July 23rd, 2008 by 
thien
- Compact Geometry
- Taller Head Tube
- Slightly Shorter Sloping Top Tube
- “X Design” Stays
- 1100 grams (medium)
- 5 Sizes - XS, S, M, L, XL
- Available in 2 colors (Black & Red, shown or Black & White)
- Frameset MSRP: $1999
- Full Rival Bike MSRP: $2499
- Full Ultegra SL Bike MSRP: $2999
LOOK Cycles showed off the new 566 to media recently, a new entry level road bike from the French boutique cycling brand. The new frame features tube to tube carbon technology, which is one of the more affordable and simple ways to build a carbon frame. The bike is going to be manufactured in Asia, but the design and testing was done all in house at LOOK’s headquarters in Nevers, France.
The 566 is built for comfort, a bike that a rider can ride all day and not get beat up on, but at the same time remains efficient. Lateral efficiency is key in keeping the frame from flexing and making sure all power input from the rider is not lost in frame flexing, but rather going toward forward movement. The key also though is to make sure it’s vertically compliant as well, making the bike comfortable.
LOOK believes they have found this balance with the designed flattened seat stays, which act like leaf springs, giving a little bit of flex vertically for comfort. But because of how wide the stays are designed, it still remains laterally stiff. The same treatment was done to the chainstays, a feature LOOK is calling “X ST-SC”.
The 566 also sports a flat top tube design to give the bike a little vertical flex, keeping the bike comfortable. Further small details include a downtube profile that’s gradually tapered smoothly into a beefier bottom bracket. LOOK continues to use the integrated headset system which allows for a headtube that’s flared towards the bottom to make a smoother transition from frame to fork.
The carbon fork was also designed with the same characteristics in mind. Aiming for a little bit of vertical compliance to keep vibration at bay, but still laterally stiff as to not sacrifice anything in the cornering and handling department.
A 566 in size medium reportedly weighs in at just 1100 grams. With aesthetic looks like these, and the well designed stays in the rear triangle, the 566 should stand out on it’s own in an already distinguished brand line up.
Check out our video of the LOOK 566 on videos.roadbikereview.com!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Nice looking bike, but too fancy for training…
Is there an alloy / alu version for this entry level from look ?
How much ?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Beautiful!! Any info on geometry specs? The video mentioned a shorter TT and taller HT, is that relative to the 555? Also, I’m assuming the Rival version will be 2009 Rival? If so, @ $2499, this could be one of the best bang-4-the-buck bikes available, and from a renowned bike builder to boot!
July 24th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I updated the photo slide show with the geometry chart. The Rival version of the bike is the new ‘09, and will be on the black and white frameset.
July 26th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
surprisingly that bike looks like it should cost mucho more. I’m looking forward to reading a full review.
July 27th, 2008 at 7:46 am
>>surprisingly that bike looks like it should cost mucho more. I’m looking forward to reading a full review.
Great comment! That’s exactly what I thought when I saw that frame in person. I thought it was their new $4k frame! There’s a lot of tube shaping and the finish is very nice
July 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Is this replacing the 555? Also is the Rival only available on the white with the SL only on the red? I want a white one with Rival but my LBS is checking to see what kind of ship times we’re looking at. If it’s too long may end up going with the 555…
July 27th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Yes, this is the replacement for the 555. And it was my understanding that the white and black one would be available as a full bike with rival, and the red and black with ultegra SL. How firm they are on that, I’m not sure… but at just $500 more for the Rival, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
When would this beautiful machine be abelable?
is there just frame sets?
August 11th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Well I must be honest that while it does look like a more expensive bike than the retail price, and is nice looking, I prefer the looks of the 2008 555, either the red or white of which I am a owner. If this is replacing the 555 then will you have to go up to the 585 in order to get a more racier geometry? I guess we’ll have to see.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:29 am
That is an UGLY bike - marketing clowns gone crazy
August 12th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Too bad the frameset is so overpriced compared to the complete bike. I like the looks and would like to do the build myself with a campy groupset. If the price was closer to $1200 for the frameset which I thing would be more reasonable compared to the complete bike, I would be tempted to order one.
Landau
August 16th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
i just demo’d the look 555 today. i currently have a khs 6061 alum w/ 105 comps. the 555 seemed so smooth i wasnt sure about it. so then i took out a felt4 carbon -alum and wasnt to impressed. in the end i thought the 555 was much smoother, faster, an overall a better ride. the nude carbon look of the 07 frame was really sweet lookin’ also. price was 2800 with the ultegra components. they had an eddy mercyx with similar price range but campy centaur comps but didnt get a chance to ride it(red and black frame with with white lettering, dont know the model) any comments? later, paul t.