LOOK 585 ride impressions
 

Well I got 2 rides in on the new LOOK now. I have a few impressions of the bike, and most of my comparisons are based on riding my Trek Madone and the LOOK. The bikes are also built a bit differently, as the Look has Dura Ace with a standard double and the Trek has a Compact.

Comfort is pretty good on both, but the LOOK seems a bit smoother over the bumps. The steering, really decending abilities I cant really say yet. The LOOK is more responsive then the Madone, and Im not real happy with the set up by the bike builder. The brakes are way too tight, touchy, for my liking, so I was having to pay too much attention to trying to slow down instead of entering and exiting my turns. When I timed it right the LOOK was very smoothe through the corners. I am also thinking Id like a longer stem on the LOOK.

Climbing: not even fair, the LOOK dominates the Madone even with the standard double. The power goes straight to the wheels, and the bike just seems to keep rolling with ease. This may be due to momentum, it may have to do with the LOOK being 1.5 lbs lighter. Most likely its the added stiffness of the crank and bottom bracket. The wing bars with their flat tops were very comfy as well, and I really liked the feel when seated climbing up the steeper grades of Alpine Rd. I rarely stood to climb at all as I just didnt need too. When I did it was just to move around a bit.

On the flats and slight ups and downs (+/- 2%) the LOOK really shined with the standard double. Again I think this is due to needing to keep the momentum higher without shifting into the small ring. Flying down 84 from Old La Honda to Alpine was no comparison, the standard double was way faster and less work for the legs thanks to not spinning out. However this also through me off decending Page Mill because I was entering corners much faster then I was used too.

All and all I love the differences between the 2 bikes. I will enjoy riding both of them for different rides. I do need to make the corrections to the build on the LOOK as it really bugs me. I also noticed that the rear wheel, although brand new is slightly out of true. That irritates me too. I cant feel it, but I know its there. The LOOK is built the way it is to punish my legs, and based on how they feel this morning it is working great.:eek: Yes, Im pretty sore from the climbing. I will be riding the LOOK on the next two centuries to continue fine tuning the bike. I was'nt gonna ride it for the Giro, but I can see climbing is not gonna be a problem. ;)

So all and all Im very happy with the bike, however I will not go to that shop again for a build.:(

Just out of curiosity, which shop did you go to that built your bike?

Summit in Los Gatos.

I think I would need a 27 or 29 rear cog to use a 39 chainring on the climbs.

But then again, I spin pretty fast on the climbs.

What are your wheelsets on the Madone and Look?

Eastons on both.

Same model Eastons on both? I have one of the group buy PF frames and a KG481SL and the PF was just beating me up until I dropped the press. to ~100, and now they're comparable. LOOK does know how to build a consistent ride into their frames though, throughout the entire size range, and in that respect I think you'll come to ride your 585 more than your Madone. Of course, it could be a non-issue since you have them set up differently for rides

Basically they are the same. However the tires are different. I dont really care for the tires that are on the LOOK as they seem slow. Hard to believe since the LOOK feels faster. I had 120psi in the tires yet I kept looking at them to see if they were going flat. Im going to switch the tires after I run these down some.

Glad you're enjoying the LOOK Sean! I'm loving mine, I still have a bunch of adjustments to make as well, but I LOVE IT!!!

How was your ride in SoCal? Awaiting ride report :p

sorry to hijack your thread sean.... but it has to do w/a look 585 :rolleyes:

the ride was great... I was still lagging behind Jan on the hills but did okay and although my legs were tired, they felt pretty good and I didn't feel as exhausted afterwards as I have in the past. It still feels wierd not to have those extra granny gears but the bike climbs wonderfully and I'm getting used to descending and starting to feel a bit more stable. All in all we did just under 58 miles and about 4400 feet of climbing ;) ON A COMPACT!!!! (I realize most of you won't think much of that, but those who know me know that's a big deal for me :p )

It's a huge deal, congrats!!!! I can relate..hehehe, my one real ride on my compact is really I know and can imagine... When i hit my last gear climbing I was jealous of most everybody elasse they still had gears to go to..

Only 5 more days, make sure you have some legs for saturday.;)

that definately was my worry today... but tomorrow is only an easy hour, wed and friday are rest days and thursday is 90 minutes easy... I should be okay**********

You'll do fine ... but don't over train before the ride. You'll be okay.

Stop it! Now I need a new bike.

JB

of course you do ;)

I know, I'll be just fine :p I'm just gonna concentrate on recovery/rest and I'll be good to go on Saturday :p ... btw Ron, why aren't you hoofin' it up there to ride this ride**********? huh????

You can never have enough bikes ... that's why we're all broke!

Believe me, I wish I were joining you guys ... but I ain't for two reasons:

1. I'm on call this weekend
2. Don't want to train too hard, one week before the double.

so.... you are for sure riding the LOOK at the Giro? and... why didn't you like how they built up the bike? (Its probably there, but I'm too brain dead to find it) :rolleyes:

Oh you'll be just fine. I hope I can keep up.:o

The brakes are set way to tight. The front derailer rubs when Im in the big ring and small cog in the rear. Just minor stuff, that never should happen on a good build.

Yes the LOOK will be ridden at the Giro. There is no need for the compact when this bike climbs soooo well. Plus Tunitas will be a good test on my leg strength. Ill have to climb at my pace and come back to meet up. Climbing slower seems to put too much strain on the knee's.:eek:

ahhhh.... I rode the first 20 miles yesterday w/my rear brakes rubbing and so now I've got the release lever all the way up (the brakes still work fine) so I can ride.... guess I need some adjustments too :p I'm quite sure I'll be on the roubaix for the Giro :D

bummer about the build but at least the stuff is easily adjusted :rolleyes:

Yeah, it just shows the problem with most bike shops. A total lack of quality by the mechanics. Thats why soo many people want to do their own builds. Ill adjust the stuff how I want it. The front derailer just needs a limit screw adjustment.:rolleyes: