Lighter and stiffer
There are two versions: the 695 SR (super rigid) is aimed at maximum performance and power transfer, while the regular 695 is engineered with 15 percent less overall stiffness for more compliance and a smoother ride while retaining a high level of performance.
Ignore the ‘SL’ decals on the bike in the pictures – they are pre-production graphics that won’t make it to showrooms. The different levels of stiffness are achieved through carefully altering the carbon layup; the two frames are otherwise identical. The 695 frame is claimed to weigh just 900g (1.98lb, including seatmast), which is nine percent lighter than the 595 and 10 percent stiffer (in SR form).
In I-pack form – LOOK’s complete integrated chassis package with cranks, seatpost, stem and pedals – the complete bike is said to weigh less than all its rivals in the same trim except for the Scott Addict R1. A typical high-spec build weighs around 6.6kg (14.55lb) without pedals, though one LOOK employee had a 695 with carbon brake callipers and tubular Edge wheels that weighed 6.1kg (13.45lb) with its Keo Carbon pedals in place.
One-piece carbon cranks and other kit highlights
The most attention grabbing of the new parts in the I-pack is the ZED 2 crankset. The crank arms, axle and chainring spider comprise a one-piece carbon fibre monocoque claimed to have the best stiffness-to-weight ratio available. It’s a development from the first ZED crankset seen on the 596 time trial bike and fits into the same huge BB65 bottom bracket, so called for its 65mm bearing diameter rather than its width.
The crankset threads through from the drive side of the bike. To reduce production costs, and help dealers and customers, there is only one size of ZED 2 cranks, with a clever rotating three-lobe insert providing options of 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm effective arm lengths. Whereas its predecessor required a specific LOOK pedal, the ZED 2 can be used with any pedal.
Ready for action
The 695 SR immediately goes into race action under the Cofidis team at the Tour de France. Cofidis have the option of the softer 695 for stage 3 to better deal with the cobbled sections, though it isn’t confirmed whether they'll use it. Pay special attention on Bastille Day, 14 July, when the team will run LOOK’s iconic Mondrian colour scheme, an option that will later be available to buy at a small premium.
In all there will be five colours and six sizes (XS-XXL), and there is now a Bike Builder function on the website. UK prices are:
- I-pack (frame, fork cranks, seatpost, stem and pedals): £3,499.99
- I-pack with SRAM Rival and AL27 wheels: £4,299.99
- I-pack with SRAM Force and AL30 Race wheels: £4,799.99
- I-pack with SRAM Red and AL30 Race wheels: £5,099.99
Riding the 695 SR
We had two chances to give the 695 SR a work
out; first on the magnificent Magny Cours F1 race circuit that’s a short drive from the LOOK factory, and later on a 20km spin around local country roads. Between the two it was enough to give us a very clear impression of the bike’s ride and handling.
There’s no mistaking that it’s a pure race bike. It’s light, responsive, agile and incredibly stiff, yet without ever feeling nervous or impatient. The geometry doesn’t force you into an extreme position so you could happily do away with the optional 17mm spacer and fine-tune using the stem angle. With our normal fit data applied we felt comfortable and at home immediately.
Underlining their competitive mindset, the team from LOOK organised a prologue-style time trial over one lap of the race track. The 695’s responsiveness and rigid power transfer at once both encouraged us to give our best (average 178bpm) and rewarded the effort with more speed (we’ll keep the average to ourselves, thanks).
The road ride included some lanes with a very similar surface to UK B-roads, and even some cobbles. The 695 SR took the slightly rough roads in its stride, providing a decent level of comfort for a race bike and never feeling excessively harsh.
The elastomer-equipped seatpost makes a big contribution as there’s a significant difference between the level of vibration that can be felt through the pedals and the level that comes through the saddle. It’s enough to convince us that we could live with the SR version for regular road riding.
Keo Blade Aero
LOOK also took the opportunity to reveal their new time trial and triathlon pedal, the Keo Blade Aero, at their pre-Tour technical presentation – a final prototype of which will be used at the Tour de France by Alberto Contador. It was devel
The result is a fully enclosed underside and a claimed two percent power saving. The carbon fibre shell weighs only 5g and the whole pedal is 120g. The pedal body has been stiffened but is otherwise the same as the Keo Blade Carbon, so expect the same positive click entry and wide platform. It'll be available from November, for £229.99.
