Road Cycling - Opinions on the Look KG 486?

Well, basically, through my employee discount I have the opportunity to pick up a KG 486 for about $1600 (frame only, no fork or headset). I'm looking for a race specific bike for my next bike, and i was wondering if anybody has any opinions on the Look. BTW i'm riding old school bianchi steel right now.

Get it! Get it! Get it! Aitor Gonzales won the 2002 Vuelta on that frame, plus you getting it for pretty much half price. Can you get me a 386 on your discount too? I'll slide you a hundy on the side.......

Get it! Get it! Get it! Aitor Gonzales won the 2002 Vuelta on that frame, plus you getting it for pretty much half price. Can you get me a 386 on your discount too? I'll slide you a hundy on the side.......


^^^^^^!!!!!!


[I'm a 57cm centre-to-centre, BTW] :)

Sorry guys... the discount is only for employees. I could easily be fired for buying frames for other people.

I was hoping somebody on this forums owned the frame? I think i read in another post that somebody was considering the madone or six13 but got the kg486 instead? I'm waiting for him to chime in on how great the look is.

I just bought the KG486 frame. I'm putting together my dream bike. This frame is a beauty. I catch glimpses here and there of the Credit Agricole team riding on this frame at TdF... they are using the 486 on the flats and, I believe, the 386 for the climbs.

I had a 486 a long time ago. Pretty slick but I upgraded to a Pentium not long after. Now Lance is touting AMD gear, so I'm thinking of switching. :p

G'day Phat,

Got your PM...but haven't worked out how to reply yet....however....as has been said before....buy it buy it buy it!...My story?......Stewie O'Grady the Aussie champ was with Credit Agricole up & until this year. As you'd be aware, CA are on Looks. I know Stewie casually (met at functions, spoken at races etc), he is a big fan of the Look frames (even when he's not paid to say it!)....So between Stewie & Ja Ja, it sparked my interest in Look frames. Of course affording one was always gunna be the problem!. I first saw the KG 486 in late 2002 & it was love at first sight!. Once i convinced the 'Treasurer' that a bike upgrade to carbon was necessary (no mean feat in itself I can tell you!)...the hunt was on for the best carbon frame I could get my hands on. The 486 started favourite because it is without a doubt the most beautiful frame I have ever seen!...For this reason, I chose to test ride it last. I rode the madone, (very bulky tubes, crap colour, felt dead), A scott CF1 (I think thats the one) very nice, responsive, 6-13, pretty, luv the advertising campaign, superlight, Bianchi, don't like the colours available but a smick ride!....then the 486. The 486 I rode was to big for me, but I hadn't gone 2kms when i realised it was the one. This frame, although heavier than all the others, was super responsive & smooth. I'm a bigger guy & have been known to get 'flex' thru the bottom bracket when on 'full gas'....absolutely stiff on this frame. given that I was already in luv with the look of the frame, this was a winner.

In Oz, it is marketed as frame, fork & headset only, which gave me the options of how I wanted to spec it (Trek don't...you get what you get). I ended up getting the 2004 frame (blue & white like on Looks website) the Hcs4 fork. I specced it with DA10, Mavic's Cosmic carbons, look carbon post.....cinelli Neo bar & stem.

I had it 3 months now, done about 5,000km. Do I like it?......wouldn't swap it for anything. This is simply the best frame i have ever ridden. As far as the Looks go, I get comments from other cyclists nearly everytime I go out...all positive....I can only rave about this frame.At the price you have been offered you would be crazy to pass this up!...Hope this helps....would be happy to answer any other questions about the frame,

