Unveiled in late 2018, the flagship model from the French brand Look features a new manufacturing process and a new carbon fiber blend for the 2021 model year, although it retains an overall appearance identical to that of the previous version. The 795 Blade RS Disc is nearly 300 g lighter as a result. Is that enough to make it more versatile?

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

Since the mid-1980s—just a few months after inventing the clipless pedal—the French company Look has been at the forefront of innovative bike brands, especially in the field of carbon fiber. The brand has frequently distinguished itself by offering iconic models, appreciated by both professional riders and amateurs alike. With its technical innovations and bold designs in recent years, one might even think that Look has sometimes gone a bit too far, especially since the introduction of the 795 Aerolight in 2014. Fortunately for some purists and fans of a more conventional aesthetic, the 785 Huez and 765 Optimum+ remain in the lineup—for climbers or long-distance cyclists—in addition to this 795 Blade RS Disc, a bike for road cyclists or triathletes that benefits from all the expertise of the Nevers-based company. It should be noted, however, that recently all Look frames have been manufactured in Taiwan—on a production line specifically designed for Look—rather than at the brand’s factory in Tunisia.

With a frame weighing just under a kilogram, the new Look 795 Blade RS Disc is on par with the competition among aerodynamic bikes, even though some models now weigh less than 800 g. We weighed this top-of-the-line version, equipped with SRAM Red eTap AXS and Corima 47 WS DX Disc wheels, at 8 kg (fully assembled and ready to ride, including pedals and bottle cages). Look claims the frame is 300 g lighter than the first Blade RS Disc released in late 2018, but objectively speaking, it’s still too heavy for a bike priced at €10,499. That said, its performance can’t be reduced to this slight excess weight, as we observed during this test.

A complete lineup with disc brakes

Like many brands, Look is firmly embracing disc brakes, offering the 795 Blade RS exclusively with this technology—with the exception of a frame kit, which is also available for rim brakes (for €3,299). The lineup starts with a Shimano Ultegra model at €5,999, followed by an Ultegra Di2 model at €7,899, a Dura-Ace Di2 model at 9,499 €, and finally this top-of-the-line version with 12-speed SRAM Red AXS at 10,499 €, offered in this stunning Chameleon Mat Glossy colorway, which shimmers differently depending on the angle from which you view it. This paint scheme, which complements the frame’s overall design, is sure to catch the eye of most cyclists you encounter on the road. The Blade (non-RS) lineup, meanwhile, ranges from €3,549 to €6,949, featuring the same design but a heavier frame.

To reduce the weight of the Blade RS frame without altering the handling of its predecessor, Look increased the proportion of high-modulus carbon fiber (from 32% to 63%) and incorporated very high-modulus carbon fiber (4%), thereby reducing the number of carbon layers and thus the thickness of the tubes while maintaining equivalent stiffness and strength. A new, more precise EPS molding technology individually encases the carbon plies in hard polystyrene before they are placed in the main mold, further reducing the amount of material used.

From the outside, the new Blade RS looks identical to its predecessor, with massive tubes, 3S Design seatstays at the rear designed to dampen vibrations and improve traction, a Look Aeropost 3 seatpost clamp concealed within the frame tube, partial integration of the hoses into the head tube along a Look ADS stem and under the Look ADH handlebars, as well as a top tube that originates above the top of the head tube. It’s also worth noting that the Blade RS Disc is compatible with tires up to 30 mm wide, which goes hand in hand with the use of wide aerodynamic rims and disc brakes.

Pro-level components

The 795 Blade RS Disc is equipped here with top-of-the-line components, from the groupset to the accessories. It’s one of the only production bikes to come with the 50-37 chainring set from the SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset, paired with a 10-33 cassette—for a maximum gear ratio equivalent to 55/11! Not for those with weak calves, especially since the mechanical efficiency of the small 10-tooth sprocket isn’t the best—as you’ll easily notice while riding, with a constant sensation of “friction.” As for the grip feel, we also feel this groupset’s finish could be improved, with some parts getting in the way of the index finger’s placement.

That said, the derailleurs operate flawlessly, and the braking is very smooth and effective—and, above all, quiet, with no friction during acceleration or squeaking in the rain. In addition, the brake lever travel can be customized, which improves control and the feeling of safety.

