Review of the New Look 785 Huez

The all-new version of the Look 785 Huez, launched this spring, has been updated with internal cable routing, a T47 threaded bottom bracket, and compatibility with 32-mm-wide tires. These are subtle changes, but they’re essential for keeping the 785 Huez among the most desirable bikes in the community of seasoned competitive cyclists. A review of a comfortable and lightweight bike, designed to tackle elevation gains.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

The design is understated, and the available color options are fairly subdued. The Look 785 Huez isn’t here to turn heads—at least not in terms of its appearance. Instead, it presents itself as a safe bet—a benchmark model acclaimed for its versatility and ease of use since the release of the first 785 Huez in 2017. This is exactly what many potential buyers are looking for—for whom the €6,490 price tag on this new, top-of-the-line version of the range, equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and 38 mm carbon wheels, already represents an investment covering several years of riding. The Look 785 Huez doesn’t make a big splash at first glance, but it will stand the test of time without going out of style.

Behind the apparent simplicity of this new 785 Huez, however, lie all the features of a modern bike, with a frame made of high-modulus carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes (CNT), designed to make the layup stronger so that thinner tube walls can be achieved, thereby reducing weight. The frame alone weighs 980 g (390 g for the fork), slightly more than the 800 or even 700 g of the competition’s top-of-the-line models, but at a price that’s less than half as much, since the 785 Huez frame kit is priced at €2,490.

Its timeless design doesn’t skimp on simple yet effective technical choices, such as internal cable routing, the use of a T47 threaded bottom bracket, the choice of a round seatpost and a classic handlebar setup with aluminum handlebars and a stem, and through-axles at the front and rear to maintain the bike’s fluidity. This is the complete opposite of the solutions Look once used on some of its futuristic-looking bikes, which didn’t always make maintenance or adjustments easy on these exceptional machines.

The absence of models in the lineup equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace, SRAM Red AXS, or Campagnolo Super Record suggests that we won’t see the 785 Huez used by pros, unless a more exclusive model with an even lighter frame is released soon. In any case, this bike isn’t designed for that type of racing, where aerodynamics are now paramount. With the 785 Huez, the Nevers-based company is instead targeting cyclosportifs, mountain pass climbers, and those who enjoy spending long days on steep roads without worrying about the clock. Those who prioritize enjoyment, the ride experience, and comfort above all else. And even though the 785 Huez can’t be called a super-light bike, it rides like one.

The Essentials of the 785 Huez

Our test bike is the top-of-the-line version of the current 785 Huez, equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed electronic groupset, which performs flawlessly in both shifting and disc braking. This drivetrain offers the same customization options as the Dura-Ace, allowing you to choose between synchronized or semi-synchronized shifting, the choice of functions assigned to the hidden buttons (such as scrolling through pages on a compatible computer/GPS and/or activating the bell on the new Garmin Edge 1050 computer, for example), and communication with the Shimano E-Tube app for system maintenance.

In terms of gearing, the bike comes with a 52-36 double chainring—now fairly standard on production bikes—and a 12-speed 11-34 cassette that’s perfectly versatile for tackling all types of terrain, although the gaps between the cogs in the middle of the cassette can sometimes be a hindrance when riding on flat terrain. However, a minimum gear ratio of 36/34 allows a moderately fit rider to get through any terrain relatively comfortably. And that’s exactly the point.

The 785 Huez is also equipped here with Look RD 38 Carbon wheels, developed in collaboration with sister brand Corima, with a claimed weight of 1,660 g per pair. These are understated wheels, with rims that aren’t too tall at 38 mm and an internal width of 19.3 mm, which is best suited for tires with a 25- to 28-mm cross-section, although the bike can accommodate tires up to 32 mm for those seeking even greater comfort and grip. They come equipped with Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance tires in 700×25, which are also a benchmark in terms of the balance between performance, comfort, traction, and durability.

