Look has its new top model this summer as part of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Corsica 695 Aerolight presented to the public for the first time. After that, the drivers of the Cofidis team were allowed to drive it through France for three weeks. The first models of the carbon bolide have been in circulation since early autumn.
The special thing about 695 Aerolight is the consistent focus on system integration. This is not only reflected in the aerodynamically integrated components, but also in the large number of in-house parts that are installed on the bike.
The 695 Aerolight based on the known 695, but has experienced an aerodynamic update compared to this one. This is how Look am installed Aerolight for example a specially developed fork, in which the front wheel brake is integrated. This allows the use of wheels with different rim widths from Mavics Cosmic Carbone 40Cthat were installed on my test bike to Zipp Firecrest wheels. The rear counterpart is similar to the front wheel brake hidden worked. The brake is not on the support struts, as is usual with other frames, but directly behind the bottom bracket.
In addition to the brake concept, the stem and the seat post are also designed for integration. In order to be able to screw the handlebars, you first have to loosen a small aero cap from the stem. In addition to various adjustment options, it also has a hid clamp open. Although the seat post is integrated into the frame, thanks to a sophisticated spacer system and a cap for attaching the saddle, Look also allows a wide range of individual adjustments.
In addition, it is also exciting Zed2-Crank. This is made entirely of carbon and runs in an oversized bottom bracket. This enabled Look to increase the stiffness in this area enormously. Also interesting is the use of two screw holes per crank arm, which allow the use of blades with different installation dimensions.
The frame itself is beautifully designed. Here, too, Look relies on the use of carbon. To meet the claim of 695 Aerolight The French have to do justice to this together with their track specialists and the Formula 1 inventor dr René Hilhorst developed a 1.5K carbon fabric that combines an extremely low weight with a high level of robustness - the basis for a structure that allows total weights of 6,5 kilograms without creating safety risks.
My 695 Aerolight was with a Shimano Dura Ace 9070 Di2 fitted. As is usual with electronic groupsets, all the cables were routed internally, although Look also planned internal routing of the cables for the use of mechanical groupsets. The shifting precision was outstanding. The precision with which the chain moves over the individual sprockets, even under pressure, is impressive. Licensed riders who are looking for a stiff bike that puts the power directly onto the road should be happy about this. The bike is agile, the steering precise.
With the 695 Aerolight you can dash safely around the corners with criteria, but you also have a thoroughbred racer under you on the straights that cuts well through the wind. If you have to brake hard, the pressure of the stoppers is impressive. You just have to be careful in the rain. However, this is not due to the brakes, but rather to the installed tires. Mavics Yksion Pro stand the Cosmic carbons Although good to face, they do not come close to their quality. Because while the wheels also look good in the rain, the tires feel a bit weak and tend to slip away abruptly.
//Conclusion
The driving experience that 695 Aerolight communicated is outstanding from the first moment. This impression is supported by the low weight. The geometry is sporty, the right seating position is quickly found despite the many adjustment options. The equipment of this eye-catcher from France left nothing to be desired. Integration is not only a top priority here, it is also consistently reinterpreted. In view of this, it should hardly come as a surprise that the whole thing comes at a price that will bring tears to the eyes of many.
//Product highlights
- very nice look, thanks to system integration, the bike looks very tidy
- excellent steering precision
- powerful and agile thanks to the stiff bottom bracket area and optimized rear triangle geometry
- very good equipment
//price and web
- 4.699,00 Euros
- www.lookcycle.com