Any Look 566 owners...??

softlad
softlad Posts: 3,513
edited May 2010 in Road buying advice
I'm currently being tempted by a very good deal on a new 09 Look 566 frame. Are there any 566 owners out there who can tell me what the ride is like and what kind of use it gets..?

I've googled it, and searched on here, and I know it's billed as a fast/sportive bike, but my use would be mainly middle-distance road races/training with only the occasional sportive or longer ride over 70m/80m. At the moment, I'm on a VN Chinook which suits me fine for this purpose - or it did, until I was offered this deal.. ;)

I'm sure the Look would suit me fine, but if there are any owners out there with opinions, I'd like to hear em....

(please don't tell me to spend more and get the 586 - the only deal on offer is the 566.. ;) )

Comments

  • navier_stokes
    navier_stokes Posts: 77
    I've had mine for a few months now and I'm extremely please with it. The geometry is setup for sportive riding, but that does not mean it is a slouch by any stretch of the imagination!

    Soaks up bumps very well, and has a nicely designed rear triangle meaning power is transferred well but you do get some flex in the right direction for comfort.

    I compared it with an Orbea Opal and the Look was a no brainer in handling, speed and ride quality. There doesn't appear to be a more rounded bike in the price bracket (that I could find). Of course you can get slightly faster bikes with more attacking geometry... but then you compromise in other areas.

    I equipped mine with SRAM Force, Kysrium SLs and Pro finishing kit - I don't feel I will have to upgrade anything for a fair while!

    Here's a review - they look much better in the flesh, non of the bulky tubing of other carbon bikes; it looks a lot more traditional and better as a result, IMO.

    Mine's a 2010 frame however - I'm not sure what they changed from the 2009 version, I think they stayed the same?
  • CliveDS
    CliveDS Posts: 38
    I have done an extensive review of the 566 on my blog, check it out.
    More on my blog: http://glorycycles.blogspot.com/
  • ScottieP
    ScottieP Posts: 599
    CliveDS wrote:
    I have done an extensive review of the 566 on my blog, check it out.

    Clive's blog is definitely worth a look - I've spent a bit of time there enjoying the reviews. Definitely have a read of the 566 review.....

    There's also been a few discussions on the 566 on Roadbikereview - you could do some searching in the forums there too.
    My cycling blog: http://girodilento.com/
  • fortyone
    fortyone Posts: 166
    I bought the 566 frame separately last year and, because it's the first carbon frame I've bought, I have nothing to compare it with. It is a good, very comfortable and responsive ride, certainly much more so than my aluminium winter frame. I put Campag stuff on it and Neutron wheels, so is lighter than the full spec bike.

    Out this year is the Colnago Ace, which also is built for comfort, and has a wider range of sizing (but you will probably have to pay maximum price for it).
  • softlad
    softlad Posts: 3,513
    very useful, thanks....

    On further investigation, it looks as though the frame is a non-starter for me, unfortunately - as the head tube is too long and I won't be able to get the stem low enough - I've worked it out and even with no spacers, the front end would sit 2.5cm higher than it does currently...
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Sportive frame - you'd probably need the 585 Origin if you want a lower front end Look bike. Rather more expensive than the 566 though........

    Fortyone - I should be getting my 585 Optimum in a couple of weeks; also gone for the Campag plus Neutron setup. I hope the shop have some scales :lol:
    Faster than a tent.......
  • Velonutter
    Velonutter Posts: 2,437
    I have a 585, never known anything so comfortable, handles superbly, simply brilliant
  • ScottieP
    ScottieP Posts: 599
    I must say I think the 585 Optimum sounds like a great bike .... a bit pricey (for me anyway) but a great bike ... I've found it hard to find reviews on them though (admittedly I haven't tried that hard).

    ScottieP
    My cycling blog: http://girodilento.com/
  • fortyone
    fortyone Posts: 166
    Rolf F

    Nice one: liked the look of the latest red 585 Optimum.
  • navier_stokes
    navier_stokes Posts: 77
    softlad wrote:
    very useful, thanks....

    On further investigation, it looks as though the frame is a non-starter for me, unfortunately - as the head tube is too long and I won't be able to get the stem low enough - I've worked it out and even with no spacers, the front end would sit 2.5cm higher than it does currently...

    What's the harm in a test ride? ;)

    I've put some pics up of mine over in the Your Road Bike section...
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    I have a 585 in my stable too. If you can stretch to it, please do ... it is one of the great carbon frames.
  • Mossrider
    Mossrider Posts: 226
    fortyone wrote:
    I bought the 566 frame separately last year and, because it's the first carbon frame I've bought, I have nothing to compare it with. It is a good, very comfortable and responsive ride, certainly much more so than my aluminium winter frame. I put Campag stuff on it and Neutron wheels, so is lighter than the full spec bike.

    Great minds think alike. I also have a look 566 (2009), campag centaur and neutron wheels. Had it just over a month and done the Brian Robinson and Etape du Dales on it. It's certainly nippy and very comfy over the long (and hard) distance. Not a hundred percent convinced on it's climbing vs my old alu / carbon (I live in the Pennines) but that might just be me. Certainly on club rides, if I decide to accelerate to the front, it is effortless.

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