CC hardtail Look 989 X01 in the BIKE test

Henri Lesewitz

 · 08.02.2017

CC hardtail Look 989 X01 in the BIKE testPhoto: Sportograf
CC hardtail Look 989 X01 in the BIKE test
Again: stunned standstill. Staring for minutes. Then: "Erm, let me ask you something: what exactly is the point of this frame shape?" The extravagant Look 989 in the test.

The Look 989This quickly becomes clear and fascinates and amazes almost everyone. No wonder: no other bike allows the components to flow together so perfectly. The seat post grows directly out of the boldly curved seat tube. The stem is the direct, streamlined extension of the top tube. A work of art from a mountain bike. What exactly does this achieve? Admiring glances. The feeling of exclusivity. And what else? To elicit the look's true character, we took it to the start of the 4-Islands race in Croatia. Four stages in tough terrain. Steep climbs, blocked trails, full throttle passages. The perfect mix.

The compromises you make with the 989 quickly become apparent: the seat height cannot be lowered, which requires courage and skill on steep downhills. However, a major drawback for marathon riders is that the frame only has space for one bottle cage. This makes the use of a hydration pack necessary. Nevertheless, the list of pros is long: the stiff frame does not waste any pedalling energy. The 989 sprints light-footedly over the trails and can be propelled up the climbs with ease. Striking: the seating comfort. The E-Post seat post with integrated elastomers noticeably filters impacts and is supported by the filigree seat stays. Conclusion: an uncompromising race bike with a wow look.

  Chain on the right: Look 989 - Beauty in the full throttle testPhoto: Henri Lesewitz Chain on the right: Look 989 - Beauty in the full throttle test  Modelled with fetishistic dedication: form-fitting stem and internally routed cables on the Look 989.Photo: Henri Lesewitz Modelled with fetishistic dedication: form-fitting stem and internally routed cables on the Look 989.
How do you like this article?
  Comfort miracle Look 989: The seat height can be varied by a few centimetres using spacers. Elastomers dampen the shocks.Photo: Henri Lesewitz Comfort miracle Look 989: The seat height can be varied by a few centimetres using spacers. Elastomers dampen the shocks.  The geometry of the Look 989 at a glance.Photo: BIKE Magazin The geometry of the Look 989 at a glance.  The evaluation of the Look 989Photo: BIKE Magazin The evaluation of the Look 989

Most read in category Bikes