French cycling innovator Look has introduced the latest iteration of its flagship aero road bicycle, the 795 BladeRS 3, just ahead of the prestigious Tour de France. This new model boasts an incredibly adaptable integrated cockpit system, which, combined with diverse geometry possibilities, provides an astounding 350 different fit configurations. This level of customization ensures that riders can achieve an optimal position for both comfort and performance.
Extensive research and development have gone into the BladeRS 3, with Look conducting rigorous wind tunnel and real-world testing. The results are impressive, claiming a reduction of 15 watts in aerodynamic drag at a speed of 50 km/h (31.1 mph), even when encountering challenging and unstable air conditions. This advanced engineering translates into tangible speed benefits, as evidenced by its recent stage victory at the Itzulia Basque Country race with professional cyclist Alex Aranburu.
Unmatched Customization for Peak Performance
The new Look 795 BladeRS 3 redefines rider customization with an integrated cockpit system that offers an astonishing 350 potential fit variations. This highly modular design allows cyclists to fine-tune their position for optimal comfort and aerodynamic efficiency. Manufactured at Look's facility in Burgundy, France, the bike's "à la carte" system provides unparalleled choices, including seven stem lengths, three handlebar widths, three fork offsets, and up to 50mm of headset spacers. Additionally, an aero seatpost with two offset options and six frame sizes, accommodating riders from 155cm to 200cm, ensures a perfect fit for a diverse range of body types. This meticulous attention to detail in fitting ensures that each rider can achieve their ideal ergonomic and performance setup, directly contributing to enhanced power transfer and reduced fatigue during long rides and intense races.
Look has invested significantly in the handlebar design, focusing on both rider comfort and aerodynamic gains. The handlebar is meticulously engineered to support three distinct racing scenarios, promoting a sustained aero position, maximizing stiffness for powerful sprints, and offering a tailored sweep and flare to facilitate improved breathing during climbs. This thoughtful design underscores Look's commitment to creating a bike that not only performs at the highest level but also prioritizes the rider's experience. This extensive customization, coupled with the ergonomic handlebar design, allows riders to maintain an efficient and comfortable posture, translating into sustained high performance and a competitive edge on the road. The result is a bike that adapts to the individual, rather than requiring the individual to adapt to the bike, setting a new standard in personalized cycling equipment.
Aerodynamic Prowess and Engineering Excellence
The Look 795 BladeRS 3 showcases significant advancements in aerodynamic efficiency, with the company claiming a remarkable 15-watt saving at 50 km/h compared to its predecessors. This substantial improvement is the result of extensive research using computational fluid dynamics and rigorous wind tunnel testing. These sophisticated methods allowed engineers to analyze and optimize the bike's performance across various body types, speeds, and drafting positions, ensuring consistent aerodynamic benefits. According to Look, the bike maintains its speed advantage across wind angles ranging from -15° to +15°, covering the vast majority of real-world riding conditions. Charles Philippe, Look's R&D Manager, emphasizes that gains were only adopted if they were "statistically robust," ensuring a consistent advantage beyond normal measurement uncertainty, rather than isolated results. This stringent validation process ensures that every rider experiences a tangible increase in speed and efficiency, making the 795 BladeRS 3 a consistently faster machine.
Beyond aerodynamics, the 795 BladeRS 3 features impressive structural enhancements. A medium frame weighs a lean 890g, with the fork adding 340g, marking a significant weight reduction of 160g from the previous model. The frame is designed to accommodate tires up to 34mm, offering versatility and improved comfort on diverse road surfaces. Furthermore, the bottom bracket and front end of the bike are engineered to be 10% stiffer than the WorldTour average, providing exceptional power transfer and precise handling. A complete medium bike, without pedals, starts at a competitive weight of 6.9kg. The bike is available in various builds, from £7,990 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Look R45S wheels, to a premium £12,390 with Campagnolo Super Record and Scope Artech 6.A wheels. For those aiming to emulate professional riders, a limited-edition Iconic Prisme Replica, featuring the exact Cofidis Tour de France specifications (Campagnolo Super Record wireless, Bora WTO 60 Ultra Team wheels), is available for £13,299. The frameset alone can be purchased for £4,750, offering a foundation for personalized high-performance builds. These options highlight the bike's engineering excellence and its appeal to both serious competitors and discerning enthusiast