The handlebars, stem (aluminum), seatpost (carbon), and saddle are also by Look, creating a cohesive package without breaking the bank at €6,490. These components offer the advantage of being easily customizable—for example, if you’d like to change the handlebar or stem size. Below the stem, the two-part spacer system makes it easy to adjust the height of the handlebar setup without having to remove all the cables. In short, a real-world example of how the bike is used and maintained!

The Look 785 Huez is, of course, available in other versions, including an entry-level model with Shimano 105 and Shimano RS 171 aluminum wheels for €3,390, a model with SRAM Rival eTap AXS, also featuring aluminum wheels, for €4,490, and finally a 105 Di2 model for €5,490, but this time with carbon wheels.

A pleasant and reassuring bike

On the road, the Look 785 Huez stands out for the smooth ride it provides—whether on flat terrain, slight inclines, or, of course, hills, its preferred terrain. While it never seems to lack lateral stiffness during climbs out of the saddle—at least for a non-professional cyclist—it also doesn’t restrict pedaling power, providing just the right amount of flexibility to mitigate the inefficiency of an imperfect stroke. To put it simply, it belongs to the category of so-called “forgiving” bikes, which cushion a heavy, choppy pedal stroke—as can happen when climbing a steep hill or at the end of a ride when fatigue sets in. It’s an easy-going bike that offers a smooth ride, despite the 25 tires, but encourages you to pick up the pace or change your rhythm as soon as the road starts to climb. A true climbing bike, even though, in reality, it weighs nearly a kilo more than a top-of-the-line bike (which costs twice as much).

On the flat, the 785 Huez holds its own up to 40 km/h, before falling behind more aerodynamic and stiffer bikes. Accelerations, attacks, and sprints in a very high gear cause it to lose some of its edge, particularly with steering that seems to lack a bit of sharpness and responsiveness. That said, the front end remains precise and reassuring on fast and/or technical descents. The bike demonstrates excellent stability, and riding it in all situations encourages you to relax your shoulders, back, and arms. This is an undeniable advantage for tackling long distances, especially those with elevation changes.

In terms of comfort, it’s not quite on the same level as bikes specifically designed for endurance, but we believe the balance here is nearly ideal—combining reasonable weight, athletic accessibility, and riding enjoyment.

In terms of performance, there’s of course nothing to fault with the Ultegra Di2 groupset, which offers smooth and precise shifting, as well as responsive and consistently effective braking. Although a bit heavy on paper, the Look RD 38 wheels remain quite dynamic and, of course, versatile thanks to their chosen rim height, which contributes to the bike’s stability even in strong crosswinds. And finally, it’s worth noting how quiet the bike is when setting off: with the threaded bottom bracket, Look has resolved the creaking issues sometimes encountered by certain users with pressed-in bearing systems.

Overall, the new Look 785 Huez retains the character of the previous generation while benefiting from technical choices that simplify its use. Understated and elegant—almost too discreet, depending on your perspective—it doesn’t require the rider’s full commitment to deliver enjoyment and a great ride on the road, thanks to a clever blend of smoothness and efficiency. This bike isn’t intended to compete with the most exclusive models on the market, but it will prove to be a faithful companion for many pragmatic riders who are realistic about their physical abilities and are looking for a high-end bike suited to their level.

The LOOK 785 HUEZ at a glance…

Pros: smooth ride, efficiency, comfort, upgradeable components
Cons: weight

Frame: 785 Huez nanotube technology – Fork: 785 Huez – Handlebars: Look LS3 Alloy Aero – Stem: Look LS3 Alloy – Brakes: Shimano Ultegra RT MT800 160/140 mm – Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed – Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed – Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed 11-34 – Chain: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed – Crankset: Shimano Ultegra 12-speed 52-36 – Wheels: Look R 38 D Carbon – Tires: Hutchinson Fusion 5 700×25 – Saddle: Look Short Fit Dynamic – Seatpost: Look LS1 Carbon Superlight – Weight: 7.958 kg in size M without pedals – Sizes available: 5 – Price: €6,490