Look PP 396

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Online

Favorite Ride:
Tulsa Wednesday Night Ride

Bike Setup:
Trek 5900 w/full Dura Ace

Summary:
I've ridden these pedals for over 4 years and just changed to Shimano Road pedals (PD-7810).

While these are very good pedals, the cleats squeak at times to such an annoying level that you start to hate to get on your bike. They don't squeak all the time, it seems to happen only with some cleat sets. Ironically, the Look brand cleats are the worst squeakers. Some off-brand cleats do not squeak at all while other squeak a little bit.

To stop the squeaking, I tried everything: cleaning, waxing, oiling, re-seating, not oiling, cleaning again, new cleats, etc, etc, etc.... Sometimes it got so bad that I could FEEL the squeaking in my feet with every pedal stroke. Talk about ruining a ride!

Finally had enough and just 86-ed these things in favor of Shimano Road pedals PD-7810.

It's really a shame, because Look makes a great pedal, they just need to solve the squeaking issue. Unfortunately for them, it's too late to save me as a customer....I had too many frustrating hours in the saddle.

I couldn't help but think as I endured another ride with squeaking that I'm sitting on a $4000 bike and the stinking pedals make more noise that a department store bike.

Low Value rating is strictly because of the squeaking problem.

Strengths:
Good looking, very functional click-in and click-out. Good solid platform feel once clicked-in.

Weaknesses:
SQUEAKING

Similar Products Used:
Wellgo road, Shimano road, Shimano SPD

Price Paid:  $90.00 at harrells bicycle sho

Favorite Ride:
A long strech of road anywhere

Bike Setup:
2005 Raleigh Super course

shimano 105 front derailleur ultegra rear derailleur 105 shifters tektro R750 carbon fiber brakes FSA RD 80 wheelset vittoria Rubino pro tires 700x23

Summary:
These pedals are the most comfortable of all the clipless pedals I have used.(and I have used many)The large platform really works for my 235lb. build.

Strengths:
Smooth operation good look and really durable good price to weight ratio.

Weaknesses:
none so far

Price Paid:  $120.00 at internet somewhere

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
7005 Aluminium Alchemy with Ultegra drivetrain and old 105 wheels (yes, it's heavy!)

Summary:
Been using the Jalabert Signature PP396 for over 3 years. Experienced no problems and eliminated the squeaking easily (see below), having ridden in both below zero temps and hot conditions.
The squeaking is not restricted to LOOK pedals alone.

THE SQUEAKING ASSOCIATED WITH PEDALS IS OFTEN DUE TO MOISTURE. TO SOLVE IT PUT SOME FISHING REEL LUBRICANT BETWEEN YOUR SHOES AND THE CLEATS. BY DESIGN, FISHING REEL LUBRICANT EXPELS MOISTURE. THIS HAS WORKED FOR NUMEROUS RIDERS I KNOW USING VARIOUS SHOE/PEDAL COMBINATIONS.

Strengths:
Solid, dependable platform. Comfortable and lots of free play, easy to clip in and out of.

Weaknesses:
None to date

Similar Products Used:
None (first clipless purchased)

Price Paid:  $0.00 at n/a

Favorite Ride:
around Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Bike Setup:
Vitus 992, Dura Ace, Mavic Open4CD, Selle San Marco Regal as ridden by the great Greg LeMond

Summary:
This isn't a review as such. I've been able to get rid of my Look pedal squeak issues as follows:

1) remove the cleat from the shoe.
2) place a spacer between the black rubber plug that sits in the middle of the cleat, and the sole of the shoe. I use a piece of thin cardboard, about 2 - 3mmm thick.
3)replace the cleat.

This has the effect of making the cleat sit more 'positively' in the pedal, and removes the excess play that contributes to the squaek. Good luck.

Strengths:
n/a

Weaknesses:
n/a

Price Paid:  $159.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Road, road, road

Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD5 with Time carbon forks, Dura-Ace 9sp, FSA Carbon Team Issue, USE Alien, Selle Italia SLR, LOOK PP396, Cinelli Integralter, Mavic Ksyrium Elites, Michelin Pro Race.

Summary:
LOOK have been around since the beginning, for good reason. A solid, proven design. Still my favourite clipless pedals.

Strengths:
Large platform, robust, proven design, different options for float and release tension, still looks good after all these years.

Weaknesses:
Heavy compared to current high-end pedals, cleats wear out fast.

Similar Products Used:
LOOK PP196, Shimano Dura-Ace LOOK, Keywin, Speedplay.