Tr?s magnifique! Simply put the Look 695 is exquisite, beautiful lines brilliant technology and years upon years of sports innovation. - The ZED 2 crankset , The LOOK 695's nerve centre, this is the culmination of 5 years of research, and was tested by athletes. Validated at the Beijing Olympics it brings world records to the weight/rigidity and performance of the LOOK 695.The ZED 2 carbon crankset that comes with the LOOK 695 is a brand new highly innovative model from one of the most innovative manufacturer's in our sport. The crank is moulded in a single piece of carbon (2 pedal cranks + axis + star = FULL SINGLE-PIECE). It reaches a rigidity / weight ratio that was not possible before. The crankset alone (with no roller bearing or chain wheel) but including the two crankarms and bottom bracket only weigh 320 grams! Its particular Z shape allows it to be mounted in the frame that has a specific and oversized casing (rolling bearings diameter 65 mm). The technology of the three-lobe insert at the end of pedal cranks allows adjusting the length of the cranks from 170, 172.5 to 175 mm without changing the crankset and while being compatible with all the pedals on the market. - C-STEM CARBON The C-STEM carbon stem is designed specifically for the 695. Utilizing a new patented tightening system this stem is adustable in angle (from -9? to +13?). The adjustability in angle relinquishes the need for adding spacers that lessen the bike?s lateral rigidity and the cycling precision. Finally its ultra-light carbon body and its titanium bolts give the C-STEM great rigidity for a weight of only 160 grs. - NEW HEAD FIT 3 HEADSET The headset?s adjustment is done by tightening the carbon ring on an offset thread placed on the fork?s crown. It is now possible to remove the stem without the need to re-adjust your headset. 3rd Generation of the Headfit is completely integrated into the head tube. - E-POST SEAT POST The E-post is quite possibly the most innovative ISP system on the market. Due to its internal expansion system it relinquishes any chance of carbon crushing due to over torque. The E in E-post stands for elastomer . LOOK provides 3 different densiities of this elastomer core to further customize the ride characteristics of the LOOK 695. -Available in XS, SM, M, L, XL, XXL -Colors: Black, Black Silver -Flag Colors (Special order)Flag Colors,Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada,China, France, Germany,Italy,Japan, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal,Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK,USA
Strengths: Cheap Look 695 Framesets at carbonroadbikesale.com
Weaknesses: Cheap Look 695 Framesets at carbonroadbikesale.com
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Cheap Look 695 Framesets at carbonroadbikesale.com
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Submitted by
Scatman
a Road Racer
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2012
Strengths: Ride quality, handling, descending, acceleration, front end stiffness, tracking, stability, fit options, E-Post dampening
Weaknesses: Expensive but well worth it. No ride weakness found yet.
Bottom Line:
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I haven't purchased a new bike in 7 years or what but after throwing my leg over my new 2012 695, I was shocked at the way this bike rode. I started racing in 1983 and to say the least, I've had a few bikes in my time. My last ride was a BMC Race Machine SLC01 which I loved and have been riding since it came out over 7 years ago. Changing rides was a hard thing for me but after my 5th ride on the new 695, I can't believe what I've been missing. I can't seem to find a flaw in the 695 as of yet. Since I'm not a young guy anymore and don't race much anymore, I still spend a ton of time on riding and trying to stay fit. Because of my limited racing but lot's of seat time, ride quality is the most important aspect of a bike for me. I like to test a few things; sprinting and acceleration, climbing in the saddle for 10+ minutes and standing for at least 2 to 3 minutes, descending, and just going in a straight line on all types of road surfaces. The first thing that struck me when riding the 695 was the front end. It's really stiff and stable which leads to a whole bunch of great things. Descending is a blast. Sprinting and climbing out of the saddle is crazy because all of your effort is propelling you forward. Here in Colorado, the roads go from smooth to rough to chip seal. The E-Post takes the vibration out of the seat but you definitely feel the front end stiffness. I put a double wrap of bartape on since I don't ride with gloves which helped tremendously. The last aspect of this bike which I think is really important is the fit. Look has created some of the coolest integration to make the fit easy and precise. The seat post and stems adjustability are great. I was able to make small tweaks after each of the first few rides to create a perfect fit without adding tons of spacers and different stem lengths or seat post setbacks.
