New LOOK L96 track frame and Mavic "IO" front wheel

[Tillquist]

The front wheel is new, it does not look like the Mavic Io front wheel as we know it today. The spokes are not as wide on the new "IO" wheel ...........

[53x12]

I like it.

[2011]

Looks gorgeous. It appears LOOK have slightly copied to Scatto bar design with their own integrated bars in a 3K weave.

I'm curious as to whats going on with that front hub.

We've always heard lots of rumor about the IO actually not being the most aerodynamic wheel on the market, but since Mavic hands them out like candy to all the pro riders, that's why they are the main wheels used. So honestly... I think it's about time they revisited the wheel design and improved on it. It's been the same for many years.

[Alex_ucsb]

Will these continue Look's policy of charging a staggering premium for their track frames?

[Pokerface07]

Will these continue Look's policy of charging a staggering premium for their track frames?

Of course. But they make them in such low volume (and are basically made to order) so it's not surprising. As long as people are willing to keep on paying it...


(I think they are one of the best commercially available track frames made).


Wheels look like they could be prototypes with 'aero' front hubs?

[simonanks69]

That front skewer is bloody scary..

[Pokerface07]

Did a little digging and found that Shane Perkins rode that front wheel in the last World Championships. Someone emailed him to ask about it, and all he could say is that it wasn't a custom job for him.

So, expect to see it introduced for the Olympics with more riders. Supposedly stiff and more aero than a standard hub/skewer!

[Machinenoise]

Not being cynical, but when was the last time you were told the new version was worse than the old version?

I'm very intrigued by the design as a piece of engineering, not sure why people think thats scary but will buy Uberlight weight front hubs in the 50g ball park! If its going to the mass market place it will always be overengineered for safety.

[Pokerface07]

If its going to the mass market place it will always be overengineered for safety.

Especially in a track front wheel, that gets used for sprinting! Those guys put out more power than anyone else so it has to withstand massive amounts of stress.

[Fatbiker]

Why doesn't LOOK reduce the spacing between the fork tips? This seems much easier, compared to the 'open' axle tips on the new Mavic wheel.

[justkeepedaling]

That rear wheel seattube gap... And yes I know Look's marketing explanation

[Pokerface07]

Why doesn't LOOK reduce the spacing between the fork tips? This seems much easier, compared to the 'open' axle tips on the new Mavic wheel.

The width of the fork tips is a standard measurement - designed so any track wheel fits in there. Wouldn't make sense for them to narrow it so that only one wheel fits!

[Pokerface07]

That rear wheel seattube gap... And yes I know Look's marketing explanation

Two things - on a track bike - that gap will change depending on what gearing you use. And aerodynamic practice these days says that a bigger gap is better than a smaller one.

[53x12]

"And aerodynamic practice these days says that a bigger gap is better than a smaller one."

Cervelo would disagree. Specialized would disagree. Felt would disagree. Trek would disagree. Scott would disagree. Unless aerodynamic principles are different than what these major manufacturers know?

The only bike maker that I know who makes this claim is Look.

[Pokerface07]

"Apprantly" GB track bikes also use a bigger gap.

However, I wasn't aware that it was mostly just a 'Lool' thing.