Look S-Track

Although they weren't truly the first company to make a clipless pedal, Look was the first company to successfully mass produce them. In 1984 Look first released their clipless design. A design that has hardly changed since then. Their road pedals from 1984 and 2014 don't look all that much different. I guess when you do something right, you shouldn't change it. 28 years after the original release of their road pedals, Look dove head first into the mountain clipless scene with the S-Track design. Since then I have been wanting to try them because, well, they are new. A few months ago I finally decided my old pedals had seen their last ride, so I grabbed myself a pair of the S-Tracks and slapped them on a bike. Here is what I (and Look) have to say about them

THE SPECS
Composite body and deflectors
2 sealed bearings with 1 IGUS bushing
2 seals and 1 elastomer plug to keep the elements out
3 deg float
15 deg release
320 grams with cleats

Those are the basic specs for the entry level S-Track pedals.  Look also claims to have the largest cleat/pedal/shoe interface on the market of 460 mm^2. What that means for you is a solid engagement, more pedal power, and more comfort. The DCS (Dynamic Cleat System) is designed to efficiently shed mud, water, sand, and just about any other element you will run into on the trail (even horse dung depending on where you are...). That means long cleat life, because who actually wants to change cleats? All of this not enduro enough for you? Don't stress it, Look has an app for that! Ok so it isn't an app, but they do have you covered with the S-Track CAGE. The cage is a simple install that bumps your foot contact area to 870 mm^2. This is going to give even more confidence and comfort in your feet. But enough with the technical mumbo jumbo! I got these pedals to test them, not rewrite the specs.

These pedals have now been on 2 shred sleds, a road bike, and a fixie (yes a fixie). The cleats are fixed to carbon soled Specialized Expert mountain shoes. I have been on them for a while now and the first thing I have to say is that the cleats last a long time. I can honestly say that the cleats hardly look used! The pedals and cages also seem to be holding up well. Both have hit their share of rocks and roots and other than minor scuffs there seems to be no damage. From the very beginning, the pedals gave a reassuring click when they engage, and that same click still happens every time. Engaging and disengaging the pedals isn't difficult either. Harder than Crankbrothers, but nothing extreme.

I do have to say that the power transfer is good. With the cage on, you get a solid foot feel no matter how hard you are pushing, even if you have to start out unclipped on a hill. You can always be sure that you're going to get the most power possible in just about any position. That all adds up to less fatigue in your feet and legs because there is no wasted pedaling. And the control is great. There is just enough float to allow the bike to move underneath you while barreling down the steep, technical trails without your feet coming undone. This means you can go faster, stay on longer, and be sure that when you mash the pedals, the bike will accelerate.

Overall I have become a big fan of the pedals. I once was a Crankbrothers guy. Used their pedals for years. But I have to say I've grown fond of how secure these Looks feel. They give great feedback and solid, confident pedaling and foot engagement that certainly stands up to the name Look has in road clipless designs. If you are just getting into clipless or are in the market for a new pair, don't hesitate to look at Look. I think anyone from XC to enduro would like these pedals and at right around $100 they aren't the most expensive ones out.

So if anyone has any comments or questions on the review feel free to ask me. I am more than happy to voice any other opinion on them and open to feedback!

Thanks for reading, and remember. The trail goes on forever, and the fun never ends!