Weight Weenies

My Look 695 Aerolight is a stunning bike but I've had some problems with the Zipp Contour SL bars slipping (rotating) in the Aerostem clamp. The LBS have been supportive so far and reassembled the stem for the third time following Look's instructions exactly using 'Ritchey Torque paste. So far they have stayed put but I am having to be very gentle on the bars, as the bar stem interface feels far from solid.

My concern is whenever I stand going up a short climb or sprinting, the stem bar interface flexes and creaks and it feels like its going to fail/slip. I'm not putting much force through the bars, or pulling up anywhere near as I might on my other bikes.

I haven't found anything online reporting problems other than some comments that the stem is not a great design.

Any other Aerolight owners having similar problems/concerns?

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I have same bars that I put on older stem ( c stem) only 1 ride but cat3 climb and 40 mph descent.. So a reasonable test.. So far ok.

Using tacx paste myself


Nevermind.. I didn't realize the aero stem was so different in design .. Look nice. I would contact look if you have not already done so

The Aerostem uses a wrap over metal strap rather than the more traditional bolted face plate of the C-Stem.

I've had no response contacting Look direct.

What colour are the two bolts? If they're black they need swapping out as they were recalled. If silver they should be fine, check the clamp is installed evenly and double check the torque.

Thanks for your response.

Bolts are silver. Alignment and torque to spec. Still creaks and flexes too much for my peace of mind.

hi i bought a new 695 light in sept this year and so far my bike has been back 3 times for slipping stem ,its not a great experience when it happens tbh it frightens the life out of me going from a plus position to a negative one when travelling at speed .My LBS where i had it from have been great its fishers where the problem lies well it happened last night and i contacted the shop who are going to sort today i didn't expect this when i paid so much for the bike I'm not riding it until its sorted going to push look for a loan bike .Will keep you informed of what happens

I had the same thing with my 695 Aerolight. It ended up going back (permanently), and was the reason my new Parlee is a 'traditional' / 'back to basics' construction, rather than a frame laden with lots of new tech. A huge shame, as I think the Look 695 is a great bike, and if you're lucky enough to get one that works flawlessly, would be near perfect.

Thought I'd post an update as I've ridden my Aerolight 695 for over 6 months now. The handlebar slipping has been 'fixed' by my LBS although I still think the stem fixing point flexes a little more than I would ideally like. My issues were compounded by the fact that the headset developed a a little bit of play in it and once this was adjusted everything has been good. It is a fantastic bike and makes me smile whenever I ride it.

Having had the opportunity to see a number of the Cofidis Tour de France bikes up close I find some comfort in the fact that half of them were using the aerostem even on their 695 Lights.

if they don't sort mine soon it will be going back (permanently) too ,they have had3 chances to put it right i will give them the 4th but there won't be a 5th as I'm not risking taking people out who ride with .Its dangerous enough on the road anyway without slipping bars risking my life too

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been told by LBS that fishers are supplying a new stem i will post if this works or fails