I've tested a few bikes prior to pulling the trigger on this one and couldn't be happier.
Strengths: This is the bike where you get the most innovation (Crank, stem and seatpost) as compare to other big names such as Pina / colnago.
Weaknesses: - Price is consider expensive. However at this price tag, it comes inclusive with a hi end carbon crank, stem and seatpost., which makes it cheaper than a C59 or Dogma.
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I am always a believer that a bike is just a bike. It is the rider which makes the difference in performance. I was wrong until I ride the L@@K 695. This bike just want to go fast and holding on at high speed has never been so easy and stable. The bike is damm stiff and comfortable, all thanks to the elastomer which can never be found in other brands.
The crank is wonderfully made, a complete one piece carbon crank with the highest stiffness to weight ratio. Every ounce of effort is not wasted, when you crank on it.
You can never go wrong with this frame as every parts are optimized for stiffness and light weight.
Bike Setup: Super record
Zipp 303 firecrest tubular
Fizik aliante saddle
3t bars
Speedplay zero pedals
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Submitted by
PelotonPete
a Road Racer
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2011
Strengths: Control. Push it hard and it works harder. Cornering is incredibly easy and tight. All the usual, stiff, comfortable and responsive with knobs on.
Weaknesses: Noise from internal cables when putting in effort.
Bottom Line:
The ride is great, first ride 115km/70miles over terrible potholed tarmac of the Mendips, North Somerset were very smooth. Glides, is the best way to describe it. Stand up on the pedals or simple put more effort seated and the bike responds to the slightest increase in power quickly and effectively. Take to the point where the bike is slightly swaying and the cables do make a noise, a creaking noise. I am super fussy when it comes to noise on a bike and I am looking for ways to stop this. It is so infrequent that I forget about it most of the time. There are large LOOK branded rubber outer cable sleeves that prevent the cable rub. Can't help thinking that they have been designed to prevent the noise being worse than it is. Rather than protect the frame. A simple sticker would do. All cables run through the frame, which will enhance the noise. Downhill, its a perfect point and shoot bike. Really hard not to go flat out on every hill. It feels easy at 50kph, so pushing it up to 65kph takes very little effort even on a short descent. Control is fantastic and sprinting out the saddle down hill is incredible, I know it also benefits having great tyres (pro3's), rims (HED ardennes) my choice and not everyones. The frame stiffness up front lets you get away with a awful lot of poor positioning when going into a tight corner. It feels like your cheating. Its safe too, I had a front flat at 50kph and I still had control. Climbing is great, I do many more smaller climbs in the big ring now that I would never have been able to before. It accelerates brilliantly on small lumpy climbs. It's light, stiff and the position lends it's self to a long day of Alps climbs. The big benefit of the frame is the control. It acts just like a MTB when it comes to handling, technical downs, group rides or quick responses are made really easy on this bike. I reckon with a few tweaks LOOK could develop an incredible cyclocross bike from the 695. Bit over the top though. It is so enjoyable to ride and push yourself I really love riding it which is the most important thing. Be prepared for the comments from fellow cyclist like 'did apple design your i-stem' or 'it looks like a tarts handbag' (cheers, Col). It is bling and it does stand out so expect comments. The bike is far better than I am a rider.
Similar Products Used: Pinarello Prince
Cervelo R3
595 2005 model
595 2008 model - stiffer head tube
Bike Setup: FSA profile bars, speedplay pedals, selle Italia prolink, Sram Red, tyres (pro3's), wheels (HED ardennes) and everything else is LOOK's own including the bar tape and Jagwire cables. The adjustable crank length arms, stem and post are very clever, and easy to setup. Also, you have a choice of compact or standard cranks.
