Look KéO, can't clip in!!

[Teeny]

Hi guys,
Now I need your help again, this time with the pair of Look Kéo pedals that came with my new bike. Have previously used SPD-R and SPD SLs but these are my first look ones. Tried the whole setup today and wow, what acceleration and power transfer!
BUT, I really seem not to get on with those blasted pedals. They appear to be improperly weighted and the 'toe' hangs vertically making it v difficult to clip in (out is less of a problem). I find myself having to stop for ages trying to get my foot in which is not very convenient if cycling in traffic... I've tried reducing the tension but again, the dial seems stuck. I'd love being able to use the pedals safely so if anyone has any tips and tricks that would be much appreciated!

[Miranda]

OK, I'm not sure if I totally understand what you mean by "the toe hangs vertically"?

The pedal itself when not engaged should hang vertically...

With skinnier part of the triangle pointed up (the edge you catch the cleat in first), and the bottom of the triangle should be closest to the ground (where the tension adjustment is and you press your heel down to complete the pedal engagement to clip in). So... your pedal hangs the opposite way? Hmm... kinda shouldn't with the weight.

I don't know if the tension they are put on with might make this happen. Or lubrication maybe?

I own them, but have not rode with them yet. Unfortunately I have an injury right now and can't ride to comment more *sigh*.

On the tension... there are different levels of tension for Looks. For 2009 the Look Keo Elle is the least tension available to click in (that's what I own). The Classic Keo used to be this tension. But for 2009 it increased. I found it even on the easiest setting a wee bit hard for me to engage. So, I went with the Elle for the easiest. OH... almost forgot, they do have a Look "Easy" Pedal--not 100% sure on tension there.

If they are lighter than your last set of pedals, maybe they don't stay hanging as well pointed heel section down? That's laws of gravity of course. Just a thought. Hope someone else might have some more insight to help you, but FWIW.

[indysteel]

I thought ths same thing when I went from SPDs to Keos. I even went back to the shop almost in tears. They explained that they're purposely weighted like that and that I just needed to get used to them. As you start from a stopped position, the pressure from your foot will level the pedal at the same time as it engages the cleat. It really comes down to timing and having a sense where the pedal is. The best advice I can offer is to practice. Go to a parking lot and do it over and over again. You will soon get a feel for it. I still have trouble here and there, but it has more to do with operator error than the pedals.

Also, there's an article by Chris Carmichael someone linked to in another thread about clipless pedals recently. You might do a search for it. I would do it myself but I'm on my Blackberry at the moment and it's not as easy to do as on a PC.

As for the tension, I just got a new set of Keos Sprints for my new bike. With the tension at the lowest setting, they are almost too loose. You really shouldn't be having a problem in that regard. You do have to apply some pressure to engage the cleat, however.

Good luck! Think of it this way. Keo pedals wouldn't have the market share it has if the pedals truly were impossible to use. So don't give up just yet!