2016 LOOK 695 ZR Carbon Road Bike with Ultegra : Pro Team

The LOOK 695 was developed in conjunction with the Cofidis pro cycling team and LOOK created a frame platform that was centred around the integration of various proprietary technologies. The resulting frame kit was a seriously stiff, responsive and balanced race machine that remains comfortable over long rides.

Though a few years old and now superseded by the likes of the even more integrated 795 and 795 Aerolight, the 695 remains a current platform. The biggest bonus for those seeking maximum performance being that a once prohibitively expensive technology is now more affordable. Further to this, LOOK have decided to release the platform without the inclusion of their impressive ZED Crank or Aerostem. This further reduces the price and ultimately allows the use of existing componentry for those wishing to upgrade just their frame.

By the same logic, LOOK have also released this Ultegra equipped LOOK 695 ZR bike. For those looking for perhaps their second bike (the theory being that your original one is likely relegated to 'Winter' or 'Turbo' machine) the 695 ZR with Ultegra achieves 2 things; Firstly it offers the discerning rider bundles of carbon technology, masses of R&D and a very impressive ride with a sensible groupset and specification at a sensible mid price point. Secondly, it gives the rider the perfect option for mid to long term upgrade paths, including but not ultimately, the inclusion of LOOK's new ZED 3 Cranks.

LOOK believe in pushing the envelope - not just in terms of cutting edge technologies and materials but at a fundamental design level. With strict rules governing frame design for use in World cycling, LOOK have decided to focus on integration to best optimise the precision of their frames. They believe strongly that to be innovative in design you have to be close to production - how else can you fine tune design if the processes are separated by thousands of miles and several time zones? To this end, LOOK have taken the unusual step of shifting the majority of their production from the Far East and 85% of Look's manufacture now takes place on French soil.

The 695ZR is an exercise in optimising the key components of the complete bike. Rather than creating a frame as a stand-alone piece of the whole machine, LOOK have decided to make the machine more homogenous.

A perfect example of this is the front end. Stiffness here creates not only the tracking and steering characteristics but also braking efficiency which translates into stability. LOOK have integrated their headset and stem in much the same way as might be seen on modern Time Trial bikes. The HSC 7 Fork is a single piece design with reinforcement at the crown for the oversize 1.5" lower bearing and Head Fit 3 headset. The headset itself has been designed to disassociate the clamping of the fork into the frame from the adjustment of the stem and uses a lock-ring to tighten the bearing independently of the stem. This removes the need for the expander bung from inside the steerer, saving 40g and reducing stress on the fork. The 150g Aero-Stem found on the i-pack versions is absent, and instead is replaced by a 'standard' stem in the form of FSA's OS168. Again, as part of your upgrade path and once you have more firmly established your preferred riding position, the addition of an Aero-Stem is an option and further improves the integration and versatility of the bike. The Aero-Stem sits on top of the assembly and is designed to be used without spacers. The patented clamping system allows the stem to be pivoted between -9 and +13 degrees for fine tuning position without compromising the lateral rigidity of the steering column. 

The final piece of the puzzle is the integrated seat post. Although widely used by many manufacturers LOOK have gone a little further in order to allow the rider to modify the feel of the bike to suit them. Historically, ISPs have been a bone of contention with pros - for example, early Giant TCRs featuring these posts were so stiff that the Pro riders were not impressed after 6 hours in the saddle! Things have come a long way and LOOK's inclusion of 3 elastomer inserts with the frame offers the rider options for tuning the feel of the ride.

When you factor in the pedigree of this frame (a 695 i-Pack would have set you back £4500 a while back) the specification is more than reasonable. The Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 speed groupset is all most of us are ever likely to need; durable enough for the day-to-day and more than ready for racing and it does leave the door open for the step-up to Dura Ace should yet another bike be ruled-out by 'higher powers'. Mavic's Aksiums may not be what you might expect at this level when compared to main stream brands, however they are a reliable wheelset and as is often the case, many riders may already own or be looking to improve their wheels and LOOK's thinking reflects that logic.

LOOK have created a precise handling, stiff and responsive race bike that functions beautifully as a whole and which can be tuned to the rider. It offers superb race performance but the ability to modify the feel also means that it is the ideal 1-bike solution for those of us who ride high mileage in Sportives and distance events as well.

The frame offers remarkable value for money when held up against most bikes at this price. The finish is exquisite and you can't knock the exclusivity. This is a bike for those of you who want something that is a little different yet still at the top of the game.