francois
08-02-2004, 10:22 PM
New bike time but I didn't want one with all those gaudy logos and labels. I wanted one that was stealthy and understated. You know, wolf in sheep's clothing.
Guess my ride. Like I said, it's very nondescript so only the most cunning industry insider will be able to detect even the brand of the new rig.
Here's some photos:
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-005.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-006.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-007.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-008.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-009.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-010.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-011.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-012.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-013.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-014.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-016.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-018.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-015.jpg"><br><br>
Why this bike?
---------------
This kind of happened by accident. I had an opportunity to get a Look frame at a great price. Finding information on the bike though was not easy. I didn't know anyone who rode this bike and I could not find a dealer that had the bike available to look at or try. Seems like a popular bike in Europe but definitely under-marketed here in Northern California.
On the web, there was NO info. Roadbikereview was actually the best source of info. There were 10 reviews by users on the predecessor KG381 and the Look Manufacturer forum had some info. From what I know, the 481 is very similar to the 381. 200 grams lighter is the main difference I could find.
The frame and fork
---------------
The workmanship and finish on this frame are spectacular. The photos I've seen previously didn't do it justice. The frame is flawless and the paint seems perfect. I previously owned a Colnago CT1 and the paint was definitely a letdown. The elaborate paint scheme looks good from a distance but as you take a closer look, the detail work is pretty rough. The worst part is the paint seems to chip every time road debris hits it. The Look paint seems thicker and more durable. Time will tell.
The retail price is a hefty $2700. A lot of uber-coin. The good news is it comes with free stuff unlike some of it's uber-frame friends. It comes with an HSC4 fork, Ergo post 2 seatpost, FSA headset. $750 worth of nice goods, I estimate.
I'm 5'8" and normally ride a 52 cm bike. On the Colnago, which have short top tubes, I got a 53 cm bike which fit perfectly. On this Look which had a long top tube, I got a 51 cm bike. Scary but it turns out to be a perfect fit. It is virtually identical to the 53 cm Colnago.
The frame weighs exactly 3.0 lbs on the 51cm size.
The build
---------------
Dura Ace 10. This is probably the single biggest reason I wanted a new bike. I got to try it and I would say it's 25% better than DA-9, and not because it has one extra gear. The cranks are noticeably stiffer. They look great too on a carbon frame with shaped tubes. If you have a steel, classic-looking frame thes cranks will clash! The brakes are about 25% more powerful. The shifter action is sooo smooth and have a push-button feel. The new hoods are longer and skinnier. Of course I justified it to my wife by using the safety angle!
A word to the wise though, the bottom bracket bearings of Dura Ace 10 have a lot of friction.There's the sealed bearings which have a ton of grease and a tight seal. Plus there's the outer seal with a rubber o-ring to prevent dirt. Dura Ace cranks do not spin freely. Maybe after a year they might. I cleaned out the grease and removed the o-ring... much better. The needle bearings on DA-9 spin much better since you can adjust the tension.
American Classic 350 wheels - I love these wheels! 24/28 spokes with Sapim bladed spokes. These late 2004 models have a deeper rim than previous years and the hub body is wider. These weigh in at 1270 grams. They are plenty stiff laterally for my 140 lb. carcass. Mated with Conti Attack/Force tires, these wheels are fast and the handling is very confidence inspiring. On big hill-climb days, I put on 350 wheels with DT revolution spokes (1190 grams) and Veloflex Corsa tires (160 grams each).
Fizik Arione Saddle - This is about an inch longer on the tail. It works nicely when going in an aero tuck and pedaling in that position. It fits me nicely so I'm thankful (cause I like the way this saddle looks). Once in a while I wish the saddle was softer.
ITM Stem and 31.8 bar - Very nice. I think these 31.8 diameter bars are notiecably stiffer even for my weight.
Time Impact Mag-Ti pedals - Big platform, very light. I'm not quite sure still after 6 months. I've had trouble clicking in for the first 3 months. Now that they're fully broken in and I can find the cleats, I've clicked out accidentally in the last couple of weeks. I've tightened the tension now so we'll see.
