Anyone with a Look frame?

[TrekTheKaty]

My husband is building a new custom bike and just received his Look frame. It's a beauty. He offered to buy the women's version for me (then we'd match. How cute :D) It's supposed to be similar to an Orbea Diva. Anyone women using Look?

I'm riding a Trek 2.1 (aluminum frame, shimano 105, triple). I'm ready to upgrade. I was considering a Madone 5.2 or Ruby Expert. I want a carbon frame, ultegra equipment and switch to a compact double. I need a less aggressive set up because I have a bad back (although I'm riding farther forward than I did 2 years ago). I guess it's time to go shopping!

[Red Rock]

I've got a 555 in red that is about 5-6 years old now. I call it my speedster bike. The frame is awsome and I was a total convert after taking a mock bike for a ride when I was testing them before purchase. It is a sweet bike.

I can not tell you what the Madones are like because they were way out of my price range. If they are carbon it should be just as good. If you can test ride one of each, then you'll be able to feel the differences between the two. There is nothing like carbon.

Enjoy your shopping.

Red Rock

[Aggie_Ama]

I don't own a Look but I *thought* they were mostly a racy-aggressive type of build. It may not be the best bet for a bad back, can you test ride one? The Orbea Diva is a pretty aggressive style bike, it is supposed to know one speed for riding - fast. At least that is what the women I know locally that ride it say about it.

If not are you comfortable comparing geometry charts? I did that with my Fisher because I couldn't ride one but I knew what I hated about Specialized and my old bike's build so I was pretty confident looking at the difference in the Fisher and knowing it would be better for me.

The Ruby is a slightly more relaxed build, the aggressive Specialized for Women is the Amira. I think Madones are a bit more aggressive but I know a lot of people who ride them on Centuries and long rides. The Cannondale Synapse is carbon and geared as fast (stiff) but comfortable bike. It is more relaxed than their race line bikes. Can you rent the bikes you are thinking about? My LBS rents Madones, don't think they do the Ruby but a parking lot ride won't really let your back know if it likes the bike.

Carbon will be way better than aluminum, I suppose. I went from steel to carbon and noticed no improvement with carbon for comfort. I still get road vibration on carbon since we have a lot of chip seal in Texas, so nothing will kill it all. Carbon is stiff and light though.

[TrekTheKaty]

Thanks for the info! My husband is building a new bike so he could go down a frame size and get a more aggressive set-up, so that sounds right Aggie.

I thought I recalled the Ruby's were more upright from others on the TE board. I always wanted a Madone, but now I'm a Schleck girl!

We compared the 2.1 and Madone specs and I would have to go down a frame size to get the same dimensions I have now. Interesting. I like my frame size and fit.

I'd also have to switch bike shops to get a specialized. Hubby was hoping to trade my Trek into our LBS.

I'm just doing my research while the credit card bill rolls in for his new bike! I don't know the total yet--he rounds down ;)

[TxDoc]

I have never owned a Look but a friend of mine used to race with the 595, and he was very happy with it. I tried his and liked it - fast, responsive, and lightweight. Very good bike.
If you have back problem you may want to try the taller setup, I think the model with the more relaxed geometry is the 585 but I could be wrong, just check on their catalog, I know they have one that's a more relaxed ride. Good luck and congrats to both you and your hubby for new bikes :)

[tprevost]

I have a 585ultra that I absolutely love. I am not an agressive rider but this frame is so comfortable and is really light and definately makes me feel like a much better rider than I am :p I would absolutely buy it again given the chance!

[ilima]

I covet the 585 Elle aka 585 Optimum, which is built with a taller headtube and less aggressive geometry.

[TrekTheKaty]

Ok. Look is back in the hunt. DH's frame, saddle and tires are in the living room. Each box goes under the bike as it arrives--so it's like Xmas every day :D. I missed the last build because I was out of town!