Strengths: Incredibly light and stiff, climbs like a mountain goat on E.P.O.
Weaknesses: Can't really find a weakness, though maybe the area where the cable passes throught the frame could be designed better.
Bottom Line:
a fantastic, strong light and durable all-round bike. Worth every penny.i previously had a specialized allez A1 with 105. the specialized had a sloping down tube which i didn't like and i upgraded to the look after only a year of riding. the look is a very comfortable ride, and it's lightness can't be emphasised enough. combined with the ksyriums and dura-ace it's a fantastic machine.
Strengths: One of the best things about the Look 381/481 frames is that they are available in 1cm increments. This allows you to choose exactly the right size frame.
The ride quality is very easy to get used to. Very smooth and comfortable. But with steering quick enough to handle the tightest descents with confidance or to just get out of the way of another rider.
This is the best road bike I have ridden in 40 years. Not the ligthest, but the best all round road bike.
Weaknesses: I have not found any real weakness in the frame or the bike. In my opinion, the seat post issue is really a non issue. All you really need is one post and there is a descent selection that fit the bike.
Bottom Line:
This bike does everything a good road bike should do. Steering is quick, but at the same time stable enough to ride without hands. No BB flex. Finish is excellent.
The ride is very smooth. No matter what the roads, the bike just feels smooth and comfortable. If you need to push it, it goes. It gives you back everything you put into it.
The laid back seat angle works well for my body style. The cockpit is just the right length. Other bikes, like the Trek 5200/5500 just stretch me out too much. The effective top tube length is just a little shorter than most other bikes giving me an ideal geometry.
I love to climb and this bike both climbs with grace under heavy load and descends like it is on rails.
For reference, I am 185# and like to ride mountains and long distance.
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200/5500. Colnago C40, Bianchi Steel.
Bike Setup: 381i 55cm, Credit Agricole
Record Triple group.
Deda Newton bar and step
Selle Italia - SLR XP
ITM Millenium seat post
Ambrosio Excellence tubular rims - Conti competition tubular tires. DT 14/15 spokes.
Cateye Astral 8 computer.
Speedplay pedals,
TACX cages.
Strengths: Overall stiffness, and comfort. Geometry, Looks, UNIQUE Haven't seen one around since I got it
Weaknesses: 25.0mm seatpost thats it folks (even thats not bad, I would have used a USE Carbon Alien anyway
Bottom Line:
By far the best bike I have ever owned. Ride is unbelievable. Extremely responsive and stiff, yet very comfy. I can do 75-100miles and not feel beat up. Climbs like a champ, slack seat angle makes for seated climbs fun. Well worth the money. I have ridden a fair amount of bikes and this is a keeper. Sweet stealth look about it too!
Similar Products Used: Trek 5500, Trek 2300, Giant Cadex (carbon/alum), Diamond Back Axis Ti, Specialized Allez (chromo), Colnago Master Light
Bike Setup: Full Dura-Ace group, with Easton EC90 Carbon bars, Deda Newton Stem, USE Carbon Alien post, Flite TT saddle, Dura-Ace pedals, Elite stainless cages, Vetta wireless computer, Chris King hubs built on Open Pros with Revolution spokes, Vittoria Corsa tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Hickey
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Strengths: Workmanship, comfortable ride, and looks.
The lugs are the 2003 model are smooth compared to stepped lugs on earlier models.
Weaknesses: None that I've found
Bottom Line:
This is my 10th LOOK and early indications are, it's the best. It is extremely comfortable on long rides. The HSC4 Fork is very stiff. Workmanship is outstanding.
Submitted by
funknuggets
a Road Racer
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003
Strengths: Stiff, comfortable, beautiful
Weaknesses: I love it so much, Im scared to race it in crits. I dont want to drop it. For the price paid, not the lightest horse in the barn, but definitely one PHAT bike.
Bottom Line:
Fast, compliant, and stunning. I love this bike. Straight and simple lines, but high tech and durable. I would buy another in a heartbeat. Despite being touted as stiff, will not beat you to death.
I got a really, really, really good price on a new, never built up 2003 381i CSC Team frame. I am going to build it myself, Chorus, Mavic brakes, Proton wheelset yada yada yada.
Read More »
It's time to upgrade my 1999 KG 251 and I am looking at either a 481 or 381. I found a new 2003 381i for $1,000 at my LBS. Is this a good price? Should I spend more money and get t Read More »
