Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Posted at: Feb 13, 2022
LOOK is a highly regarded manufacturer of complete vehicles, and in this article, we'll take a look at the grades and types of LOOK's popular binding pedals for road use, and the differences between each model.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
All current LOOK binding pedals for road use are unified into the KEO series.
Within the KEO series, they are divided into the following three grades.
In addition, within each grade, there are several variations such as “CARBON” and “PLUS” with different materials.
The grading system is not as simple as Shimano’s binding pedals for road use, but it is good to remember that they are “BLADE, MAX, and CLASSIC”.
The KEO BLADE is the top grade of LOOK’s current binding pedals, with the name of the base model followed by the name of the part material.
All models are made of carbon, so the base model is “KEO BLADE CARBON”, which is divided into three models according to the materials used for the bearings and shafts.
The KEO 2 MAX is one grade below the top-of-the-line KEO BLADE, which is a binding pedal with a completely different structure and shape from the KEO BLADE, similar to Shimano’s SPD-SL pedal series.
The KEO 2 MAX is available in two models, a carbon model and a regular model, and they look almost the same, but you can tell the carbon model from the regular model because the body color of the carbon model is slightly more carbon.
Among LOOK’s binding pedals, the KEO 3 CLASSIC is the comfort model, based on the higher-end KEO 2 MAX model, but with a simplified body structure for a much lower cost.
The KEO 3 CLASSIC is the base model, and the PLUS has a stainless steel plate for the crate contact surface.
The upper grade KEO BLADE and the middle grade KEO 2 MAX are all different in shape and structure.
The KEO BLADE, while inheriting the previous LOOK series, uses a bottom plate structure similar to TIME, designed to better convert pedaling power into propulsive force.
In terms of weight, the KEO BLADE is as light as the TIME pedals, which are known as lightweight pedals, while the KEO 2 MAX series is about the same as Shimano’s SPD-SL pedals.
As explained earlier, KEO 3 CLASSIC is a lower-priced version of KEO 2 MAX, so it is a line for those who want to try LOOK binding pedals at a reasonable price.
If you want to enjoy serious riding, such as long rides or road races, it is better to choose KEO 2 MAX or higher.
However, the KEO 3 CLASSIC is priced lower than Shimano’s entry-level PD-R550 road pedal and is about 10% lighter (PR-R550 is 310g/pair), so beginners who want a lighter pedal from the start may want to choose the KEO 3 CLASSIC.
model | series | weight (pair) | shaft | bearing | body | bottom plate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC TI | KEO BLADE | 190g | titanium | ceramic | carbon | Available |
KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC | KEO BLADE | 220g | Chromoly | Ceramic | Carbon | Available |
KEO BLADE CARBON | KEO BLADE | 230g | Chromoly | Steel | Carbon | Available |
KEO 2 MAX CARBON | KEO 2 MAX | 250g | Cromoly | Steel | Carbon | None |
KEO 2 MAX | KEO 2 MAX | 260g | Cromoly | Steel | Composite Body | None |
KEO 3 CLASSIC | KEO 3 CLASSIC | 280g | Cromoly | Steel | Composite Body | None |
KEO 3 CLASSIC PLUS | KEO 3 CLASSIC | 280g | Cromoly | Steel | Composite Body | None |
There is a 100g difference in weight between the entry-level KEO 3 CLASSIC and the top-level KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC TI, so it is worth choosing the KEO BLADE CARBON CERAMIC TI even if it costs more if you are concerned about weight reduction.
The KEO 2 MAX CARBON is a well-balanced model for those who want to save weight.
All current models of LOOK binding pedals are compatible with KEO cleats, so they are not compatible with DELTA cleats for older models.
Note that although KEO cleats and DELTA cleats are similar in shape, they are not interchangeable and cannot be used interchangeably.
Sponsored Link
Shimano Chain Compatibility for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
An overview of Shimano chain compatibility across road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. Includes guidance on how to choose the right chain for your drivetrain.
Shimano ESSA Lineup and Compatibility with Existing 8-Speed Parts
An overview of Shimano's newly released 8-speed component group "ESSA" and its compatibility with existing 8-speed parts.
Compatibility Guide for SRAM MTB Components
A detailed explanation of compatibility between SRAM MTB components. This guide outlines which parts can be used together and which combinations are not compatible.
Shimano CUES Cassette Compatibility Guide
A detailed guide to the compatibility of Shimano CUES series cassettes. Includes an overview of compatible rear derailleurs, chains, and wheels.
Shimano Hydraulic Brake Hose and Connector Standards Guide
An explanation of the differences between Shimano’s hydraulic brake hoses BH90 and BH59, the types of connecting bolts, and how to choose the right hose for your brake system—including key points to watch out for.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 12-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of the key compatibility factors when using Shimano's 12-speed cassettes—specifically the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain, which differ significantly from previous 11-speed systems.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 11-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 11-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Perfect Guide to Shimano 10-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A detailed explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 10-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
In-Depth Guide to Shimano 9-Speed Cassette Compatibility
A comprehensive explanation of two key compatibility factors when using Shimano 9-speed cassettes: the required wheel (freehub) and drivetrain.
Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Standards and Selection Guide
Unlike mechanical brakes that only pull a cable, hydraulic disc brakes come with various standards and technologies depending on the manufacturer. This article highlights Shimano’s hydraulic disc brake technologies and standards, along with key points to consider when selecting one.
Shimano CUES Components Lineup and Compatibility Guide
A comprehensive guide to Shimano's new CUES component group for MTB and lifestyle categories, including gear ratios, part lineup, and compatibility with traditional components.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Differences Between 700C Road Wheels and 29er MTB Wheels
A comparison of the similarities and differences between 700C road bike wheels and 29er MTB wheels, including key points on how to choose and the considerations when switching between these types of wheels.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
Freehub Types, Standards, and Compatibility for Road and MTB Wheels
A summary of the different types and standards of freehubs used in road and MTB wheels, along with their compatibility with various cassettes.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
Choosing SRAM MTB Sprockets: Compatibility and Key Considerations
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
12-speed sprockets for MTB compatible with Shimano Free Hub(HG spline)
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano Free Hub (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.