Presented at the end of 2018, the flagship model of the French brand Look benefits for the 2021 vintage from a new manufacturing process and a new combination of carbon fibers, even if it retains an identical general appearance to that of the previous version. The 795 Blade RS Disc gains almost 300 g in the process. Enough to make it more versatile?

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr

Since the mid-80s – just a few months after inventing the clipless pedal – the French company Look has been at the forefront of innovative bicycle brands, especially in the carbon field. The brand has often distinguished itself by offering iconic models, appreciated by both professional and amateur riders. With technical solutions and a very bold design in recent years, one might even think that Look has sometimes gone a little too far, especially since the appearance of the 795 Aerolight in 2014. Fortunately for some purists and fans of a more consensual aesthetic, the range still has the 785 Huez and 765 Optimum+, for climbers or long-distance cyclists, in addition to this 795 Blade RS Disc, a bike for rollers or triathletes and which benefits from all the know-how of the Nièvre company. Although it should be noted that recently, all Look frames are now manufactured in Taiwan, on a production line that is certainly specific to Look, but no longer in the brand's factory in Tunisia.

With a frame weighing close to a kilo, the new Look 795 Blade RS Disc is getting closer to the competition among aerodynamic bikes., although some models now weigh less than 800 g. We weighed this very high-end version equipped with Sram Red eTap AXS and Corima 47 WS DX Disc wheels at 8 kg (complete and ready to ride, with pedals and bottle cages). Look therefore claims a frame 300 g lighter than the first Blade RS Disc released at the end of 2018, but This remains objectively too heavy for a bike sold for €10499. Even if we cannot reduce his behavior to this slight plumpness, as we have been able to see during this test.

A complete range with disc brakes

Like many brands, Look is resolutely taking the turn towards disc brakes, offering the 795 Blade RS only with this technology, apart from a frameset, also available for rim brakes (at €3299). The range starts with a Shimano Ultegra model at €5999, then there is an Ultegra Di2 model at €7899, a Dura-Ace Di2 model at €9499, and finally this high-end version in Sram Red AXS 12 speed at €10499, offered in this magnificent color Chameleon Mat Glossy, with different reflections depending on the angle from which you look at it. A painting associated with the overall design of the frame, far from leaving indifferent most of the cyclists crossed on the routeThe Blade range (non RS) extends from €3549 to €6949, with the same design but a heavier frame.

To save weight on the Blade RS frame without changing the handling of its predecessor, Look has increased the proportion of high-modulus carbon fibers. (from 32 to 63%) and integrated very high modulus fibers (4%), so as to reduce the number of carbon layers and therefore the thickness of the tubes for equivalent rigidity and resistance. A new, more precise EPS molding technology wraps the carbon plies individually in the form of hard polystyrene before being placed in the main mold, and also reduces the amount of material.

From the outside, the new Blade RS is identical to the previous one., with solid tubes, 3S Design rear stays designed to dampen vibrations and improve traction, a Look Aeropost 3 seatpost clamp hidden in the frame tube, partial integration of the hoses in the head tube along a Look ADS stem and under the Look ADH handlebars, as well as a top tube that starts above the top of the head tube. It should also be noted that the Blade RS Disc is compatible with tires up to 30 mm in section, which goes hand in hand with the use of wide aerodynamic rims and disc brakes.

Professional equipment

The 795 Blade RS Disc is equipped here with very high-end components, from the groupset to the peripherals. This is one of the only production bikes to be offered with the 50-37 chainring pair of the Sram Red eTap AXS group, associated with a 10-33 cassette, i.e. a maximum development equivalent to a 55/11! Small calves should abstain, especially since the mechanical efficiency of the small 10-tooth sprocket is not the best, as you can easily see while riding, with a permanent feeling of "rubbing". In terms of the grip of the handles, this group also suffers in our opinion from a perfectible finish, with sharp parts at the level of the placement of the index finger.

The fact remains that the operation of the derailleurs is beyond reproach., and that the braking is very progressive and effective, and above all without noise, without friction during restarts or squeaking in the rain. In addition, the travel of the brake levers can be personalized, which improves control and the feeling of safety.

=> SEE AS ​​WELL : Test from the Sram Red eTap AXS groupset

In terms of wheels, Look has opted for Corima 47 mm WS DX, with a 27 mm wide rim. French wheels, not particularly light, but efficient and particularly stable under gusts of wind, despite a rim height of 47 mm. They are mounted with Vittoria Corsa Graphene tires with a section of 28 mm, which provide grip and comfort.

For the pilot positiontage, we find a set formed by a Look ADS stem and a Look ADH 1.2 Carbon handlebar, with partial integration. With this system, Look maintains a little more simplicity than on competing aerodynamic models, and the handlebars keep the advantagetagand to be adjustable.

In terms of ergonomics, the handlebar is very pleasant, but it should be noted that it prohibits the montagand later of an extension. The stem fortunately remains compatible with all handlebars on the market.

The specific Aeropost 3 seatpost is topped here with a very light Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow saddle with a decidedly high-end look. The saddle tilt is very easy to adjust with a very well designed clamping system and wheel.

Finally, note that the Nièvre firm has opted for broad pedal compatibility, with a Press Fit BB386 housing that is suitable for both 24mm and 30mm axles, thanks to an aluminum insert. The proposed system is particularly fluid.

Comfort and efficiency

From the first restarts, the Look 795 Blade RS reminds us of its weight, which is a little above average for a machine of this price, and seems a little clumsy at low travel speeds. A feeling that fortunately fades quickly as soon as the pace increases, with a train speed that is easy to maintain on the flat and on false flats.

Rigidity and stability are there, with a machine that allows you to "send" on long straight stretches, without giving the impression of crushing under the gear. On launched sprints, the 795 Blade RS proves efficient, and the watts do not seem to disperse under the pedal, even with very high development.

On descents, it is very reassuring, with rock-solid stability, whatever the surface or angle of the turns. The braking efficiency and grip of the tires are reassuring, whether on dry asphalt or in the rain. This is definitely a bike for riding fast.

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

But what is most surprising is the comfort of the bike, which is far superior to most machines of this type. The seatstays benefit from the absence of a bridge and a shape that offers a slight flex, which has the effect of optimizing vibration filtration and traction, with a rear wheel that remains constantly in contact with the ground. The 28 mm tires also largely contribute to this feeling of smoothness, even if their aerodynamic efficiency is not necessarily the best. And unfortunately, they turn out to be rather fragile, since we suffered three punctures in about 800 km with this bike.

On the slopes of the Paris region, and with good physical condition, the 795 Blade RS is relatively at ease. But the strong percenttagThey are not necessarily its favorite terrain, despite a very wide range of development. We find its heavy side below 20 km/h, with a general lack of nervousness and a steering that seems a little heavy when you stand on the pedals to tear yourself away from the slope. Although offering very good performance on hilly courses, the wheels do not help the 795 Blade RS in these conditions, with a weight there also a little above average (more than 1700 g per pair), just like the tires. Lighter wheels (less high?) ​​and thinner tires would undoubtedly bring a hint of dynamism to the bike on steep climbs. But the 795 Blade RS is not designed for that anyway.

Above all, it is a machine for maintaining good averages, for riding hard and above all for a long time, thanks to its comfort. A feature that is often overlooked on this type of bike, and yet makes the difference at the end of a long ride, or over the duration of a long-distance triathlon, because it allows the user to save energy.

The 795 Blade RS was already a beast to ride, and this new version gains a little weight thanks to a new type of construction without losing efficiency. But not yet enough for our taste to make it a bike totally at ease on all terrains.

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