Look KX Light

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Sigma Sport, London

Favorite Ride:
Gorges de la Nesque, Provence

Bike Setup:
Campag Chorus groupset, Mavic Kysrium SL wheelset, ITM finishing kit, Selle Italia SLR saddle

Summary:
Excellent frame. Very stiff but very comfortable as it absorbs shocks well. It's rigidity means it climbs and accelerates very well. It is quite heavy (approx 1,400 grams), especially compared to the latest frames (sub 950 grams) but it rides much lighter and I've had it for circa 3 years and it's as good today as the day I bought it. It also looks great. Even though it's not the latest design it still gets endless positive comments.

Strengths:
Very rigid
Rides lighter than it's weigh
Looks good

Weaknesses:
None, but I'd like it if i could buy exactly the same frame today at less than 1,000 grams

Similar Products Used:
Numerous top end road frames, custom and off the shelf

Price Paid:  $1140.00 at GB Cycles, Croydon,

Favorite Ride:
Dry road.

Bike Setup:
Campa Record, Look Carbon seatpost, Campa Zonda wheels, Marchisio sprocket, San Marco Era Arrowhead saddle, ITM bar & stem.

Summary:
Beautiful natural black carbon look. Diamond shaped tubes give it a slim impression. Sharp cornering, great for keeping oneself in the right position in the nervous bunch during final stage of the race. Stiff but comfortable.

Strengths:
Responsiveness, stiffness, the looks.

Weaknesses:
Finetuning the integrated headset proved to be difficult.

Similar Products Used:
Batavus Professional, Colnago Dream.

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Brown County

Bike Setup:
Ultegra 9.

Summary:
Purchased as frame only from Ediscountbike.com on Ebay. I have dealt with them before and continue to be pleased. Anyway, they seem to have purchased a number of 2003 to 2004 NIB frames and I purchased this one, size 53. I have to say that I am impressed. I looked at the KG 461 they had, and was a little concerned about the extra weight (3.8 lbs frame about 1 lb for full carbon fork) but it rides a lot lighter than that. The frame tracks well, is compliant and smooth, yet is very stiff. Outstanding for climbing and sprinting, yet still comfortable in the saddle. How Look achieves this compromise is beyond me. I wonder how many 2.0 lb carbon frames will be still being ridden 5 years from now. With this being a little beefier (and with the carbon heat treating for strength) I suspect this rig will hold up to years of use. I can't justify the price of a Ferrari or Corvette, but it is nice to ride the bicycle equivalent. If you can find one, especially for what I paid, I suspect you won't be disappointed.

Strengths:
Absolutely gorgeous. Neat triangular top tube and diamond down tube look like nothing else on the road. Stiff, reasonably light, yet smooth and comfortable. Geometry is well designed. FSA headset is smooth.

Weaknesses:
A little heavy vs. some of the lighter current bikes, but I think the weight penalty is worth it in power transfer (stiffness) and durability. How many of us are so good that we will fall behind over a lb of bike frame weight?

Similar Products Used:
Custom steel, various carbon, Trek aluminum (yuk)

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Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
Rolling

Bike Setup:
Ultegra components, easton carbon bar, look carbon stem. look carbon seatpost and American Classic 420 wheels.

Summary:
I've ridden Look frames since 1998, I switched to a Giant TCR composite last year. I missed the feel of the Look and bought the KX light. The ride is smooth, comfortable and stiff enough to provide excellent climbing and sprinting capabilities. The Giant is a great ride, but the Look offers a little more comfort and control. I also like the looks of the KX light, mine is gloss black with black American Classic wheels.

Strengths:
Looks, craftsmanship, comfy ride, smoothness and predictable handling on fast decents.

Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses with the frame, but Look seatposts and stems are a bit pricey and hard to find.

Similar Products Used:
Look KG 271, KG 171 and Giant TCR composite.

Price Paid:  $1000.00

Bike Setup:
Look KX, 10 Speed Dura-Ace, Rolf Elan Aero wheels, various FSA parts, Speedplay X1 pedals and Pro Race tires

Summary:
I’m mostly a Mountain biker but decided to try Road biking again and decided to build up a KX. This is a great bike. It’s a very very smooth ride. Just like on my carbon mountain bike the frame soaks up all the road vibrations. I usually go on short 1.5 to 2 hour rides and I almost feel rested when I get done. I think that’s do to the frame. It absorbs so much that the ride is not fatiguing on the body at all. This frame is heavier than some other high-end frames but with the right part selection I got it down to 16 lbs, including pedals, computer and two water bottle cages. This low weight and stiff frame makes it a great climbing bike, especially in out of the saddle efforts. The bike almost disappears underneath you. Overall this a sweet ride.

Strengths:
Very smooth ride
Absorbs road vibrations
Great climbing bike

Weaknesses:
Heavier than some other frames

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Capella