When designing a triathlon or time trial bike, hundredths of a second can mean a victory or defeat.  The three main design characteristics of such a frame are considered to be stiffness for pedaling efficiency, comfort for overall fatigue reduction, and aerodynamics for speed.

The Look 596 achieves stiffness and comfort with Look's own specific proprietary carbon lay up and molding technique.  The specific process and "recipe" allows the frame to be maximized in lateral stiffness in very specific areas that do not sacrifice the overall handling and comfort of the bike.  However where this frame really sets itself apart from the competition is in the aerodynamics.  Look's designer have discovered that the entire industry is driving TT frame design and development off of a pereption that no wheel gap is actually faster.  On the contrary, Look's frame is designed with a specific gap between the rear wheel and the seat tube, whereas all other designs are tucking the wheel closer and tighter to the frame.  Under static conditions where the wheels are not spinning, no gap can be advantageous.  When the wheels are spinning, howeverthe gap is crucial to allow a cleaner exit path for the rotational air that is coming off the spinning wheel.  The more accurate analysis of wind not only coming from the front of the bicycle, but off the wheels themselves is a critical factor to consider when analyzing how to gain valuable time on a given course.

AERODYNAMICS
Aerodynamics is the Top Priority of the bike. Look's engineers studied all angles and shape of the tubes in order to obtain the most aerodynamic bike on the market and tested in the wind tunnel at the Magny Cours Race Track in Nevers, France. Each tube of the frame is positioned to optimise the air flow between the rider and the bike together in MOTION. In collaboration with Look engineers and the aerodynamic engineers ar Magny Cours, Look improved the aerodynamic of the 596 by 10% more aero than the 496. Both were tested in the wind tunnel. Aerodynamics and rigidity often difficult to have in one bike.  Look was able to achieve this by integrating in one piece the bottom bracket with the downtube in one continuous shape.

CONSTRUCTIONS
The 596 was manufactured in a special way in order to obtain the stiffness and aerodynamic shape. The 596 consists of 3 monoblocs: the front triangle integrated seat post and the 2 halfs of the rear triangle, left & right sides. This is a new concept with 2 wishbones a left and a right: left & right half of the seat & chain stays. The junction of the seat stays is also a new technique by using a flat surface to act as a carbon plate. This technique allows for a greater contact surface and therefore making it more durable & stiffer where the parts are connected.

CARBON ZED CRANKS (Included)
The Carbon ZED cranks is delivered with the 596. This is a true monobloc crankset (2 crankarms + axel = FULL MONOBLOC). The rigidity/weight ratio was difficult achieve until the arrival of the ZED crankset. The crankarms alone (not including bearings and chainrings) only weights 320 grams ! The ZED crankset has a special shape to it that is mounted into a specific oversized 65mm bottom bracket. The OETrilobé¹ technology enables the triathlete to choose the crankarm length 170, 172,5 à 175 mm without changing the actual crankarms. The ZED is also compatable with 110mm and 130mm bolt patterns to accomodate a compact or a standard setup.  The E-Post R32 Gives the Triathlete the Ideal Position. The crankset is delivered with specific pair of pedals : KEO ZED

MONOBLADE FORK
The Offset LOOK Aero Fork has an important function as it is the part of the bike that penitrates the air first. The 596 fork was designed to act as a fairing. The addition with a specific designed indexed stem adds a stiffer and responsive front end for steering precission.

CARBON INDEXED STEM
The carbon stem is composed of 2 carbon arms aluminium collar. The stem is adjustable by rotating carbon arms and the height can be fined tuned by the upper or lower inserts. There are 4 lengths available for the Triathlete to fine tune the cockpit.

I-PACK
I-Pack = Integrated Packaged.  This "Pack" consists of the integrated Monoblade Fork System, Carbon indexed stem, Look ZED Monobloc Crank Arms, and a size adjustable Look Keo ZED Pedal.  This is a Look Optimized packaged which enhances the stiffness, stability, and aerodynamics of the Look 596.  Please note: that the Look ZED Crankset can be replaced with adapters for use with any standard crankset.

MONDRIAN
Piet Mondrian, a classic and famous early 19th century french painter was the designer of the Look Logo and Classic Colors.  The 596 Mondrian is a modern representation of the heritage of Look and where they came from.  The Look 596 Mondrian is an R&A Cycles exclusive and is available in limited quantities.  Production is Limited to 50 frames.

All components shown in this package were specifically chosen by R&A Cycles to compliment the aerodynamics of the Look 596 as well as the elegance.