LOOK's New Gravel Pedals: Three Platforms, Three Tradeoffs
LOOK's new gravel pedal lineup targets three distinct use cases. Here's what the platform sizes and materials actually mean for your riding.
LOOK just released three gravel pedal models, and the interesting part isn't that they made gravel pedals—it's that they didn't just slap "gravel" on an XC platform and call it done. Each pedal targets a specific use case, which matters if you're deciding between a fast group ride and a three-day bikepacking trip.
The X-Track is their entry-level SPD-compatible option, with a 515mm² contact surface. It's dual-sided, comes in three versions (standard, Race Carbon, and Race with titanium internals), and runs $60–$165. LOOK positions this as the "90% solution"—versatile enough for most dirt riding. The catch: at 515mm², the platform is smaller than the other two models, so if you're running stiff race shoes with minimal tread, foot stability might feel marginal on technical descents.
The X-Venture is the bikepacking-oriented pedal with the widest platform (84mm on the standard composite model, 77mm on the aluminum X-Venture+). The standard version weighs 200 grams and costs $60; the X-Venture+ drops to 190 grams for $99. If you're carrying 20 pounds of gear and wearing shoes with actual lugs, the extra surface area helps. Here's the tradeoff: wider platforms increase the Q-factor slightly and can catch on rocks or ruts if you're used to a narrower stance.
The X-One-G is the race-focused option, with a 650mm² contact area—the largest of the three. The flagship X-One-GTI uses a titanium axle and weighs 120 grams at $365. The X-One-G Max swaps in a chromoly axle and machined aluminum body for durability, weighing 145 grams at $225. I haven't put miles on these yet, but the spec that matters is the contact area: 650mm² is closer to road pedal territory, which should improve power transfer on sustained climbs. The question I can't answer without testing: does that larger platform collect more mud in wet conditions, and does cleat engagement suffer as a result?
If you're running one bike for everything—commutes, gravel events, occasional singletrack—the X-Track makes sense. If you're doing overnighters or rough terrain with flat-ish shoes, the X-Venture is the logical pick. The X-One-G is for riders who prioritize watts over versatility and don't mind paying road-pedal prices for it.
