This is my first set of black Keo cleats. I have not noticed a substantial difference when clipping out. Maybe I clip out a little sooner. You MUST use cleat condoms if you do any walking with these on pavement because you will wear them down quickly. The cleats that have the walking bits don't wear much better and you can't get them with the bi-material. Even with those, you should use covers if you are going to be walking much. Bottom line, these cleats aren't made for walkin" (apologies to Nancy Sinatra) they are for cycling and I have been using Look Keo cleats for 13 years without any other complaints.
Look cleats are still rather pricey for mass-produced plastic things but they come in a nice box with a really thick manual and pretty decent screws. I've tried the grip version but clicks and squeaks should not accompany a ride.
Put these on your shoes, clip in, and enjoy many miles. Unless you're a frequent walker (the horror!), these cleats will easily last a season. If they don't, you walk in your cycling shoes too much. Take them off and slip on flip-flops like every cyclist with a notion of decency.
Since I started cycling "seriously" I have been a look fan. I don't pretend to know what degree of "float" will be best for you be be aware that Look cleats vary. I am 69 years old and routinely ride 30-60 miles at a time. I have replaced my cleats many times but so far (thank you God) never my knees. These also seem very durable as I get at least a full 5000 mile "season" out of them. Now the only issue is that when new they can become a bit difficult to engage and disengage. I use Finish Line Cleat and Pedal spray to help especially for the first dozen rides when I replace a set. I have found that to be a great product and believe you might no matter what your pedal system.
These function pretty well. A tad too easy to disengage from the pedal, for my tastes, but I could probably adjust my pedal to improve that. The real downside here is when walking in these cleats. My home has hardwood floors and walking with these on hardwood is hazardous - more slippery than on ice. My remedy, so far, has been to walk with the rubber heels of my cycling shoes always in contact with the floor first. It's awkward. It's slow. But it keeps me from slipping and falling. If only my pedal-based power meter would work with Shimano cleats!
These are a direct replacement for the worn-out set. Easily mount in the same location on the shoe and the bi-material makes getting in and out of the pedal easy.
I like the small amount of float that the gray cleat offers.
I've never had a problem with Look's replacement cleats before, but this time one of them broke. The toe bit up front cracked then broke off. I've been riding look pedals since about 1990 and this is the first time that happened. My LBS had an off brand pair that I've used before. I prefer the Looks, but now I have a spare.
I prefer these bi-material cleats to the ones with the rubberplastic walking inserts. The inserts are worn out a month after I get them so I prefer these as they are less expensive and I can clip in and out easier. Invest in a pair of cleat covers. They will wear quickly if you don't use cleat covers and you are walking on asphalt, concrete or gravel. The cleat covers are good for at least a couple of years, maybe longer. I am happy with the amount of float in the greys as compared to the red or black.
