I am interested in getting a Look bike.
The 555 lists a compact geometry, what's that?
The 486SL and 451 lists standard geometries.
How do standard and compact geometries differ?

Any opinion on which of these frames would be best for a 47 yr old, ~17mph, and 150mi/week, non-racer? I am looking for a fantastic CF bike.
Thanks a bunch.
Jerry

Those are all great frames and certainly qualify as "fantastic CF bikes."

The 486 and 555 actually use a progressive sloping rather than true compact geometry - top tube slope decreases as frame size increases. The L and XL models have a completely horizontal top tube. These are both stiff, more race-oriented frames, with the 555 being lugged construction and very light and the 486 being monocoque (one-piece) and more aero shaped.

The 451 has standard geometry in all sizes, although it departs from other standard LOOK frames with its more relaxed head tube angle, giving it more steering stability. My impression is that this is a great, all-day frame. Considering you ride a pretty fair number of miles but don't race, it might be a better choice for you.

Edit - I should mention I have a 486, now built up as time trial bike, but for several months it was my main ride. It did it all and was very comfortable on those long, base mile rides. Some people say it's a little twitchy on the descents - I didn't notice this, but I'm a racer and have always been a bit of a bomber when the road points down.

2nd Edit - well I see from your other post in the Complete Frames section that you meant the 481SL - not the 486SL (which I took to mean 486SE, and which certainly doesn't fit your $2,200 budget). I'll let one of the many 481 owners here comment on that frame, but it is a lugged, standard geometry frame that can also 'do it all.' Laurent Jalabert won the KOM in the TdF using that frame.

which at one point equipped 3 or 4 of the teams in the TDF. Plus, I just used it to run over a dog at 32 mph and it held up quite splendidly.

But, for all things LOOK, you really need to PM Dave Hickey who is the current and most prolific LOOK connoseiur on the board. Hes bought and sold more LOOKs than... gee, I dunno. He is the coolest.

You might ask this on the LOOK forum as well.

Bugman. Sorry, you are correct. 481SL is what I meant, not 486. The 451does look great.

Chris, I hope you held up half as good as it sounds like you bike did. And I didn't know there was a Look forum, so thanks for that info. I'll see if I can reach Dave Hickey.
Thanks for your posts and help.
Jerry