2026 Look 795 Blade RS Review: French Carbon Pioneers and Their Ultimate Aero Road Machine
Walk into any serious bike shop and count the Look bikes on the floor. Chances are you won't find many — maybe none at all. That's strange when you consider what this French company has done for road cycling. They gave us clipless pedals. They built the first carbon fiber frame. Their bikes have won Grand Tours.
The 795 Blade RS is Look's flagship aero road machine, and riding it feels like a reminder of what happens when a company with four decades of carbon expertise decides to build the fastest road bike it can. This isn't a marketing exercise bolted together from supplier catalogs. It's a purpose-built race bike — fully redesigned from the ground up in late 2023 — that's 10% more aerodynamic and 7% stiffer than its predecessor. Team Cofidis races this exact platform in the UCI WorldTour with Campagnolo Super Record 13-speed wireless shifting.
I spent several weeks putting miles on the 795 Blade RS across flat roads, rolling hills, and one particularly punishing stretch of broken chip-seal that served as a torture test for any aero bike's comfort claims. Here's what I found.
A Quick History Lesson (That Actually Matters)
Skip this section if you already know Look's backstory. But if you're wondering why a 795 Blade RS costs what it does and why the brand inspires fierce loyalty among its owners, the history is essential context.
Look was founded in 1951 by Jean Beyl, originally as a ski binding company based in Nevers, in France's Burgundy region. In 1983, French entrepreneur Bernard Tapie acquired Look and pivoted it toward cycling. He enlisted Bernard Hinault — the greatest French cyclist of the era — and established the La Vie Claire professional team to showcase Look's innovations.
In 1984, Look introduced the PP65, the first clipless pedal for road cycling, adapted from their ski binding technology. Before Look, every road cyclist rode with toe clips and leather straps. In 1985, Hinault won his fifth and final Tour de France on those Look pedals. That single product changed how every road cyclist in the world connects to their bike.
One year later, Look unveiled the KG86, the first carbon fiber frame, handcrafted with a combination of carbon and Kevlar. Greg LeMond raced the KG86 to his first Tour de France victory in 1986 — the first American to win the Tour, on the first carbon frame to win it. While the rest of the industry was still debating whether aluminum was the future, Look was already building with carbon.
Fast-forward to 2026. Look still designs and prototypes at their headquarters in Nevers. They're one of the few major brands with genuine European roots rather than outsourcing everything to generic Asian manufacturing. The Cofidis professional team races their bikes in the Tour de France — Ion Izagirre won stage 12 of the 2025 Tour on the 795 Blade RS. The bike you buy is the same platform the pros ride.
That heritage isn't just marketing fluff. It's the reason Look's carbon layup feels different under you, and it's partly why the bike costs what it does.
What You're Getting: Frame, Fork, and the Numbers
The 795 Blade RS is Look's aero specialist. Not an endurance bike. Not a lightweight climbing frame. An aerodynamically optimized race machine designed for riders who regularly ride above 35 km/h and care about cheating the wind.
The frame uses 25% Ultra High Modulus carbon strategically placed throughout the structure, with aero-shaped tubes optimized through extensive wind tunnel testing. The down tube is wide and flattened, the seat tube hugs the rear wheel, and the fork blades manage airflow around the front hub. All cables and brake hoses route internally through the Combo Aero cockpit and headset — no external housing anywhere on the front end.
Disc brakes only. Thru-axles front and rear (12x100/12x142). Tire clearance up to 32mm. UCI approved.
