Originally Posted by
Campag4life
I basically steer away from bikes with an integrated seat post. A couple of reasons...I like to cock my saddle to the left-ous a bit and a non round post precludes this...and I don't like the idea of cutting the mast. This is an issue with many new higher end frames with integrated seat posts...don't get it for the amateur rider in particular.
Also, as you mention, integrated cranks are a very slippery slope and mfr's are going this way to sell more product...plain and simple...not unlike the integrated post.
That said, Look was a pioneer in CF and to me make one of the best CF frames in world. I ride a 2006 Look 555 which has been flawless...a perfect blend of compliance and stiffness for me...and a great value frame. I wouldn't spend more than $2500-$3K for a frameset and won't be therefore getting a Look 6 series which no doubt is outstanding. The other thing is...Look with its French heritage has almost an Italian element of design to it...their frames are artfully sculpted.
You do bring up an important point here: The seat mast. While you and I may never realize the difference or benefit from it, it does add significant stiffness to the bike. However, they are not created equal either. Many bikes out that have seat mast do it simply for the marketing value and not because it adds anything to their bikes. In fact, few actually do based on design. LOOK, TIME, and Trek (I know, I know...) are some of the few that do. Most others do not based on reviews and testing. Most people that do not like these is because they feel it will limit their re-sale of the frame given they plan to use it for a short time. These are the same people that will not think twice to cut their steering tube as if it does not do the same to some extent. I look at frames and bikes like I look at shoes when I am buying some. I want them to fit me comfortably, I want them to look good, I want them to work very well, and I want them to last me for a long long time. Resale does not enter my mind int hat regard, but that is just me.
Originally Posted by
guadzilla
I've heard that Look and Time frames tend to be a bit noodly - is that true?
That could not be further form the truth. These things are very well known in fact for being the definition of stiffness, performance, and responsiveness. Soft and plush comfort is not their main goal, so they are not the most comfortable bikes necessarily.
Originally Posted by
sced
Check out Look frames on Ebay. Like most other makes, they depreciate like crazy and you can get a good deal on a NOS or used one.
That is not depreciation. The prices you see on NOS on ebay are the reflection of retail cost minus profit margin. That is closer to what the store was paying for when they got it. The same goes for just about any bike, but it is more noticeable in the higher end bikes.
Originally Posted by
ilovecycling
Definitely not true.
Look is without a doubt my favorite bicycle company.
Everything from the ride to the aesthetics to the French heritage makes me 
. Not to mention all the pioneering and innovating they have done in the cycling world. Clipless road pedals are just one example, but these guys have pushed the technology envelope like crazy considering they are a relatively new to the bicycle industry (they started out making ski gear). It's just satisfying knowing they hand make all their bikes in their own French factory rather than outsourcing to Taiwan like everyone else.
I would never get rid of my Look 595. It's my favorite bike design of all time and I think it's unfortunate Look discontinued it and replaced it with the 695 as the new flagship model. IMO they should have kept the 595/585 as the mid-range model and scrapped the newer monocoque 586.
FYI, check the link in my sig if you are interested in a NOS 555.
Not to be argumentative, but LOOK frames are actually made in Tunisia, not France. I do agree with you in that they should have gotten rid of the 586 and kept the 595. Heck, I wished they would have made the 695 a lugged frame instead and then get rid of the 595!!
Originally Posted by
3kmi
I've never ridden a 695, but I've spent some time on various 595s and it was like riding a jackhammer. Super stiff and super fast, but one of the least comfortable frames I've ever been on
I've had mine for a few years and rode it with the red elastomer (medium softness) the entire time until about 6 months ago when for the heck of it I tried the gray colored elastomer (considered the soft one). Up until then, I would have agreed with your statement. Very harsh for long rides. I was OK on it until about 80 miles or 4 hr. My ass would feel like someone took a baseball bat to my taint regardless of tires, tire pressures, and wheels. Cannot say the same now. Night and day difference. I just can't believe I was so stupid as to never try this before.