Ciclosport HAC4 Plus - The reviews are true. This is the hardest bike computer to learn. It was designed on Mars. Now that I have it figured out, it's a mediocre bike computer but a brilliant tool after the ride. Hook it up to the PC after the ride and voila. Graphs up the ying-yang. Altitude, Heart rate, power, speed, temperature, endorphin reading, stock quotes....
Bike weight as pictured is 16.4 lbs
The Ride
----------------
My background - First off, I've only been riding road bikes regularly for 3 years. I feel very green at this and have a lot to learn. It's a subtle sport you see. I've owned a Trek 5500, Litespeed Tuscany, and Siena, and most recently a Colnago CT1.
I've ridden this Look 481 SL for 15x over the last 6 weeks. The verdict so far is a resounding 10/10. The bike is very, very smooth on the up and down. It absorbs vibrations nicely and it smooths out bumps and cracks on the road. Even the daunting railroad tracks I have to cross near my house are tamed down. To complement this, the lateral rigidity of this bike is perfect as well. The front triangle is very solid laterally. When I lean this bike on a curvy descent, the bike takes the lean and stays there. It asks, "is this good, sir". It's like a laser that stays on the track you point it at. Most other bikes I've ridden so far complain a bit and a bit of negotiation takes place before the I get my ideal cornering lean.
The descending ability of this bike is very similar to the Colnago CT1 (ti/carbon frame). It begs to be ridden fast downhill. It's very confidence inspiring because the frame is so stiff laterally. The main difference with the CT1 is the front of the Look is smoother. This is probably because of a smoother fork and the front triangle is carbon as opposed to ti and was designed to absorb shock. The geometry seems a tad less quick/twitchy as well. Both Litespeeds I had were miserable descenders. A lot of corrections were needed perhaps because of flexy front triangles. The Look also pedals very comfortably at downhill speeds approaching 40 mph unlike the Litespeeds.
Climbing ability of the bike seems very good. It is equal to the CT1 and the Litespeed Siena. The bottom bracket seems very stiff and acceleration is very responsive. I seem to recall this was a highlight of the Trek 5500 as well, very stiff BB.
So there, very comfortable, great descender and climbing bike. I'm at a loss right now how a better frame can be had. I'm sure they're there though... next year...
francois
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-017.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-019.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-022.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-026.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-001.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-002.jpg"><br><br>
Guess my ride. Like I said, it's very nondescript so only the most cunning industry insider will be able to detect even the brand of the new rig.
Here's some photos:
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-005.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-006.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-007.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-008.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-009.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-010.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-011.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-012.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-013.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-014.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-016.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-018.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-015.jpg"><br><br>
Why this bike?
---------------
This kind of happened by accident. I had an opportunity to get a Look frame at a great price. Finding information on the bike though was not easy. I didn't know anyone who rode this bike and I could not find a dealer that had the bike available to look at or try. Seems like a popular bike in Europe but definitely under-marketed here in Northern California.
On the web, there was NO info. Roadbikereview was actually the best source of info. There were 10 reviews by users on the predecessor KG381 and the Look Manufacturer forum had some info. From what I know, the 481 is very similar to the 381. 200 grams lighter is the main difference I could find.
The frame and fork
---------------
The workmanship and finish on this frame are spectacular. The photos I've seen previously didn't do it justice. The frame is flawless and the paint seems perfect. I previously owned a Colnago CT1 and the paint was definitely a letdown. The elaborate paint scheme looks good from a distance but as you take a closer look, the detail work is pretty rough. The worst part is the paint seems to chip every time road debris hits it. The Look paint seems thicker and more durable. Time will tell.
The retail price is a hefty $2700. A lot of uber-coin. The good news is it comes with free stuff unlike some of it's uber-frame friends. It comes with an HSC4 fork, Ergo post 2 seatpost, FSA headset. $750 worth of nice goods, I estimate.
I'm 5'8" and normally ride a 52 cm bike. On the Colnago, which have short top tubes, I got a 53 cm bike which fit perfectly. On this Look which had a long top tube, I got a 51 cm bike. Scary but it turns out to be a perfect fit. It is virtually identical to the 53 cm Colnago.
The frame weighs exactly 3.0 lbs on the 51cm size.