cheers,

Hitchy

G'day Phat,

Got your PM...but haven't worked out how to reply yet....however....as has been said before....buy it buy it buy it!...My story?......Stewie O'Grady the Aussie champ was with Credit Agricole up & until this year. As you'd be aware, CA are on Looks. I know Stewie casually (met at functions, spoken at races etc), he is a big fan of the Look frames (even when he's not paid to say it!)....So between Stewie & Ja Ja, it sparked my interest in Look frames. Of course affording one was always gunna be the problem!. I first saw the KG 486 in late 2002 & it was love at first sight!. Once i convinced the 'Treasurer' that a bike upgrade to carbon was necessary (no mean feat in itself I can tell you!)...the hunt was on for the best carbon frame I could get my hands on. The 486 started favourite because it is without a doubt the most beautiful frame I have ever seen!...For this reason, I chose to test ride it last. I rode the madone, (very bulky tubes, crap colour, felt dead), A scott CF1 (I think thats the one) very nice, responsive, 6-13, pretty, luv the advertising campaign, superlight, Bianchi, don't like the colours available but a smick ride!....then the 486. The 486 I rode was to big for me, but I hadn't gone 2kms when i realised it was the one. This frame, although heavier than all the others, was super responsive & smooth. I'm a bigger guy & have been known to get 'flex' thru the bottom bracket when on 'full gas'....absolutely stiff on this frame. given that I was already in luv with the look of the frame, this was a winner.

In Oz, it is marketed as frame, fork & headset only, which gave me the options of how I wanted to spec it (Trek don't...you get what you get). I ended up getting the 2004 frame (blue & white like on Looks website) the Hcs4 fork. I specced it with DA10, Mavic's Cosmic carbons, look carbon post.....cinelli Neo bar & stem.

I had it 3 months now, done about 5,000km. Do I like it?......wouldn't swap it for anything. This is simply the best frame i have ever ridden. As far as the Looks go, I get comments from other cyclists nearly everytime I go out...all positive....I can only rave about this frame.At the price you have been offered you would be crazy to pass this up!...Hope this helps....would be happy to answer any other questions about the frame,

cheers,

Hitchy


Bugger....now I want one!

:)

Bugger....now I want one!

:)

G'day Ed,

You're in Oz?. call Justin at SBR...tell him Hitchy sent you...he'll look after you.....mind you, even getting 'Looked after' the price of these things ain't cheap....Recommended retail for my Spec was $11.5K AUD...not inconsiderable (not that I paid RR of course). Naturally i wanted to insure it against fire & theft....The insurance company insisted that I install a U clamp bolted to the concrete floor & have it chained to that!,

cheers,

Hitchy

I just bought the KG486 frame. I'm putting together my dream bike. This frame is a beauty. I catch glimpses here and there of the Credit Agricole team riding on this frame at TdF... they are using the 486 on the flats and, I believe, the 386 for the climbs.

Moreau is using the new 585 for the climbs, same geometry as the 486 but much lighter: 990g for the frame, 1350g for frame, fork, and headset. It will sell for 2699 euros in France.

G'day Ed,

You're in Oz?. call Justin at SBR...tell him Hitchy sent you...he'll look after you.....mind you, even getting 'Looked after' the price of these things ain't cheap....Recommended retail for my Spec was $11.5K AUD...not inconsiderable (not that I paid RR of course). Naturally i wanted to insure it against fire & theft....The insurance company insisted that I install a U clamp bolted to the concrete floor & have it chained to that!,

cheers,

Hitchy


Cheers mate.....not sure how trading a $10k Scapin for an $11.5k Look would go down at home!

But cetainly a super bike. Was yours the frame they had in the background in one of the scenes on that small business show that featured SBR?? :D

Cheers mate.....not sure how trading a $10k Scapin for an $11.5k Look would go down at home!

But cetainly a super bike. Was yours the frame they had in the background in one of the scenes on that small business show that featured SBR?? :D


nah,

that was a 57 in black & white....the distributor in Oz doesn't import the Blue & white one....so i ahd to do it myself (with a little help from SBR!)...mine came from the states...the problem for me wasn't the colour, although I like blue better, but that the distributor didn't have one in my size, (53 or 55) & probably wasn't gunna have one for 3 or 4 mths.....& me being a patient man............Which scapin frame do you have?,

cheers,

Hitchy

nah,

that was a 57 in black & white....the distributor in Oz doesn't import the Blue & white one....so i ahd to do it myself (with a little help from SBR!)...mine came from the states...the problem for me wasn't the colour, although I like blue better, but that the distributor didn't have one in my size, (53 or 55) & probably wasn't gunna have one for 3 or 4 mths.....& me being a patient man............Which scapin frame do you have?,

cheers,

Hitchy


Sweet.

