5 stars
Price: $99
Weight: 380 grams (pair)
Spindle Material: Chromoly
Body Material: Aluminum
Platform Width: 77 mm
Total Stack Height: 10.7 mm
Q Factor: 53 mm
Dual-Sided: Molded pins (flat side), SPD-compatible (cleat side)
Cleat Compatibility: SPD
Ideal Usage: Gravel, bikepacking, and commuting
Time Tested: Over 300 miles
Availability: Online and retail
How Obtained: Company sample
LOOK Introduces SPD Compatible Gravel Pedals
Earlier this year, LOOK introduced several new off-road SPD-compatible pedals. I selected the X-Venture+ to test since I use Shimano XT pedals on my gravel and bikepacking bikes. The dual-sided pedals, with SPD-compatible cleats on one side and a flat platform with grip pins on the other, are the perfect design for off-road adventures.
I like dual-sided pedals for a couple of reasons: sometimes I don’t want to wear cleated shoes, especially if I might be getting off the bike to sightsee or run errands. Another reason is that when bikepacking or gravel riding and the terrain may become a little sketchy, it’s nice to unclip, flip the pedal over, and still have a secure platform to power through.
The X-Venture+ pedal’s flat side has a 77 mm-wide contact surface and aluminum pins for traction and control. The open design of the pedal also prevents mud from building up.
Even after just a few pedal strokes, I could tell the LOOK pedals were lighter than the Shimano XT pedals I had been using. The LOOK X-Venture+ weighs 380 grams for the pair, while the Shimano XT comes in at 428 grams. I also felt a smoother pedal stroke with the LOOK pedals. They also shave off some weight compared to the Shimano XT because they don’t have a reflector on the back and are thinner. Their lightweight and smooth action meant I experienced less leg fatigue and a higher cadence during a ride.
LOOK X-TRACK Easy Cleats
The box includes a pair of pedals and LOOK X-Easy cleats. According to the company, the cleats are 30% easier to engage. In my testing, I found them to be as easy or slightly easier to clip in than the Shimano XT pedals and cleats. In addition, the X-Easy cleats allow multi-directional release and 6-degree float for more natural pedaling movement.
The pedals come preset with the minimum cleat tension and are easily adjusted using a 3 mm Allen key. Turning the key in the + direction or clockwise increases the effort to unclip. I did not need to adjust the tension on the pedals I tested.
Bottom Line
The LOOK X-Venture+ are now the go-to pedals for my gravel and bikepacking bikes. The lightweight, dual-sided (cleat and flat) design reduces fatigue on endurance rides while offering options when the terrain gets sketchy. At an MSRP of $99, they’re affordable to install on several of my bikes.
As initially seen on Road Bike Rider
