not compatible with the black or red delta cleated pedals.

Not a bad buy....the original MSRP for those was around $179. That pedal does have an aluminum body though which I can tell you from personal experience, has a tendency to develop a bad squeek.

Look came out with a "bi-material" cleat that helps to resolve that squeek better than just using lube. Here's an example of it Cleat (http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=LOBIM&tnum=478044&c=637021&ref=pd). I would suggest acquiring these is you buy that pedal and end up developing a squeek. It could take a couple of hundred miles to develop so just ride out with the arc cleat that the pedal comes with.

I actually think these are the red cleats that I just bought (before I ordered the A5.1's). I have ordered the A5.1's. I'll give 'em a try. One negative I have read from some reviews is the difficulty in releasing due to higher spring tension. I'm wondering if it may have something to do with leg length and physical anatomy (besides strength of course). Someone with longer legs may not notice the extra force required to release, due to more torque being generated by virtue of a longer lever arm. Thanks everyone for your input