I'm on the EOS7 sloping....it's Columbus Ultrafoco, so that gives me the right to flame anyone who starts "steel is crap" or "steel is old-school" threads!

He He!! :D

I just bought the KG486 frame. I'm putting together my dream bike. This frame is a beauty. I catch glimpses here and there of the Credit Agricole team riding on this frame at TdF... they are using the 486 on the flats and, I believe, the 386 for the climbs.

G'day Kramer,

CA, (well morreau anyway), are using the new 585 for the climbs. I don't think its been released to the market yet.

cheers,

Hitchy

Nevermind my wiseass comment above. I'm reviving this thread, because I'm considering buying a KG486 frame. I've read Hitchy's comments about sizing. I currently ride a Bianchi EV3 in a 57cm frame. It's a good fit, but perhaps a little big. 55-56cm seems to be just right for me. I'm 6'0". Everything I've researched about the KG486 has me very interested in riding one; I want a stiff but comfortable ride.

Do they really run so large that you need a 53 or 55cm if you typically ride a 57cm frame of another brand?

G'day Kramer,

CA, (well morreau anyway), are using the new 585 for the climbs. I don't think its been released to the market yet.

cheers,

Hitchy

From what I have seen in the mags, the 585SL does not come any larger than a 57 :(

But for what it's worth my older Look is the lightest and stiffest frame I have owned.

Nevermind my wiseass comment above. I'm reviving this thread, because I'm considering buying a KG486 frame. I've read Hitchy's comments about sizing. I currently ride a Bianchi EV3 in a 57cm frame. It's a good fit, but perhaps a little big. 55-56cm seems to be just right for me. I'm 6'0". Everything I've researched about the KG486 has me very interested in riding one; I want a stiff but comfortable ride.

Do they really run so large that you need a 53 or 55cm if you typically ride a 57cm frame of another brand?

G'day,

as you've probably gathered...I 'hate' talking about my 486!...LOL......Have you seen the 05's?. All new colour schemes, & the seatpost is included in the deal & is colour coded to the frame. The HSC5 fork is around 100gm lighter than the 4 & has carbon dropouts. A truely magnificent beast. You'll find that the 486 frame is a s stiff as you will need it to be without being a 'harsh' ride. They are a little heavier than many composites around, but make up for it by being very stable & 'willing' in all circumstances. If you've got the bucks & can get a chance to ride it ....do it...this frame will sell itself. As far as size goes, I'm 180cm & in normal proportions as far as arm & leg length go. I'm on a 53, but could easily have gone with the 55. We mucked about with post height & stem length (& bar width believe it or not!) to get the best 'feel' for me. The differnt frame sizes 'slope' differently...the larger the frame the less 'slope', which effects 'traditional' sizing a little. You'll probably find that a 55 is fine for you....but get fitted properly & try out some different stem lengths....let us know how you go

Hitchy

So what's a decent price to fetch a frame for? New '04 model.

So what's a decent price to fetch a frame for? New '04 model.


g'day,

wouldn't have a clue on US prices...your market is so much larger than ours, which means you should be able to get a far better price (even after exchange rates), than the best I could do in oz. You'll have to research that one yourself. You should be able to strike a pretty good deal on an 04 model though, as the 05 have been released, so anybody in this market will likely be looking at the latest model....this may well work in your favour. There has been no change between the frames on the 04 & 05 models whatsoever. The fork has been upgraded & the 05 models come with a colour coded seatpost.....but the frame & headset are identical but for the colour scheme.

hitchy

So what's a decent price to fetch a frame for? New '04 model.

You could check http://www.excelsports.com for prices. They have some as
closeout/blowout specials. I have bought lots of clothing from them. They
provide very good service.

Well, basically, through my employee discount I have the opportunity to pick up a KG 486 for about $1600 (frame only, no fork or headset). I'm looking for a race specific bike for my next bike, and i was wondering if anybody has any opinions on the Look. BTW i'm riding old school bianchi steel right now.

so Phat,

now that this thread has been revived...did you ever do this deal?.....If not why not?

