One of the most anticipated and requested bikes from Look Cycles has always been a true carbon fiber cyclocross bike. Look answered those requests this past fall with the introduction of the X-85. Shown quietly at the fall bike shows, the X-85 was still very much a prototype bike. Prototype no more, the production version was on display at this year’s Sea Otter Classic. Look is returning to cyclocross with a truly avant garde cross frameset. Using Look’s 25 years of experience and “know-how” in carbon technology, the new X-85 is completely hand made in Look’s Nevers, France carbon factory. The frame is constructed of “tube-to-tube” technology and weighs in at a very respectable 1150 grams (size M), and the all carbon disc fork is 550 grams.
The X-85 is built to accomodate standard 160mm rotors with the IS standard mounts, hydraulic or mechanical. To ensure a wide range of wheel options, Look opted to use a standard 135mm rear wheel spacing allowing for most any 29er wheel to be used. Look’s “Mud Evac” chainstays have been designed for optimal mud clearance and seatstays were designed with a carbon composition incorporating flex, ideal for absorbing vibrations. Look has also moved the cable routing from the below the flattened top tube on the prototype to above it, for easy shouldering during cross racing.
