A few years back, we were speaking with an American moto, mountain, and components pioneer who shall remain nameless to protect his identity. He commented that, in time, just about everything will be made of carbon fiber--even bottom bracket spindles. The full-carbon crank of the future isn't here just yet; however, the steel tensioning spring in pedals might be on the way out, indicating that the pan-carbonium future may be nigh. Case in point: Look Cycle has figured out a way to use a carbon fiber leaf spring to replace the spring in its top model, the Look Keo Blade Carbon Ti Road Pedals. As a top-tier model, this pedal has everything: Carbon fiber body, titanium axle, stainless steel wear plate, and a carbon leaf spring (the titular Blade) that flexes against the retention plate to hold the cleat in place. The combination of materials (Hello titanium!) and design help make the pedal crazy light without costing it any durability with the big weight savings coming by eliminating the heavy, coiled steel spring that tensions traditional pedals. We admit that the lugged-frame, Reynolds 531 traditionalists at the CC office had initial fears that the blade presents an obvious weak spot; however, we've found that it'd take some serious work to accidentally disengage the blade or break it. And we're not alone. Pedals equipped with Look's carbon Blade leaf spring have become conspicuous in head-on bike-throw photos of sprint finishes under the likes of Sagan and Greipel. Those mythical figures have yet to break the Blades, so we mortals don't stand much of a chance. It'd take a literal hammer blow to just the right spot, and we prefer to confine our bike-related hammering to the figurative realm. The materials and engagement aren't the only sign of the future being upon us. This pedal's platform is wider than the previous Keo, which was itself 17% wider than its predecessor. This ups the surface area from 402mm2 to a Gorilla-approved 700mm2, providing a more generous...
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