Bicycles
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Parent Category: Bicycles
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Category: Look
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Published on Monday, 11 October 2010 07:51
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Written by Luca Salvatelli
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The new Look 695 is the new top-range Look and the result of extensive planning that has led to the introduction of a series of technical innovations like the new monocoque carbon crank, the new lightweight fork and carbon in fresh attack monocoque. The new frame 695 is designed in two versions: 695 SR (Super Rigid) and 695 (a less rigid, but more comfortable). The arrangement of carbon fibers is according to the CFD concept (Continuous Fibre Design), which consists of work on the skins of carbon fiber according to their best work axis and continuously without interruption along the line of the frame. This concept has influenced the whole aesthetic of the frame, but allowed to make a product lighter and stiffer than the last. The new monocoque carbon fiber crankset weighs 320 grams and works with a bottom bracket with bearings 65 mm in diameter and is available in lengths of 170, 172.5 and 175 mm. New stem also integrated carbon, weighing 140 grams and available in 5 different lengths: 80-90mm/90-100mm/100-110mm/110-120mm/120-130mm. He has the ability to vary its inclination from -9 ° to +13 ° and a length of 10 mm by means of appropriate thickness. The integrated seatpost is equipped with elastomers that isolate vibrations from the frame, while the HSC fork 7, which is stiffer by 15% and 16% lighter than all'HSC 6, weighs only 295 grams. The cables run inside. The bike on test was then assembled with the Shimano Dura Ace, Fulcrum Racing Zero wheels and saddle Fi'zi:k. Two water bottle cage, while the pedals are Look Keo Carbon Blade. The handlebar is FSA SLK. So assembled, the bike has a weight of 6,800 kg, including the pedals, as detected with our instrumentation. Look engineers are keen to point out that the pedals are not the final model, but an intermediate version with heavier steel pin.
The road test
The Look 695 SR is undoubtedly an excellent frame for the invoice, treated with paint and assembly perfect. Very nice and crank the new front forks straight. Solid design of the stem. Excellent weight, content, and easily improved by using a lighter group, a different handlebar and wheels. It starts immediately and will remain astonished by high fluidity and rigidity of the crank. Not only is the bottom bracket area is stiff, but the crank runs in an incredible way, almost without friction, a behavior well above the competition. Equally excellent is the stiffness of the cranks. In this excellent behavior meets a very rigid rear triangle, one of the best ever, well that can transfer all power to the rear wheel. Aided by the weight and the overall rigidity of the chassis, again very good, the acceleration and gear changes are fine and lightning. Perfect also the rigidity of the new fork, which fits in well with the whole frame, enhancing rigidity and allowing a better control when braking and firmer corner entry speed and accuracy. Excellent precision and directional stability, at least up to medium-high speed, while there is no possibility to verify the behavior at high speeds and on bumpy. For the same reason we can not judge the comfort, as the perfect road surface where the test took place. Excellent, as always, the Dura Ace group, precise steps in the report and a powerful braking and. But it is all the bike to be top-class and perfect for racing use, because it is able to meet the needs of the athletes experienced, powerful and demanding. Do not fear comparisons with the current competition. Unfortunately, many qualities and you pay the list price of the frame kit promises high: about 4000 Euro. Costs more than other top range, but also less than others (few actually), if nothing else, in this case, the high price of the services are also very high and higher than most direct competitors, which is often not the case.
