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.