In a shock transfer, Look has right this moment launched a brand new top-flight climbing bike. Usually we see fashions comparable to this piloted by WorldTour groups first in subtly choreographed, ‘unintentionally’ launched occasions at massive races, however the brand new 785 Huez hasn’t been seen below the riders from Cofidis, at the least not that we are able to bear in mind.
Because the title would counsel, the bike takes purpose on the massive mountains like Alpe d’Huez, focussing on a low weight and a excessive stiffness-to-weight ratio, reasonably than aerodynamic effectivity.
With Ultegra Di2 being the highest spec groupset, it is protected to say we aren’t more likely to see this bike used within the WorldTour. (Picture credit score: Look)
Spherical tubes and ‘regular’ package
In recent times we have seen a transfer from groups having an aero bike for the flat and a climbing bike for the mountains in the direction of a single race bike setup. Look gives Cofidis with its 795 Blade RS, and the truth that this new Huez is not obtainable in a SRAM Purple or Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 construct suggests it is not going to function within the professional ranks.
That is bolstered by the actual fact it has a standard spherical seatpost; not very aero, however really possible of profit to customers. It is simpler to dwell with and makes enjoying with bike match much more easy.
The body tubes, too, are predominantly rounded and skinny, with nary a truncated aerofoil to be discovered. It is comparable in that respect to the non-aero however nonetheless extremely popular Specialised Aethos in that regard.
Look says the 785 Huez is an adaptable platform designed for lengthy days in massive mountains. Whereas it could have inner cable routing, the cockpit consists of a separate bar and stem, additional alluding to the truth that it is a consumer-first machine reasonably than a professional race trickle-down mannequin.
Spherical bars and a standard stem, albeit with inner routing, can be a boon to followers of messing about with their bike match. (Picture credit score: Look)
Nanotubes to avoid wasting grams
Whereas the spherical profiles admit defeat on the aero battlefield, they do assist to avoid wasting weight. The tube profiles, together with the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which allegedly make the layup stronger, in flip permitting thinner tube thicknesses, maintain the load for the frameset all the way down to 1280g.
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A T47 backside bracket marries up properly with the remainder of the smart commonplace for the remainder of the bike, along with a completely fashionable (although not large by any means these days) clearance for 32mm tyres.
A spherical seatpost and an exterior clamp are uncommon issues certainly on new bikes these days. (Picture credit score: Look)
Specs and pricing
The Look 785 Huez is out there as a frameset for €2490 / £2490 / $2790 and in specs starting from Shimano 105 mechanical for $3,690, by way of to Ultegra Di2 as the highest flight possibility at $6,490. UK and EU pricing for full bikes has not but been forthcoming however we’ll replace as quickly because it turns into obtainable.
