Colnago V2-R vs. Look 785 Huez RS

[mm47]

Dear all, I'm looking to replace my old Cervelo S2 with a more climbing-oriented frameset and am having trouble choosing between a Colnago V2-R and the new Look 785 Huez RS. Both will be mounted with the same groupset (Campagnolo Record) and the same wheels (Fulcrum Racing Zeros). I can get both frames for about the same price, and am primarily looking for something to use on long days in the mountains. The reach on the two is quite similar (for a 52s and a Medium), though the stack is higher on the Colnago, which I might have to compensate for with a negative stem. If anyone has some first-hand experience with either of these two frames, opinions/suggestions are very welcome.

[GothicCastle]

I’d get the Colnago on durability grounds alone. That Look is an attractive frame, but quite light. I’d be afraid that I’d crush the top tube sitting on it or something.

Im thinking about swapping out a frame with the V2-r, too.

[kgt]

I would get the Look. IMHO V2-R is not a 'real' Colnago. If you really want Colnago get the C-64.

[wheelsONfire]

I wouldn't even think about which to pick of those two.
Look Huez RS for sure!

[mm47]

kgt, I don't care as much about it's being a real Colnago or otherwise, but was wondering more as to how the frames compare in terms of performance (specifically, stiffness/weight). The Look is supposed to be lighter, but because I would be getting the PF86 version without the Zed crank, Look says a small frame weighs 870gr., which should put it quite close to the Colnago. The V2-R has the advantage of having direct-mount brakes and clearance for 28mm tires, whereas the clearance on the 785 Huez RS is unclear.

[rexyi1990]

Look 785 +1, after all, it's the top line series of LOOK, but the V2R is not.

[c60rider]

Look 785 +1, after all, it's the top line series of LOOK, but the V2R is not.

The V2-R is top line in their lightweight frame model and generally the one that most of the UAE team will ride. Kristoff likes his Concept and occasionally you'll see the C64 being ridden but V2-R is the primary bike they will ride. But all 3 Colnago frames are top line you just have options as to what you may prefer.

[dgasmd]

“Not a true Colnago” simply means to most that it is not manufactured in the Italian Factory. Only one that is these days is the C-64. No other Colnago frame is made in-house.

I haven’t ridden either bike to give a personal account of differences, but neither have many people really. Very few reviews of either as well. The Look just came out not too long ago, and most of what you read about the Colnago refers to the V-1R, which according to Colnago is a very different bike than the current one.

Pick the one that appeals to you the most as I suspect both ride about the same.

**DISCLOSURE:
I own and regularly ride a bike of both brands. Like them equally for different reasons

[flying]

Really a pity that at this price range one cannot get a test ride on both. I'm sure that would help a lot.

But if it were me I would have an easier time because as much as I love Look (previously owned a 585)
I would go Colnago but the C64 Lug & Tube carbon no monocoque

[muti]

Having ridden the Look for two weeks(thanks to a friend of mine who owns one) and test driven the vr2,I think Look all the way and it's not even close.Except the ride dynamics of the Look and the sense of lightness,what I liked the most is the simplicity of the design,no specific seatpost,stem,gimmick cable routing,direct mount brakes.Just a simple racing machine.And its liveness is something exceptional.I would suggest to also consider the Time Alpe d'Huez 21,as at 2700 euros for a made in France frame with the quality(and security)of Time, is a deal hard to ignore.

[Zakalwe]

Don’t think I’d ever want to buy a bike with a proprietary seat post

[mm47]

Having ridden the Look for two weeks(thanks to a friend of mine who owns one) and test driven the vr2,I think Look all the way and it's not even close.Except the ride dynamics of the Look and the sense of lightness,what I liked the most is the simplicity of the design,no specific seatpost,stem,gimmick cable routing,direct mount brakes.Just a simple racing machine.And its liveness is something exceptional.I would suggest to also consider the Time Alpe d'Huez 21,as at 2700 euros for a made in France frame with the quality(and security)of Time, is a deal hard to ignore.

muti, aside from the lack of proprietary parts, did the Look feel more reactive/lively than the Colnago? Were you by any chance able to get an idea of what the tire clearance is on the Huez 785?
Coming from a Cervelo, their seatpost always worked fine, so as long as it's well-designed, I don't mind it. The direct mount brakes are supposedly more of an advantage than a disadvantage.

[muti]

Yes,the Look is WAY more reactive and lively from the vr-2.And it has an amasing sense of lightness.My friend's bike had vittoria corsa 25 tubulars but actually on the rim( Corima 47 wide) were 26.No issues with clearance.The only issue was with the rear brake(sram red)which if the cable housing is cut longer,the brake gets"pushed"sideways.It's more of an issue of the brake design itself than the frame.I would have bought the Look 785(I liked it that much) if I hadn't seen the leaked photos of the new 795 Blade rs.Waiting for the release of it to decide between the two.

[Noctiluxx]

I would also consider a Bianchi Specialissima. Lightweight, stunning, and a great ride!

[MyM3Coupe]

I would get the Look. IMHO V2-R is not a 'real' Colnago. If you really want Colnago get the C-64.

Agreed. The “Colnago” a Chinese cookie cutter. No question; get the Look.