Test Look 989: The French brand Look is known as an innovator in the bike industry. Not only did the first clipless pedal come from Look, the French were also the first to successfully use a carbon road bike frame in 1986. The Look developers also took innovative paths with the carbon hardtail Look 989 and created a concept that clearly stands out from the usual race hardtails.
Look 989: frame and rear end
With the frame of the Look 989, as many parts as possible should be integrated into the frame. The most striking features of the Look 989 are the integrated seat post and the stem integrated into the frame. The frame is specified with 1300g incl. seat post, which is a very good value. The tested 29″ version only has two sizes (M and L) to choose from. Smaller riders have to make do with 27,5″ wheels. Larger riders who need an XL will unfortunately not find what they are looking for. High-modulus high-end carbon fibers were used for the frame in order to create a set-up that is as light and stiff as possible. The general processing of the frame is very good and makes an extremely high-quality impression.
The integrated stem concept on the Look 989, called A-Stem, is intended to increase the rigidity in the head tube area. A similar concept is also used at Mondraker on the Podium Race hardtail. The stem is available in lengths between 80mm and 130mm and is available in a variety of angles (+/- 5mm & +/- 15mm). Another useful detail on the frame is the good protection on the bottom bracket, so you don't have to worry about the expensive frame every time you hit the ground. Furthermore, protective films are neatly glued to the frame to further protect the paintwork. The integrated seat post can be ordered with different attachments. The E-Post R5 was installed on the test bike. The attachment still allows a few millimeters of adjustment of the support, so after shortening you still have some leeway to find the correct sitting position. In addition, elastomers can be installed in three different strengths for more or less comfort.
We also noticed a few, not so optimal, details on the Look 989 frame. On the one hand, there is only room for a bottle holder in the frame. In times when many race fullys already accommodate two bottles in the frame, this causes point deductions. A limiter is installed on the stem to prevent the handlebars from hitting the top tube in the event of a fall, but this is not quite enough and the shifters have contact with the top tube. Damage to the top tube in the event of a fall cannot really be avoided in this way. The space between the derailleur clamp and the tire is also very limited. The mounted 2,2″ Conti Race King has little space left and dirt from the trail tends to collect between them. Larger tires will not find a place here.
Look 989: Geometry
The geometry of the Look 989 is as it should be for a race hardtail. The chainstays (440 mm; size L), the relatively long reach (440 mm) and the relatively flat steering angle (70 degrees) seem almost classic in times of chainstays under 430 at 29 inches. But that's a good thing, the handling is predictable and good-natured. This creates a combination of an agile bike, which is very smooth running at high speeds and even downhill there is no immediate feeling of overturning. The seat angle of 72,5 degrees is no longer typical of a race hardtail, but in combination with the 440 chainstays, there is plenty of propulsion and the uphill abilities of the 989 benefit from this. Not everyone drives on the modern XC routes with jumps, steps and stone fields. Many competitor bikes have a geometry designed for this, they would make a good 4X bike in a small frame size. The Look 989 also serves marathon riders and XC tourers who want a classy bike, not just ambitious top racers.
Geometry Look 989
M | L | |
seat tube (in mm) | 720 mm | 770 mm |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 604 mm | 633 mm |
head tube (in mm) | 94 mm | 110 mm |
chainstay (in mm) | 440 mm | 440 mm |
Wheelbase (in mm) | NA | NA |
Steering angle (in °) | 70 | 70 |
Seat angle (in °) | 72.5 | 72.5 |
Reach (mm) | 415 mm | 440 mm |
Stacks (in mm) | 600 mm | 615 mm |
frame | Look 989 |
suspension fork | RockShox SID RL |
Suspension shocks | - |
Wheels | Mavic Crossmax Elite |
Tire VR | Continental X-King Performance 2.2 |
Tire HR | Continental Race King Performance 2.2 |
derailleur | Shimano XT M8000 |
Gear levers | Shimano XT M8000 |
Crank | Shimano XT 38/28t |
Front derailleur | Shimano XT M8025 |
Brake | Magura MT2 |
Brake discs | Magura Storm SL 160 |
Seat post | Look email |
Saddle | Selle Italia SLR Light Flow |
Stem | Look A stem |
Links | FSA V Drive 740mm |
Look 989: Features
We tested the Look 989 in the "Fluo Red" variant. This is, so to speak, the entry-level model for this model. Above that is the "Proteam", which is delivered with Sram XX1 Eagle, Rock Shox RS1 and carbon wheels. While the frame is rather exotic, no experiments are made with the equipment and only proven components are used.
The drive is kept in Shimano XT in the 2×11 version throughout. 38 or 28 teeth are available on the crank and the cassette comes with an 11-40 translation. Braking is done with a Magura MT2 Next brake and the Crossmax Elite System wheelset comes from Mavic. Continental Race King at the rear and X-King at the front in the 2,2″ version provide grip. The integrated stem from Look is combined with a 740 mm wide FSA aluminum handlebar. A Rock Shox Sid RL with 100 mm of travel ensures comfort at the front. The complete package results in a total weight of 10,61 kg. In view of the price, one could expect a little more in terms of equipment, but solid parts are used throughout.
Look 989: On the trail
The first few meters make it clear what the 989 is made for. The extremely stiff frame ensures extreme propulsion and you tend to exhaust yourself completely in the first few meters, because accelerating with a look is just sheer fun.
Thanks to the integrated stem and the extremely stiff head tube, the Look is very agile and reacts almost aggressively to steering movements and is not overwhelmed even with quick changes of direction. As expected, the equipment does not show any weaknesses in the test on the trail. The Sid suspension fork does a good job at the front. However, we could identify deficits in the general comfort of the bike. If you compare the rear end of the 989 with the rear end of other hardtails, it is noticeable that the carbon struts are generally larger in cross-section. With other hardtails, the struts are designed more filigree to offer a little flex and comfort. This is also noticeable on the trail. The stiff rear end might be an advantage when climbing on flat surfaces. However, the rear end gets quite restless in rough terrain. In addition, the integrated seat post transmits vibrations and impacts to the driver almost unfiltered. The elastomer of the post worked less convincingly in the cold temperatures in the test. We definitely recommend riding the bike tubeless and with little air, so a little comfort can be created. Apart from the comfort, the bike cuts a fine figure on downhills thanks to its sophisticated geometry. It lies very well on the trail and runs very smoothly even at high speeds, but the bike also has no problem with quick changes of direction
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