Mountain Bikes World

It's an ultra-high end carbon bike with an integrated seatpost. The frame weighs in at 2.6 lbs with an uncut seatpost. The frame features very dramatic big carbon tubes for dramatic design elements. It was also designed to be very stiff laterally but compliant vertically. And of course the most revolutionary element on this frame is the integrated seatpost. This design was introduced in the Look 595 road bike and has been in the market for almost a year. The frame as a post designed into the frame. This post is designed to be cut according to the rider's height and preferencs. Then a seapost insert goes in the post and is locked on by compression rings. There is a few millimeters of up and down adjustability using spacers in the seatpost insert. The insert also features and elastomer stack that provides some bump compliance. Two densities of elastomers are provided to work with different rider weights.

This bike is drop-dead gorgeous. It looks like it was sculpted first out of clay for a design project. The integrated seatpost delivers a clean, uninterrupted line that is complemented by Look badging. Plus the E-Post goes in the seat tube with no collars or binder bolts.

It features a monocoque front end and chain stays bottom bracket assembly. The seat stays are bonded to an integrated seatpost, very similar to the top of the line Look 595 road frame. The seat and chain stays are flattened to give the rear end a compliant ride. Also, selectable elastomer inserts on the seat post allow the rider to dial in some shock absorbing qualities to the ride. These design elements are complemented by a huge down tube that keeps the front end stable and keeps the bottom bracket very stiff.

This is a race bike and it weighs less than 21 lbs with pedals. The XO spec is excellent with ultralight yet functional parts. The XO shifters and derailleurs are best of class. The Avid Juicy Ultimates are mounted on integrated clamps with the shifters. Another highlight is the FSA K-Force Light carbon crank with ceramic bearings. Drivetrain performance was flawless. The wheels are Mavic Crossmax SLs and the front shock is a Reba SL with poploc. The tires are ultralight Continental Speed Kings that weigh in at only 450 grams each. The tires say 2.1 but they're really more like a 1.9 tire. The Fizik Gobi saddle is a bit heavy for this bike at 290 grams but it was very comfortable. The handlebars were narrow and low with 23 inch FSA carbons. But this is a race bike and the riding position is optimized for climbing.

The geometry is classic cross-country racer as you'd expect with head and seat angles of 71.2 degrees and 72.2 degrees respectively and 42.5cm chainstays. The cockpit is long and the handlebars are low allowing a great pedaling and climbing position. Aside from the ultralight weight, the bottom bracket is very stiff so the bike accelerates and climbs wonderfully. Lateral stability is excellent and complements the XC geometry of the bike. So tight singletrack is a dream. The bike is so easy to steer and flip through fast and tight corners.

This bike is for the XC racer. Whether you're a top level pro, an endurance rider, an enthusiast who keeps track of your hillclimb records, a competitive rider who wants to school your buddies, this is a good bike. It is purposefully built for going fast and it does it very well. The only knock on it is the E-Post limits versatility of the bike somewhat where you can't lower the saddle in very steep terrain. It's the perfect xc race bike.