not2fast

I rode 20 miles today on my new Keo Carbons. First I ever used "float" cleat, my old shoes were zero float.

I thought I had them adjusted ok, but realized about 2 miles in to the ride that my normal riding position (feet) was all the way against the inside stop. It bothered me a little at times. After the ride, I adjusted it, so my ride position is in the middle of the float.

How many of you use a float (gray or red) cleat? Do you like it? I am not too impressed when I get out of the saddle. No big deal for me in FLorida right now, but when I get back up to Pennsylvania and Maine, I will be out of saddle climbing a lot.

Just curious what others think on these floating cleats?

55/Rad

It takes a few rides to get used to float and to overcome that initial feeling of "looseness". Before long though, you'll be climbing out of the saddle with your feet in the center of the float and thinking nothing of it.

55/Rad

JayC

I did my first long ride on my KEO's today.. Ive done some 20-30 milers in them.. I did a 64 today.. I was out of the saddle quite a few times today and it didnt bother me at all. Course, I was riding Speedplay's before so I'm used to the float.

not2fast

Also, I didnt adjust the release tension yet. It was ok the way it was from the factory. But maybe I should tighten it up a bit, with the float. Just in case I start floating to one side and get too much load against it? Might be better to have more resistance?

55/Rad

If you are popping out without intent, then yes.

not2fast

No, I am not popping out. Just thought it might be good to tighten it up anyway. It pops about the same as my old LOOKs, which had no tension adjustment.

55/Rad

You want it tight enough to keep you in but not so much you can't get out with a reasonable effort. Adjust them for the unexpected times where getting out is the last thought before you tip over.

pinkrobe

I use the no-float cleats and have for some time now. My mtn pedals have float, and I wish I could get rid of it. The benefit of a fixed cleat position for me is that it forces my foot [and therefore knee] into proper alignment. My knees are buggered, and the only thing that's really helped is the fixed cleat and lots of standing climbs. YMMV...

rob999

I had speedplays for the last 3 years and just switched to Keos this summer. So even with the red cleat, I found them so much more solid. Love 'em...
I still have them at the factory tension, which the book says is all the way loose, and have never had a reason to tighten them...I even managed to unclip and not fall over when I was bitten by a dog 5 weeks ago.

cgod

I've been using Keo Classics with gray cleats for a couple of weeks now - my first Look pedals since I had the original white PP66s in the 80s, and at about the same price! These have all the advantages of the old Looks with serious improvements to lateral stability, cornering clearance and weight. Out of the saddle riding is much better than the late-model Shimanos I had.

I adjust the cleats so my heels just clear the cranks, otherwise I'll regularly run into them and the chainstays.

I also disliked my fiirst experience with float, using the old Shimano Look-style pedals, but for me it was due to the contrast with the non-floating systems I was so used to.

Tightening the tension will only make them harder to enter and exit.

Walking on these cleats is truly dangerous, just as Look cleats always were. The cleat covers are essential on hard floors, and work really well although are quite inconvenient.

Cam

garysol1 

keep a good eye on the cleats for cracking over time. They will tend to get hairline cracks around the tabs.

operator

The floating cleats are great for people with knee problems or those that are too lazy to setup their bike right. The red cleats imho, are excessively floaty. I personally use the black ones (zero).

55/Rad

Damn. Having to face the fact that I'm "too lazy to setup my bike right" is tough on the ego. I should correct that.

operator

Addendum: or you don't care

not2fast

Well, had my 2nd ride on my gray cleats today. Did 40 miles, and they seemed better than yesterday. I am sure they will probably not even cross my mind in a few more rides.

I had a great ride by the way, averaged exactly 20 mph for the 40 mile ride, not bad considering the traffic, and I am still a Clydesdale! (Not for long, though!) Also, always ride by myself, so there was no drafting.

F1_Fan

I rode fixed Look cleats for 10 years before trying Keo red cleats. I'd say it took 1000 km for me to be comfortable out of the saddle. That's me though... now I don't even notice the float but it was unnerving for that transition period.

2Tired2Shift

Is there any advantage to KEOs over delta? What was Looks rational/sales pitch in bringing them to market?

not2fast

as most things, I would assume SMALLER means LIGHTER. Only rationale I can think of.

Hammertoe

So you can't use your old cleats. They want your money....buy new cleats!!!

not2fast

actually, if you buy the pedals, the cleats come with them, so that theory doesnt work.

Hammertoe

Good point ...mine came with the grey cleats....

ranger5oh

I use black cleats now.... I switched from grey. I so far prefer the black cleats. I feel much more power goes into the cranks as opposed to twisting of my leg now. Im sure its all placebo effect, but either way.. i prefer no float.

2Tired2Shift

+1

If I need a little float I loosen my shoe shoes a tad. I feel much more secure w/ no float and it enforces proper ergo, IMO.

woodcycl

I've used red cleats now for about 16yrs ... only tried gray cleats a couple of times and WOW were they restrictive.

biker7

Tensioning your KEO cleats makes a big difference. For safety reasons from the factory they are set very loosely. This is not a secure position...not because you can pop out per se though that is a possibility but because there is insufficient spring tension to properly restrain the cleat. Go up a couple of notches and then check your release effort. I run mine either 2-3 notchs clockwise from loose and it made a big difference in how secure my feet are. BTW, I run the grey cleats and the 4.5 deg. of float for me is just right...don't want more and don't want zero float. I have taken a lot of time and many iterations to get the cleats on my shoes just right which for me is a hint of slew footed and virtually all the way rearward in travel.
Cheers,
George