=> SEE ALSO: Sram Red eTap AXS Groupset Review

For the wheels, Look opted for Corima 47 mm WS DX wheels, with a 27 mm-wide rim. These French wheels aren’t particularly light, but they’re effective and exceptionally stable in gusty winds, despite their 47 mm rim height. They’re fitted with 28 mm-wide Vittoria Corsa Graphene tires, which provide grip and comfort.

The handlebar setup consists of a Look ADS stem and a Look ADH 1.2 Carbon handlebar, with partial integration. With this system, Look maintains a slightly simpler design than on the competition’s aerodynamic models, and the handlebars retain the advantage of being adjustable.

In terms of ergonomics, the handlebar is very comfortable, but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t allow for the later installation of handlebar extensions. Fortunately, the stem remains compatible with all handlebars on the market.

The specialized Aeropost 3 seatpost is topped here with a very lightweight Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow saddle that has a decidedly high-end look. The saddle’s angle is very easy to adjust thanks to a well-designed clamping system and a thumb screw.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the Nevers-based company has opted for broad crankset compatibility, with a Press Fit BB386 bottom bracket that accommodates both 24 mm and 30 mm axles, thanks to an aluminum insert. The system operates particularly smoothly.

Comfort and Efficiency

From the very first accelerations, the Look 795 Blade RS reminds you of its weight—which is slightly above average for a bike in this price range—and feels a bit clunky at low speeds. Fortunately, this sensation quickly fades as the pace picks up, and it’s easy to maintain a steady speed on flat terrain and slight inclines.

Stiffness and stability are definitely present, with a bike that lets you “go all out” on long straights without feeling like it’s buckling under the gear ratio. On rolling sprints, the 795 Blade RS proves highly efficient, and the watts don’t seem to get lost under the pedal, even with a very high gear ratio.

On descents, it feels very secure, with rock-solid stability regardless of the road surface or the angle of the turns. The braking performance and tire grip are reassuring, whether on dry pavement or in the rain. This is definitely a bike built for speed.

The comfort is far superior to most bikes of this type.

But what’s most surprising is the bike’s comfort, which is actually far superior to most bikes of this type. The seat stays benefit from the absence of a bridge and a shape that allows for slight flex, which optimizes vibration damping and traction, keeping the rear wheel in constant contact with the ground. The 28 mm tires also contribute significantly to this smooth ride, even if their aerodynamic efficiency isn’t necessarily the best. And unfortunately, they’ve proven to be rather fragile, as we suffered three flat tires over approximately 800 km on this bike.

On the hills of the Paris region, and with good physical conditioning, the 795 Blade RS handles the terrain relatively well. But steep gradients aren’t necessarily its forte, despite a very wide gear range. Its heaviness becomes apparent below 20 km/h, with a general lack of responsiveness and steering that feels a bit heavy when you stand on the pedals to push off the slope. Although it performs very well on hilly routes, the wheels don’t help the 795 Blade RS in these conditions, as their weight is also slightly above average (over 1,700 g per pair), as are the tires. Lighter (lower-profile?) wheels and narrower tires would undoubtedly add a touch of agility to the bike on steep climbs. But the 795 Blade RS isn’t designed for that anyway.

It’s first and foremost a machine for maintaining good average speeds, for riding hard and, above all, for riding long distances, thanks to its comfort. This is a feature often overlooked on this type of bike, yet it makes all the difference at the end of a long ride or during a long-distance triathlon, as it allows the rider to conserve energy.

The 795 Blade RS was already a beast of a bike, and this new version has shed a bit of weight thanks to a new manufacturing process without sacrificing efficiency. But not quite enough for our liking to make it a bike that’s completely at home on all terrains.

The LOOK 795 BLADE RS at a glance… Rating: ***** PROS: Comfort, build quality, color options, efficiency on the flat CONS: Weight, only 5 sizes FRAME: 795 Blade RS 2021 – FORK: 795 Blade RS – WHEELS: Corima 47 mm WS black DX Disc – TIRES: Vittoria Corsa Fold G+ 700×28 mm – CRANKSET: Sram Red AXS 50-37 – CASSETTE: Sram Red AXS 12-speed 10-33 – SHIFTERS: SRAM Red eTap AXS – BRAKES: SRAM Red, 160/140 mm discs – LEVERS: SRAM Red eTap AXS – HANDLEBAR: Look ADH 1.2 carbon – STEM: Look ADS – SEAT POST: Look Aeropost 3 – SADDLE: Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Carbon Keramic – NUMBER OF SIZES: 5 – WEIGHT: 7.8 kg (without pedals) – PRICE: €10,499  Contact: www.lookcycle.com

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