Okay so I've now had it for 2 weeks.
I was going to post the day it turned up but thought your get more out of the info following some saddle time.
1./ Mass:-
As per the recent RIDE magazine review:
Frame 1036gms (Large)
Forks 318gms (uncut)
Headset 92gms
E-post 248gms
Zed Crank 560gms (Red Rings fitted, TA lightweights on order)
Stem 184gms (110-120mm)
Its running with:-
Force 2010 Shifters (white hudz)
Force 2010 Callipers
Force 2010 FR Mech
Force 2010 Rr Mech
3T Ergo Sum 44ctr to ctr bars (10mm off each end)
LOOK white bar tape
SLR XP White saddle
Speedplay Zero SS pedals
HED Ardennes flamme rouge custom (black x-rays)
Conti Supersonic inners
Conti GP4000s 23mm clinchers
Token Ti skewers (black)
So nothing exotic, but all solid dependable kit.
Total mass is unknown right now as the scales shat themselves right after the frame strip down !!!
But I'll get it sorted in the near future.
2./ Ride:-
Previously on LOOK 595 (exact same build up)
Scott CR-1 (practically same build up)
Ribbelle Scandium DA & Ultegra mish mash, Kysiriums, Deda Black fin fork etc.
The best way to summarise is that is is familiar to the 595, but more lithe and agile, feeling lighter around its centre, and hence more responsive. However this has never translated into skittish / nervousness. It descends as well as the 595, i.e. like a missile, dead stable and calm, carving corners predictably, responding to increased body English as required, but requiring little effort to change course. It’s a fantastic balance for a road race frame.
The characteristic smooth ride of the 595 is not lost, but the direct feel between front wheel head tube stem and BB is certainly greater than the 595. Thanks to running identical builds I can confidently say this is the frame character and not a sum of components.
Climbing and sprinting (what I can muster) reveals this connection and front end assuredly leaving you to focus on nailing yourself and ever requiring undue attention to maintain you course.
Flat, again the frame sees to translate power more directly to the rear wheel, making 40-50kmh tempo pacing very rewarding. (aside from pain).
Descending:- up to 86kmh so far (haven't gone up in to the proper hills on the Gold Coast yet…) its very predictable, stable planted and communicative, the front end rigidity never forcing you to second guess the line its going to take through less than perfect surfaces (PS the roads on the GC in the hinterland are largely rough grade asphalt which gives you that drifting sensation).
So all in it’s a very classy act.
So are there any BUT's? Well yes.
1./ Paint quality is as per 595, i.e. very good graphics application and alignment, but suffering numerous inclusions i.e. specks, grains, either under paint or clear coat. A minor issue but something most manufacturers have under control with quality air filtration and between coat inspection etc. And certainly below par for a frame of this calibre
2./ Internal cable runs:- The Rear mech down tube guide had been crossed over the Fr mech guide cable inside the frame. This caused the Fr Mech tension to pull on the Rr mech cable totally buggering up the shifting front and rear. This took a long time to pin down after going through all the usual suspects, cable outer / inner / mech settings, cable lube, kinks, shifter, reach mech etc etc etc. Be aware if your shifting is problematic.
3./ Rr Mech hanger alignment. This was poor requiring realignment (park tool). There was no rear stay bridge in the packaging either. Easily cured but shouldn't be necessary. Also contributed to poor shifting before correction.
4./ Chain ring bolts supplied sheared their heads off at the prescribed torque with thread anti gaul applied. Steel replacements were enlisted at zero notice, but again this shouldn’t happen.
5./ Missing Bidon bolts on the frame. Looks like the process step was missed at the factory.
Not a concern as such but something to be aware of s that the Zed cranks needed the bearing preload increasing after a few hundred kms following the BB bedding in. No issues with this, just something to look out for (not required on Shimano for instance).
Well there you go. Hopefully some useful info for anyone considering buying this module.
Cheers Shadwell.
now go to your room.