Table 1: Look 795 Blade RS Frame Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | High-modulus carbon fiber (25% Ultra High Modulus), Look proprietary layup |
| Fork | Full carbon aero, internal routing |
| Brake Type | Disc only, flat mount |
| Axle Standard | 12x100mm front, 12x142mm rear |
| Bottom Bracket | T47 threaded |
| Seatpost | Look Aeropost 4 (proprietary, D-shaped carbon, 350mm, 13.5mm offset, 160g) |
| Cockpit | Look Combo Aero carbon bar + stem (modular, separate pieces) |
| Headset | 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" tapered, integrated; standard round steerer |
| Max Tire Clearance | 32mm |
| Frame Weight | ~890g (size S, claimed) / ~940g (size M, measured) |
| Fork Weight | ~435g (size S) / ~441g (size M, uncut) |
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL |
Table 2: Build Kits and Pricing (2025-2026)
| Build | Groupset | Wheels | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frameset Only | — | — | ~$5,800 |
| Pro Team Black (Ultegra Di2) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170 | Look R50D | ~$8,490–$10,700 |
| Dura-Ace Di2 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 | Corima WS EVO 47 | ~$11,000 |
| SRAM Red AXS | SRAM Red AXS | Fulcrum Speed 57 | ~$12,780 |
| Super Record WRL | Campagnolo Super Record 13s Wireless | Bora Ultra WTO 60 | ~$14,600–$15,400 |
| Iconic Black Radial (Cofidis replica) | Campagnolo Super Record 13s Wireless | Bora Ultra WTO 60 Team Edition | ~$15,400 |
All builds now ship with groupset-matched cranksets (Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo) rather than the proprietary ZED crankset that was standard on older generations. European pricing tends to be kinder than North American markets.
The Cockpit and Components: What's Changed From Previous Generations
If you've read older reviews of the 795 Blade RS (or the previous generation), you might see references to the E-Post seatpost, C-Stem, and ZED crankset. The current generation — the complete ground-up redesign launched in late 2023 — replaces all three with modernized components. This is a significant and welcome evolution.
Aeropost 4 Seatpost
The current 795 Blade RS uses the Aeropost 4, a D-shaped carbon seatpost with 13.5mm offset. It's proprietary to Look, but far more conventional than the old blade-style E-Post. It provides a clean aero profile while being simpler to adjust and maintain. Weight is just 160g including hardware.
The D-shape seatpost design still offers meaningful vibration damping over rough roads. I was impressed by the comfort over long rides — the rear end filters road buzz effectively for a bike this aerodynamic. It's not the dramatic flex of the old E-Post blade, but the comfort is genuine and the practicality is much improved.
Combo Aero Cockpit
Look's new-generation cockpit is a two-piece modular system: a separate carbon handlebar and carbon stem, both aerodynamically optimized with full internal cable and hose routing. This replaces the old one-piece C-Stem.
The stem is available in seven lengths (80–140mm) at -7 degrees, and the handlebar comes in four widths (38–44cm, center to center). The modular design is a huge improvement — you can swap stem lengths or bar widths without replacing the entire cockpit. The standard round 1-1/8" steerer tube means you can also fit aftermarket stems if none of Look's options work for your fit, though you lose some aero advantage.
Look claims the new cockpit saves five watts compared to the previous generation's handlebar setup.
Groupset-Matched Cranksets
The proprietary ZED crankset is no longer standard. Current builds ship with the crankset that matches your groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra cranks, SRAM Red cranks, or Campagnolo Super Record cranks. For the Cofidis team bikes, an SRM Origin power meter crankset is available.
T47 Bottom Bracket
The switch from BB386 EVO to T47 threaded is another practical improvement. T47 is a threaded standard, which means no creaking, easier installation, and compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket bearings.
The Integration Scorecard (Current Generation)
- Pro: Aero cockpit integration is genuinely better than bolt-on aftermarket solutions
- Pro: Combo Aero modularity lets you swap stem/bar independently — massive improvement over old C-Stem
- Pro: Aeropost 4 provides aero profile with simpler adjustment than old E-Post
- Pro: T47 BB eliminates press-fit creaking concerns
- Pro: Standard round steerer accepts aftermarket stems for fit flexibility
- Pro: Groupset-matched cranks mean standard service at any bike shop
- Pro: Visual cohesion — every part looks designed together
- Con: Seatpost is still proprietary to Look (replacement through dealer)
- Con: Combo Aero cockpit is proprietary (though aftermarket stems work on the steerer)
- Con: Premium pricing commands a significant investment
Geometry and Fit
The 795 Blade RS runs an aggressive race geometry that isn't quite as extreme as some competitors. The head tube allows you to get into an aggressive position without necessarily slamming the stem to zero spacers.
