Look says its latest 785 Huez bike is designed to excel for long rides in the mountains.
The updated frameset shares a similar silhouette to the previous generation, but incorporates “nanotubes” into its high-modulus carbon frame.
The latest bike also features a T47 threaded bottom bracket, moving away from a press-fit design.
The bike is available as a frameset, costing £2,490 / €2,490 / $2,790, and in four complete builds, ranging from £6,490 / €6,490 to £3,390 / €3,390.
“For the most discerning climbers”
Intermixed with high-modulus carbon, Look claims the nanotubes enable Look to produce tubes with thinner walls without compromising stiffness.
The French brand says these have been employed in key areas, such as the head tube, chainstays and bottom bracket area.
The frame’s tubes are rounded (as opposed to truncated), which Look says are uniquely shaped for each frame size.
In theory, rounded tubes are better suited for load bearing without excess mass – Specialized, for example, uses rounded tubes for its Aethos lightweight bike, while Orbea does the same with the Orca.
The bike is said to have a “performance-focussed” frame geometry, with Look claiming it’s been optimised for climbing, offering a comfortable ride position when seated for long periods.
Switching to threaded
The latest 785 Huez follows a growing trend of bikes moving (back) to a threaded bottom bracket, employing the T47 85.5mm standard.
Look hasn’t given a specific reason for the switch, but threaded bottom brackets are generally considered to be less prone to creaking and easier to service – although, press-fit (which the previous 785 Huez sported) still has its supporters.
The brand says that it’s focussed on making the 785 easier to live with – its use of a standard, round 27.2mm seatpost with an external clamp doesn’t lock riders into a proprietary system, for example.
The bike also uses a two-piece cockpit, with hydraulic hoses routed externally until they enter a port on the underside of the Look LS3 stem, before proceeding through the headset.
The frameset is also said to offer clearance for 32mm-wide tyres.
The frame is claimed to weigh 980g in a size medium, with the fork adding a further 390g.
Look 785 Huez availability and prices
The Look 785 Huez is available as a frameset, including stem, for £2,490 / €2,490 / $2,790.
A Shimano 105 R7100 build serves as entry-level for the range, with alloy Shimano RS171 wheels, priced at £3,390 / €3,390.
Above this, a SRAM Rival eTap AXS-equipped bike with Fulcrum Racing 900 DB alloy wheels costs £4,490 / €4,490, while a Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 build with Look R38 carbon wheels is priced at £5,490 / €5,490.
The flagship bike is fitted with Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 and the same Look R38 wheelset, and costs £6,490 / €6,490
US prices for complete builds are TBC.
