LOOK X-Venture+ Pedals Review
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
RBR Advertiser: No
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 a great 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 gets 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 shave off that weight because they don’t have a reflector on the back and are thinner. Their light weight 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-TRACK 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-TRACK 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 (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 enough to put on several of my bikes.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