Hitchy

Oh man, I wish.

I ended up leaving that place after the end of the summer. To get in on the pro deal i would have had to work there for 6 months. No dice. Instead, I picked up a merckx alu team frame from 2000, for 500 bucks. I have it built up with 2003 campy chorus now. Nice ride, but I think that when i get the money I will swap the parts over to a new carbon frame. And add a dura ace crankset. Maybe.

...i'm sobbing for ya man!...I feel your pain...especially as I've got one & i know what your missing!

Hitchy

Any major difference between the '03 and '04 models? What's the timetable for the release of the '05s?

G'day,

The 05's are already out. The only difference to the frame is the colour scheme. The 05 comes with the HSC5 fork, which is around 100gms lighter than the hsc4. The come with a colour coded seatpost...but the frame is exactly the same .

cheers,

Hitchy

That's it then. Took a test ride aboard one over the weekend, and 'twas nirvana. If anyone sees one for sale, 55cm or so, please private message me or post here. I see excelsports.com has some good deals, but I'd like to wait just a while longer to see what's available. Gotta preserve what few $ I have. Thanks for the input everybody!

That's it then. Took a test ride aboard one over the weekend, and 'twas nirvana. If anyone sees one for sale, 55cm or so, please private message me or post here. I see excelsports.com has some good deals, but I'd like to wait just a while longer to see what's available. Gotta preserve what few $ I have. Thanks for the input everybody!


g'day,

how much you looking to spend?...what year?...just frame & fork?....what colour you looking for?


Hitchy

Trying to keep it around or below $2000 USD. Preferrably '04 but will take a '03 for the right price. Just frame, fork, & headset. Color preference in order would be blue/white, black/black, or red/white. Actually I'm 50/50 between the blue and black but definitely prefer either of those to red.

Trying to keep it around or below $2000 USD. Preferrably '04 but will take a '03 for the right price. Just frame, fork, & headset. Color preference in order would be blue/white, black/black, or red/white. Actually I'm 50/50 between the blue and black but definitely prefer either of those to red.

$2000USD?...wouldn't have a hope in Aus, but your market is broader than ours ao pricing can be a bit 'keener'. Thats below store cost out here. The blue /white in the 04's is fantatic, (I have that scheme)...be careful that you get what you think you are getting if buying sight unseen.....although the blue/white was one of the standard colours in the 04 range...there are a whole heap around that are blue/white, but a different combination & different blue, doesn't look quite as nice (IMO).....its the 'Kelme' team colour...it might be worthwhile confirming (if you find one) whether its the 'Kelme' blue or the standard Look blue

cheers

hitchy

Those Kelme frames are pure horn.

Those Kelme frames are pure horn.

...not as good as mine....if you're nice to me I'll bring it to the thread ride....which YOU WILL BE AT!

hitchy

...not as good as mine....if you're nice to me I'll bring it to the thread ride....which YOU WILL BE AT!

hitchy


Carbon, D-A, Cosmics.....you'll fit right in on Beach Rd. Lol.....:D

Carbon, D-A, Cosmics.....you'll fit right in on Beach Rd. Lol.....:D


...the cosmics only come out for racing!

So you'll just be wearing your matching Paolo Bettini Italian champs Quick-Step kit?

....LMFAO.....funny Bloke.......you know how I feel about team jersys that you didn't earn (much the same as you, I gather!)....I'll be wearing the sponsors top, or the club top, or a plain top...(depends whats clean!)...same as usual....but i wouldn't mind ridin' Paolo's bike, even if it did have sponsorship on it. hafta loose about 25 kg & about 6 inches & it'd fit me perfect....mmmmm VRXS carbon

hitchy

Hitchy

I have "sinful yearnings" towards those frames.

I have "sinful yearnings" towards those frames.

me too....but couldn't afford it on my meagre 'one with the lot, thanks' new bike budget.....i couldn't justify spending $2k more on the frame than the 486 was gunna cost me......The VRXS & the 486 were easily my first choices after the 'tour de ride every decent carbon bike' that I went on, was over

Hitchy

C40/c50?

