Look Quartz review

[AndreZA]

I am in the market for new pedals and Mr Look was kind enough to lend me a pair of the new Look Quarts? to try out.

 <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

They are some of the lightest at a acclaimed weight of 125g each. The first thing that is apparent it that they do not have any springs visible so the mechanism can not get clogged. The open spaces are huge so the mud are easily pushed out.

 

These pedals look quite big compared to the Ritchey SPDs and Eggbeater Cs that I?m currently using and trying out. Their stack height, the height from axle to end of the retention clips, is the highest of the three and I have scrapped them against protruding rocks and bumps a few times.

 

The most remarkable thing about them is the ease of entry which is also its downfall. The same ease of entry can be found with the unclipping. I had to modify the spacers provided so that the pedal clip makes better contact with the cleat then just nestles against the spacer. This was not enough and I still found myself unclipping when doing bunny-hops and small jumps. I think this is due to the fact that the cleat is exactly the size of the pedal?s clips and if you don?t get it perfect or twist your foot just a bit, you?re starting to unclip. This results in not having any float either. There is no need for a four sided entry format with these. The design of the body makes every attempt a success. I tried to figure out why or how is always works but I could not, it just works, every time. The front clip is the moving bit so when you pull with your foot on the up stroke you can not unclip.

 

For cross county racing where you clip in once these pedals work wonderful but not for a bit of jumping. Seeing that it?s Look?s first attempt at MTB pedals, I will overlook them and wait for the version 2. I would suggest that the cleats have a smaller contact area with the retention clips and these in turn must be shaped into ?Vs? so that you feet are held in the middle without you wondering where on the pedal.

 

Pros:

Weight

Easy clip in

Weight

 

Cons:

No float (but apparently they do have 15 deg and 20 deg cleats are comming)

Easy unclips

Stack height

[mtbfreak]

So the order of preference is:

1. Ritchey SPD;

2. Eggbeaters;

3. Look Quartz.

?

[dirtrider]

So the order of preference is:

 

1. Ritchey SPD;

 

2. Eggbeaters;

 

3. Look Quartz.

 

?

 

 

 

swop 1 and 2 around and you getting warmer .

[AndreZA]

So the order of preference is:

1. Ritchey SPD;

2. Eggbeaters;

3. Look Quartz.

?

 

I have not spend alot of time with the Eggbeaters and 18 months with the Ritcheys but it's

 

1. Ritchey (Shimano)

2. Quartz

 

 

[Hog_]

Interesting!

 

I'm looking at new pedals at the moment, I'm considering the Looks, but I don't like the easy-unclipping bit. I sometimes manage to get my Eggbeaters clipped out, and that's with 15deg I think.

 

On the other hand, the bearings in my Smarty's are wrecked after 'only' a year.

 

 

 

[AndreZA]

Hog, arrange with Mr Look and you can borrow these pedals next. Maybe you like them.

[Iwan Kemp]

I am using the carbon ones on my Mojo SL and have been loving them. Have had a couple of SOOOOPER muddy and wet rides in and around Stellenbosch/Cape Town since I got the bike and I've never had an issue to clip in. Mud shedding is much better than with SPD's.

Pros:

Weight

Mud shedding

Q-factor

Clip in

Cons:

None for me and I've been doing some mild-jumping with them.

 

My riding buddy also has a pair and he is loving his too. Not a single accidental unclip in plenty of rides.

 

1. Look Quartz

2. Shimano SPD XTR

3. Xpedo's

[jabbathemutt007]

 

This was not enough and I still found myself unclipping when doing bunny-hops and small jumps.

 

That could have been a bit painful.

 

I still prefer my Time ATACs.

 

 

 

[Troi Sport]

On the other hand' date=' the bearings in my Smarty's are wrecked after 'only' a year.
[/quote']

 

Hog_ , if they are under a year, they are under warranty.

get them to your LBS or send them to me and I will replace them

 

Shamus

[Hog_]

 

On the other hand' date=' the bearings in my Smarty's are wrecked after 'only' a year.

[/quote']

 

Hog_ , if they are under a year, they are under warranty.

get them to your LBS or send them to me and I will replace them

 

Shamus

 

It's a year and 2 months or so, but I'm not too worried. I'm quite fond of my Eggbeaters, so I may just get another set or a rebuild kit.

 

 

[Troi Sport]

I'll replace them anyway.

 

"2 months or so" is not a train smash

[Iwan Kemp]

I'll replace them anyway.

 

"2 months or so" is not a train smash

 

"Service at last, service at last. Thank God Almighty we have service at last!"

 

If you can, try them. Like I said, between myself and my mate we've done quite a bit of riding with them and haven't had a single accidental unclip. They've been rock solid.

At first I thought to just stick to SPD's, but decided to try something new and they are definately an"upgrade". No issues with bunny-hops, jumps, drops or heavy rocky sections. Maybe it works for you, maybe it doesn't. I suppose that's why there's PLENTY different brands and models of pedals. We are spoiled for choice.

[Dirtbreath]

Very happy with my Looks. Admittedly the "clip in" not as firm as with my previous Time ATACs but these do weigh half as much. In the end, price was the determining factor as well as not liking the look of the new Times.

[Hog_]

 

I'll replace them anyway.

 

"2 months or so" is not a train smash

 

Unreal!! Guess there's no reason for me to try the LOOKs.

I'll drop the pedals off tomorrow as discussed.

 

Thanks!!!

 

 

 

[Mr LOOK]

Hi Mampara, I hope you enjoyed testing the pedals....and thanks for posting your review!

 

 

 

In relation to the un-clipping issue. The Quartz'es  you tested was 

supplied with a 15deg release cleats, a slower release (20deg) will

also be available....for guys that prefer it.

 

Specification diagram:

[Mr LOOK]

If anybody in the Jhb/Pta want to test the Quartz'es...please PM me. I can  circulate the pair Mampara tested.