Look KG 281

Price Paid:  $250.00 at used at EBay

Bike Setup:
Chorus group with Compact front derailleur, Truvative Rolleur Alu Compact Crankset, Record Hubs w/ CXP33 rims, look alu stem and ITM Handlebar.

Summary:
Build up this bike as my secondary bike. What impresses me the most is the handling. Also quite comfy. Issues with seatpost though. I really like the non-glossy carbon finish too. Frame fits me very well and I dont notice the flexing even though Im a big guy weighing around 82kg. Replaceable rear derailleur hanger a plus too. The bike accelerates really good and weight is acceptable even with the CXP-33 rims.

Strengths:
Handling is great and good geometry when climbing. Very comfy ride without flex.

Weaknesses:
Not the stiffest or lightest frame. Seatpost offers the possibility for perfect fitting, but darn difficult to get right, and the selection range is narrow due to the 25mm size. Fork is 1"..

Similar Products Used:
Look KG481SL (2005), Colombus Steel frame

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Free Wheel Cycle

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace (except BB, crankset, brakes- Ultegra), Look Ergo seatpost, HSC3 fork, Look stem, Easton EC

Summary:
This is the best carbon ride I could afford, yet I feel I've made no compromises. I had been riding aluminum, and obviously there is no comparison. I wanted carbon and I didn't want to go with a Trek OCLV. I couldn't be happier.

The nude carbon and unusual tubes do need to be seen in person to be appreciated. The geometry fits me better than a Trek, and in my opinion, the bike feels stiffer than an OCLV, but apparently that is open to debate.

The ride is very smooth, yet it isn't overly muted (as I felt the Trek was). I like some feedback from the road- the sensation that the wheels are on the pavement. This frameset truly delivers the goods. Altogether, this ride cost the same as a new Trek 5200, and I have better components.

Strengths:
Light weight, appearance, ride, geometry, fit and finish.

Weaknesses:
None... sure, you could upgrade to their integrated headset model

Similar Products Used:
Trek OCLV

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at totalcycling.com

Favorite Ride:
long climbs and fast descents

Bike Setup:
Look kg281 with full Dura ace, Speedplay X-2 pedals, LOOK titanium seatpost, Bontrager Race X Lite W

Summary:
Excellent frame. Stiff enough for climbs and non-pro sprints yet very comfortable for the long ride. I first noticed how comfortable this frame rode after my first 100 mile ride (with 8000 feet of climbing) on this bike. I was tired at the end but not "beat up" like I've felt on other frames. Looks great; mine is natural "nude" carbon. I love this frame!!! Rode a Litespeed for 2 years before this and enjoy this frame much more. It loves to climb and really handles very well on fast descents (50 mph).

Strengths:
Weight, comfort, looks.

Weaknesses:
None I've found.

Similar Products Used:
GT steel, Colnago carbon, Litespeed titanium

Price Paid:  $1198.00 at excelsports

Favorite Ride:
hills

Bike Setup:
chorus group, richey bar + stem, use seatpost, slr saddle, american classic wheels

Summary:
Very nice bike. Being only 155lbs. I haven't had any flexing problems, but I did get the curved fork. Feels solid in the bb but very comfortable on a 70 mi ride. I knew it was comfprtable because it only took me one day to get the position ddialed in. On my old bike,( al pinarello) I was always changing things to try to get more comfort.

Strengths:
comfort, stiffness, weight, maybe a little unique

Weaknesses:
repair ability, seat post size, only 3 yr warranty

Similar Products Used:
1999 pinarell asolo (7020al)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace, Open Pro Wheels, TTT Prima bars, King headset, Look carbon seatpost

Summary:
A great all around bike. A little more compliant than the Trek 5200 but more than stiff enough. The hand built/shaped tubes have to be seen up close to be appreciated. Weighs 17 1/4 lbs w/pedals. Fun to ride!

Strengths:
Light, stiff, comfortable

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200