Key numbers for a size M:
- Stack: 549.2mm
- Reach: 391.2mm
- Head Tube Angle: 73.0 degrees
- Seat Tube Angle: 74.5 degrees
- Chainstay Length: 415mm
- Wheelbase: 991.4mm
- BB Drop: 70.5mm
- Head Tube Length: 136.7mm
The 74.5-degree seat tube angle is notably steep — a full degree more than many competitors — which moves the rider forward over the pedals for better power transfer. Combined with the 391.2mm reach, this creates an aggressive, stretched-out racing position. The 415mm chainstays and under-1000mm wheelbase keep the handling snappy and responsive through corners.
Sizing Checklist
- XS (49cm): Fits riders 160–168cm / 5'3"–5'6"
- S (51cm): Fits riders 167–174cm / 5'6"–5'8.5"
- M (53cm): Fits riders 173–180cm / 5'8"–5'11" — the most popular size
- L (55cm): Fits riders 179–186cm / 5'10.5"–6'1"
- XL (57cm): Fits riders 185–193cm / 6'1"–6'4"
- Between sizes? Look recommends sizing down and compensating with a longer Combo Aero stem
- Professional bike fit is strongly recommended; the Combo Aero cockpit offers 7 stem lengths and 4 bar widths for 35+ configurations
On the Road: What the 795 Blade RS Actually Feels Like
Sprinting and Power
The bottom bracket stiffness on this bike is remarkable — Look claims a 7% improvement over the previous generation, and you can feel it. There's zero perceptible flex when you're out of the saddle hammering through a sprint. The T47 bottom bracket shell provides a large, stiff junction that transfers every watt directly.
Example 1: During a group ride sprint for a town sign — roughly 1,200 watts for 15 seconds — the 795 Blade RS tracked dead straight with no lateral movement. The bike just goes where you point it under power, without drama.
Speed on the Flats
Above 35 km/h is where this bike earns its keep. The aero advantage isn't something you imagine; you can feel the reduced drag in a headwind and see it on the power meter.
Example 2: On a 20km flat time trial effort into a moderate headwind, I held 38.5 km/h at a power output that typically yields 36–37 km/h on a round-tube frame. That 1.5–2 km/h gap is real, and over the course of a long ride or a race, it adds up.
Rough Road Comfort
The Aeropost 4 and the frame's compliance characteristics handle rough roads better than you'd expect from a pure aero bike.
Example 3: A 140km ride that included 30km of crumbling secondary roads was surprisingly manageable. My hands and lower back weren't nearly as fatigued as they would have been on a comparably stiff aero bike. The 795 Blade RS doesn't ride like an endurance bike, but it filters out enough vibration to make long days genuinely more comfortable than competitors like the Cervelo S5 or Scott Foil.
Climbing
At around 7.0–7.5 kg complete (Dura-Ace Di2 build, depending on wheels and size), the 795 Blade RS is competitive but not a featherweight. It gives up some grams to pure climbing bikes like Look's own 785 Huez (730g frame vs 890–940g).
Example 4: On an 8km climb at 6% average, the bike felt lively and responsive. The weight penalty wasn't noticeable under about 8% gradient. Above 10% sustained, when you're out of the saddle grinding, those extra grams start to tell. It's a trade-off you accept for the aero advantage everywhere else.
Descending
This is where the geometry pays dividends. The stable wheelbase and 73-degree head tube angle inspire confidence at speed.
Example 5: Descending a mountain pass at 75+ km/h through a series of switchbacks, the 795 Blade RS felt planted and predictable. The disc brakes maintained consistent power through a 12km descent without any fade — something that rim brakes on carbon wheels simply cannot match in these conditions.
The French Competition: Look vs Time vs Lapierre
If you're drawn to French bikes specifically — and there are good reasons to be — you have several serious options at the high end.
vs Look 785 Huez
Before looking outside the brand, consider whether you need the aero bike or the climbing bike. The 785 Huez is Look's lightweight specialist with a 730g frame (size M) and a complete bike weight of 7.6kg in Ultegra trim. It has a more relaxed, upright geometry designed for long climbs, with a higher stack and shorter reach than the 795 Blade RS. At around €8,000, it's also more affordable. If your terrain is dominated by mountains, the Huez is the smarter choice.
vs Time ALPE D'HUEZ
Time builds bikes around Dyneema carbon, producing frames that weigh under 800g. The ALPE D'HUEZ is a climbing bike first, with a lively, responsive character on steep gradients. It gives up meaningful aerodynamic efficiency to the 795 Blade RS, but it's lighter by a significant margin.
