Help: please educate me on (semi) recent Look and Time models

[dvancleve]

Howdy folks.

My bro' is interested in picking up some French CF and I have not been much help. Of not-ancient looks, I am aware of the KG481, 585 and 595. I think he would want to go more modern than a 481, but folks seem to hold them in high regard. I gather the difference between the 585 and 595 is the ISP. What are the Origin and Ultra versions? Are there other models worth considering? Which are not French made and when did they go elsewhere?

Time seems to have had a bunch of models with similar names at the low(er) end and that is about all I know. Where is the best bang for the buck in used Times?

Thanks, Doug

P.S. I know there is Cyfac making CF frames in France, any others?

[Dave]

I've owned a KG481, KG461 and two 585 models - one origin and one ultra.

The older two models are both quite a bit heavier than the 585.

The ultra model is stiffer, using randomly oriented cabon, rather than the traditional cross-woven material.

The 585 is my favorite of them. I don't like the ISP concept, since I prefer seat posts with a 2-bolt rocker style clamp for fine angle adjustment, that you don't get with a LOOK post.

[FlashUNC]

I am absolutely in love with the Time VXR I've had for about six weeks now that I picked up here on the forum.

I've never seen bad reviews of the VXR, the VXR Ulteam, or the VXS.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . and it's one hell of a bike. I was lucky enough to score one of their anniversary models in the all-red paint. The ride is light, responsive, and energetic.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=95350&highlight=rocket

You can usually find a few 585's listed on eBay. I believe they came out with the 586 a few years ago with the ISP, but now the have discontinued the 585 and have two 586 models--one with ISP and one without. Excel Sports has new 586 frames in their catalog for $2995.

The 595 is the newest model and goes for about $6k. But that price includes crankset, special adjustable stem, pedals, and seatpost.

BBD

[djg]

Quite a few Look bikes have been manufactured in Tunisia (and finished in France) -- I think my 585 included. This is in a factory owned and operated by Look which, as far as I know, does all their own proprietary tubing and cf lugs in house.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . is clearly labeled as being from Tunisia. The fit and finish are excellent.

BBD

[dnades]

I don't think you can go wrong with any high end carbon frame from the mid 2000s and on. I have a Time vxs from 05 and it is a wonderful ride. Rock solid and light. I have not ridden the Looks or the Cyfacs but from people's reviews they seem to be on par with Time frames. The other frame manufacturer to look at although Italian is the Colnago, models c40 or c50.

[monkeybanana86]

. . . and it's one hell of a bike. I was lucky enough to score one of their anniversary models in the all-red paint. The ride is light, responsive, and energetic.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=95350&highlight=rocket

You can usually find a few 585's listed on eBay. I believe they came out with the 586 a few years ago with the ISP, but now the have discontinued the 585 and have two 586 models--one with ISP and one without. Excel Sports has new 586 frames in their catalog for $2995.

The 595 is the newest model and goes for about $6k. But that price includes crankset, special adjustable stem, pedals, and seatpost.

BBD

With sram RED that's just too perfect!

[thwart]

I think he would want to go more modern than a 481, but folks seem to hold them in high regard.I've owned a KG481, KG461 and two 585 models - one origin and one ultra.

The older two models are both quite a bit heavier than the 585.My 481 SL frameset weighs a pound more than my Parlee Z4. OTOH, it rides with a much more steel-like feel.

So... it builds to a mid 16 pound bike instead of 15.5 lbs. Both without any crazy light stuff, and with light alloy, not carbon, wheels. Including pedals.

Your bro' might find that a huge deal.

I don't.

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . that just came up on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120995124678&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

BBD

[dana_e]

it is super at killing vibrations and I believe all the hype on the made in France carbon

before riding it I thought they were over priced.

I was wrong, best bike I have ever ridden

[Ryun]

I really like the 586 RSP: Normal seatpost and threaded BB around 1000grams.
Looks great. Not sure what changed from 11 to 12 but there seem to be some deals hanging out there on 11s