2021 Look

E-765 OPTIMUM Proteam

Look last year released its first gravel bike, the 765, hitting the dirt in style with a full-carbon race-ready RS model as well an electric version. Just 18 months later, Look is at it again, today announcing updated 765 RS and E-765 models, as well as a new mid-range model 765 for riders on more reasonable budgets. Look has specifically designed the new non-RS model, simply called the 765 Gravel, to provide riders easier access to a Look carbon gravel bike. While the 765 Gravel doesn’t quite get the same carbon layup, spec, or light build as the range-topping RS, the new bikes are adequately equipped and well priced for full carbon rigs. The 765 Gravel will be available in two build options. One features a Shimano 105 groupset, Shimano RS171 wheels, Look’s own in-house finishing kit, and a classy matte black finish with glossy black decals for US$3,000 / £2,499 / €2,699. Alternatively, there is a higher-end build with Shimano GRX 600 and Shimano RS370 wheels in a matte green finish for US$3,500 / £2,990 / €3,199. Weighing in at 10 kg and 9.7 kg, respectively, neither bike is at risk of floating away with the dust on a gravel trail, but both are still well within the respected range for a bike of this nature. At the upper end of the 765 range, the revised 765 RS frame has been updated with a new “gravel-specific” carbon layup that, according to Look, maximizes pedaling performance while preserving ride quality. The changes also make the new frame 200 g lighter than its predecessor, although on bikes that already weigh more than 8.5 kg, this reduction is unlikely to make a huge difference in terms of performance. The race-ready “RS” model is available in a “Black Red Glossy” finish with Shimano GRX 810 or in “Carbon Champagne” with SRAM Force eTap AXS. Both models get the same Look stem and handlebar, plus the same Hutchinson Touareg 700×40 mm tires, but the similarities end there. The SRAM version gets the superlight Look LS1 carbon seatpost, carbon San Marco FX saddle, and Mavic Allroad Disc CL Tubeless wheels, whereas the GRX version is delivered with the Look LS2 seat post and standard San Marco saddle, plus Shimano RX 570 Disc CL tubeless hoops. These differing specs explain the 400 g weight difference, with the Shimano-equipped model weighing 8.9 kg versus the SRAM version at a claimed 8.5 kg. Both colors are also available as frame-only options. The E-765, Look’s first e-gravel bike which launched last year, gets only a minor refresh for 2021 with a change of colors and groupsets. Look has stuck with the German Fazua motor, with one major factor in that decision being that the E-765 can be ridden with or without the drive system attached. Both the battery and motor assembly can be easily removed from the bike should you wish to revert to pedal power only, immediately stripping away a full 3.3 kg from the bike. The complete bike with the Fazua system attached comes in at a very reasonable 13.9 kg. The SRAM Force 1×11 option is available in “Dark Bronze Glossy” and sits on Shimano RS 370 wheels. The SRAM Rival option comes in a very stealth all-black finish and also gets Shimano wheels — this time RS 171 hoops. Tire clearance was one area Look focused on to provide versatility for the 765 platform. All the 765 bikes can run up to 700×40 mm or 650×2.1″ tires, allowing riders to tackle a wide variety of off-road terrain, provided you have the wheelsets to suit. Given the 765 range’s relatively lightweight builds, the bikes should therefore perform admirably with a road wheelset and a pair of 28 mm tires. Look also uses what it calls 3D Wave stays for all three frame options. These stays have a noticeably flattened profile that supposedly increase the natural compliance of the carbon by 15%. According to Look, these uniquely shaped stays help absorb vibration and increase traction without any additional weight. Look has also applied its direct-drive concept design process to the 765 which is said to improve steering accuracy and front-end stiffness. While not an integrated cockpit Look simultaneously designs the handlebars, stem and fork to reduce rigidity loss. This supposedly gives the rider a greater sense of connection to the handling of the bike. Interestingly, all of the non-powered bikes announced are equipped with 2x drivetrains, a deviation from the 1x norm we have become accustomed to on the gravel scene. Only the E-765 is delivered with a 1x setup. All frames also come with the choice of four bottle cage mounting options, with three located inside the main triangle and one under the down tube. Look has also incorporated a feed bag mounting option on the top tube. The complete 765 Gravel range is now available worldwide through Look’s official dealer network, starting at US$3,000 / £2,990 / €2,699. For more information visit lookcycle.com

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The e-765 Optimum Disc is aimed at the performance-oriented E-road bike rider and draws heavily on the carbon expertise of the French manufacturer.

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Verdict: High-spec carbon gravel e-bike that’s fun to ride, if a bit expensive for the spec

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