C40/c50?


rode a C50.....(some limited edition ferrari thingy????...it was on the 'you drop it, you own it" system !)..it rode fine, quite liked it, but was a bit worried about the geometry, specially the seat tube angle.....that was the main reason....but it didn't 'talk to me' like the other 2

hitchy

I did it! Snagged a KG 486 from Excel Sports today...wait for it...for $1988! It's an older model I believe, with a HSC 4 fork, not the HSC 4 SL or HSC 5. 53cm which I believe will fit me great (57cm definitely too big, 55cm close to right, 53cm close to right). It's red/white which is growing on me now. ;) Funny how that happens...

Got the Record gruppo to adorn it from my old bike. Just waiting for it and a replacement crank arm to arrive, and I'm out the door, turning over the big ring and little cog, and dropping you mofos! :D Pictures here when it arrives & gets built! Thanks for the tips everybody! :D

I did it! Snagged a KG 486 from Excel Sports today...wait for it...for $1988! It's an older model I believe, with a HSC 4 fork, not the HSC 4 SL or HSC 5. 53cm which I believe will fit me great (57cm definitely too big, 55cm close to right, 53cm close to right). It's red/white which is growing on me now. ;) Funny how that happens...

Got the Record gruppo to adorn it from my old bike. Just waiting for it and a replacement crank arm to arrive, and I'm out the door, turning over the big ring and little cog, and dropping you mofos! :D Pictures here when it arrives & gets built! Thanks for the tips everybody! :D

G'day,

I'm sure you'll love it!. As has been mentioned here before, the frame size on these things is no big deal because of the 'progressive sloping' thing that Look do with these frames. I was the same, either the 53 or the 55 was gunna be OK. Be prepared to muck around with stem length & seat post height...(get the Look ergo post....has heaps of adjustment available....& looks cool!), & set back on the seat....other than that....you're good to go...congrats. looking forward to hearing your assesment & seeing some piccy's

Hitchy

WOOT! Got my KG486 two weeks ago. Took it into the LBS to be built up, because I wanted it done right. They discovered that the steerer tube was too thick at the base to even get the crown race over. So they RA'd it and sent it into Look for replacement. The frame/fork I got was the 2003 model with a HSC 4 fork.

Initially I was kind of bummed because it meant I would be getting a black, nude carbon fork instead of the matching red/white fork that came with the frame.

...went to pick up the finished bike with its replacement fork today. SCORE! The original HSC 4 fork was replaced with the newer HSC 4 SL! It is black/nude, but it looks great and what the hell, its 75g or so lighter than the original. You gotta love the replacement upgrade when you get it! The LBS, as always, did a great build.

Pics as soon as I can get my hands on a co-worker's digital camera. :beer: :D

WOOT! Got my KG486 two weeks ago. Took it into the LBS to be built up, because I wanted it done right. They discovered that the steerer tube was too thick at the base to even get the crown race over. So they RA'd it and sent it into Look for replacement. The frame/fork I got was the 2003 model with a HSC 4 fork.

Initially I was kind of bummed because it meant I would be getting a black, nude carbon fork instead of the matching red/white fork that came with the frame.

...went to pick up the finished bike with its replacement fork today. SCORE! The original HSC 4 fork was replaced with the newer HSC 4 SL! It is black/nude, but it looks great and what the hell, its 75g or so lighter than the original. You gotta love the replacement upgrade when you get it! The LBS, as always, did a great build.

Pics as soon as I can get my hands on a co-worker's digital camera. :beer: :D

Oh for f**k's sake!!! Now I'm going to have to seriously, and I mean seriously, think about getting the '04 386 that Excel and competitive are offering for $1700. I've been all over the road with this decision. It's either the 386 or an E5 S-works. Two different frames I know, but they've both caught my eye. I figure on doing more road races and TTs than crits, so the 386 may be more viable since it's weight factors in less. But the E5 is $900 for an '05. What to do, what to do ...