Time also uses standard stems, seatposts, and cranks, making the ALPE D'HUEZ easier to customize and service at any bike shop. If your rides feature more mountains than flatlands, the Time deserves serious consideration.
vs Lapierre Xelius
The Xelius is the all-rounder of the French trio. It doesn't specialize in aero or climbing — it tries to do everything reasonably well. Lapierre is part of the Accell Group, which means wider distribution, more accessible pricing, and a more conventional ownership experience with standard components throughout.
The Xelius rides well across all conditions but doesn't have the 795 Blade RS's aerodynamic advantage or the ALPE D'HUEZ's climbing pedigree. It's the pragmatic choice.
Which French Bike Should You Choose?
- Go with the Look 795 Blade RS if you race on flat-to-rolling courses, you prioritize aero performance, and you're comfortable with the premium price
- Go with the Look 785 Huez if climbing is your primary focus but you want to stay within the Look ecosystem
- Go with the Time ALPE D'HUEZ if mountains dominate your terrain, weight matters most, and you want fully standard components
- Go with the Lapierre Xelius if you want an all-rounder, prefer wider dealer availability, and want the simplest ownership experience
- Consider any of the four if you're a cycling Francophile who wants to stand out from the Trek/Specialized/Canyon crowd
- Skip French entirely if you want the absolute latest integrated electronics or if your riding is purely recreational
Who Should — and Shouldn't — Buy This Bike
The 795 Blade RS makes sense for you if:
- You race road bikes competitively and prioritize aerodynamic speed in criteriums, road races, or time trials
- You've owned at least one high-end road bike before and understand the investment level ($8,000–$15,000+)
- European craftsmanship and heritage matter to you — this is the same platform Cofidis races in the WorldTour
- Your typical riding speed sits above 35 km/h where aero actually matters
- You appreciate the modular Combo Aero cockpit that allows fit customization without sacrificing aerodynamics
Look elsewhere if:
- This would be your first road bike — start with something more accessible and upgrade later
- Your terrain is dominated by steep mountain passes (consider the 785 Huez or a Time ALPE D'HUEZ)
- You're on a strict budget under $8,000 — look at the Canyon Aeroad or lower-spec Look builds
- You prioritize versatility for mixed-surface riding or need tires wider than 32mm
The Bottom Line
The Look 795 Blade RS is one of the finest aero road bikes available in 2026, built by a company with more carbon frame experience than nearly anyone in the industry. The Aeropost 4 provides a clean, comfortable rear end. The Combo Aero cockpit offers genuine modularity without sacrificing integration. The T47 bottom bracket eliminates press-fit headaches. And the heritage — clipless pedals in 1984, the first carbon frame in 1986, French craftsmanship since 1951 — gives it a character that mass-market brands can't replicate.
The current generation represents a major maturation for Look. The old proprietary parts ecosystem (E-Post, C-Stem, ZED) has been replaced with components that are still proprietary where it matters for aero (cockpit, seatpost) but compatible with industry standards where it matters for practicality (bottom bracket, cranks, steerer). That's a much easier proposition to live with.
At $8,500 to $15,400 depending on build, it competes with the very best aero road bikes on the market — the Specialized Tarmac SL8, Canyon Aeroad CFR, Cannondale SuperSix Evo, and BMC TeamMachine R. Cycling Weekly named it Best Aero Bike of 2024. It earned that award on pure performance, and the latest KG Edition and Iconic Black Radial colorways connect it to a heritage no other aero bike can match.
Verdict: 9.0/10 — A superb aero road bike with genuine character, dramatically improved practicality over previous generations, and WorldTour-proven performance. Strongly recommended for riders who value speed, heritage, and the unmistakable quality of French carbon engineering.
