ch3n207

Hi, i've have been lurking around the web looking for some NOS LOOK carbon frames, particularly the ones that have very thin tubing compared to the modern carbon frames. Are these frame any good? They look really nice.

Gambutrol

I don't think the manufacturer really matters for any of those old carbon frames. The technology was imperfect; most of them were glued together. You wouldn't get the same performance benefits as you do from modern carbon frames.
I got an old carbon giant for really cheap on craigslist, the whole thing made a bunch of creaking noises everytime I got out of the saddle (and I weigh 130lbs) so I sold the frame asap. Don't go near the things!

Old Look steel frames are pretty cool though!

BananaTugger

Yes.

Jed19

I weigh 215Ibs. I test-rode a Look 555 last year and I could feel it flex on both ends when I stood on the pedals. I should note that I recently rode a Look 566 and was specifically looking for "flex", but it was gone. I know you were not asking about the latter Look frames, but my thinking is If I can flex the 555, then any earlier frame is a no-go.

lung

The Old KG's are great frames.

Bob Ross

Last year I borrowed a ~10 year old Look (386? 286? No idea what the model was. Thin tubing, beige paintjob w/ World Champion rainbow stripes...) for a long ride around Tucson AZ, and it was absolutely fabulous. Super-light, but stable, handled telepathecally and accelerated like a bat out of hell.

fauxto nick

My buddy has a 585 but he still rides his KG's more, he just bought a second one used on ebay, all black with black logos, it's so unbelievably sexy.

MONGO!

Your thinking is flawed.

ch3n207

But your weight is different then mine. I weigh 125, 5'9. The quality of ride for you may be different compared to mine. But overall i think the consensus is that the older look frames are good.

Jed19

Good point. I am not saying the older Look frames are not good. At 215Ibs however, I won't buy them. I totally concur that bike frames are not a "one size fits all" proposition. My fifteen plus years cycling experience says to buy only what you have test-ridden. Flex on a bike is no fun!

By the way, before test-riding the 555, all I could read about them in reviews and on different forums was how great the frames were.

Jed19

I should have said "any earlier comparable or lower quality Look frame is a no-go". At least for 215pounders.

eb314

Am I wrong in thinking that all (lugged) carbon frames are glued together? Is there any other way to join carbon?

Bob Ross

Force Of Will.

ch3n207

Yea they are. They just join the tubes and lugs together and heat it up or something of that nature.