The build
---------------
Dura Ace 10. This is probably the single biggest reason I wanted a new bike. I got to try it and I would say it's 25% better than DA-9, and not because it has one extra gear. The cranks are noticeably stiffer. They look great too on a carbon frame with shaped tubes. If you have a steel, classic-looking frame thes cranks will clash! The brakes are about 25% more powerful. The shifter action is sooo smooth and have a push-button feel. The new hoods are longer and skinnier. Of course I justified it to my wife by using the safety angle!
A word to the wise though, the bottom bracket bearings of Dura Ace 10 have a lot of friction.There's the sealed bearings which have a ton of grease and a tight seal. Plus there's the outer seal with a rubber o-ring to prevent dirt. Dura Ace cranks do not spin freely. Maybe after a year they might. I cleaned out the grease and removed the o-ring... much better. The needle bearings on DA-9 spin much better since you can adjust the tension.
American Classic 350 wheels - I love these wheels! 24/28 spokes with Sapim bladed spokes. These late 2004 models have a deeper rim than previous years and the hub body is wider. These weigh in at 1270 grams. They are plenty stiff laterally for my 140 lb. carcass. Mated with Conti Attack/Force tires, these wheels are fast and the handling is very confidence inspiring. On big hill-climb days, I put on 350 wheels with DT revolution spokes (1190 grams) and Veloflex Corsa tires (160 grams each).
Fizik Arione Saddle - This is about an inch longer on the tail. It works nicely when going in an aero tuck and pedaling in that position. It fits me nicely so I'm thankful (cause I like the way this saddle looks). Once in a while I wish the saddle was softer.
ITM Stem and 31.8 bar - Very nice. I think these 31.8 diameter bars are notiecably stiffer even for my weight.
Time Impact Mag-Ti pedals - Big platform, very light. I'm not quite sure still after 6 months. I've had trouble clicking in for the first 3 months. Now that they're fully broken in and I can find the cleats, I've clicked out accidentally in the last couple of weeks. I've tightened the tension now so we'll see.
Ciclosport HAC4 Plus - The reviews are true. This is the hardest bike computer to learn. It was designed on Mars. Now that I have it figured out, it's a mediocre bike computer but a brilliant tool after the ride. Hook it up to the PC after the ride and voila. Graphs up the ying-yang. Altitude, Heart rate, power, speed, temperature, endorphin reading, stock quotes....
Bike weight as pictured is 16.4 lbs
The Ride
----------------
My background - First off, I've only been riding road bikes regularly for 3 years. I feel very green at this and have a lot to learn. It's a subtle sport you see. I've owned a Trek 5500, Litespeed Tuscany, and Siena, and most recently a Colnago CT1.
I've ridden this Look 481 SL for 15x over the last 6 weeks. The verdict so far is a resounding 10/10. The bike is very, very smooth on the up and down. It absorbs vibrations nicely and it smooths out bumps and cracks on the road. Even the daunting railroad tracks I have to cross near my house are tamed down. To complement this, the lateral rigidity of this bike is perfect as well. The front triangle is very solid laterally. When I lean this bike on a curvy descent, the bike takes the lean and stays there. It asks, "is this good, sir". It's like a laser that stays on the track you point it at. Most other bikes I've ridden so far complain a bit and a bit of negotiation takes place before the I get my ideal cornering lean.
The descending ability of this bike is very similar to the Colnago CT1 (ti/carbon frame). It begs to be ridden fast downhill. It's very confidence inspiring because the frame is so stiff laterally. The main difference with the CT1 is the front of the Look is smoother. This is probably because of a smoother fork and the front triangle is carbon as opposed to ti and was designed to absorb shock. The geometry seems a tad less quick/twitchy as well. Both Litespeeds I had were miserable descenders. A lot of corrections were needed perhaps because of flexy front triangles. The Look also pedals very comfortably at downhill speeds approaching 40 mph unlike the Litespeeds.
Climbing ability of the bike seems very good. It is equal to the CT1 and the Litespeed Siena. The bottom bracket seems very stiff and acceleration is very responsive. I seem to recall this was a highlight of the Trek 5500 as well, very stiff BB.
So there, very comfortable, great descender and climbing bike. I'm at a loss right now how a better frame can be had. I'm sure they're there though... next year...
francois
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-017.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-019.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-022.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-026.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-001.jpg"><br><br>
<img src="http://mtbr.com/author/look/look-002.jpg"><br><br>