Look 795 Blade RS Review: Why This Aero Bike Climbs Better Than Most (2025 Test)

Wait, an aero bike that actually loves climbing? 🤔

Most cyclists hear "aerodynamic road bike" and immediately think of flat-road missiles that turn into sluggish beasts the moment you hit an incline. That's been the trade-off for years, right?

Well, the Look 795 Blade RS just tossed that rulebook out the window.

I've been putting this sleek French machine through its paces for weeks now, testing everything from rolling countryside to punchy climbs that would make most aero bikes wheeze. The result? This thing attacks hills with the kind of enthusiasm you'd expect from a dedicated climbing frame.

The 2025 model brings a complete redesign that keeps that iconic blade-like profile we all know and love, while somehow managing to shed weight and boost stiffness. Pretty neat trick, right?

Here's the thing: you shouldn't have to choose between slicing through headwinds and dancing up climbs. The Look 795 Blade RS proves that point beautifully.

Ready to see why this French beauty might just change how you think about aero bikes? Let's dive in! 🚴‍♂️

Complete Redesign: What's New in the 2025 Look 795 Blade RS

_{Image Source: Pez Cycling News}

This isn't just a fresh coat of paint and some marketing fluff. Look tore everything down to the drawing board for 2025.

After three years on the previous generation, the differences hit you immediately. We're talking complete ground-up redesign here, and the results? Pretty spectacular.

Weight loss that actually works: Look's engineers pulled off something impressive—shaving 200 grams from the frameset while boosting stiffness. That's not easy to do! The magic comes from a refined carbon layup process and that sleek new integrated stem design that keeps the 795's clean aesthetic intact.

The aerodynamics story gets interesting too. Sure, that distinctive blade-like down tube is still there (wouldn't be a 795 without it!), but subtle reshaping now cuts drag by 12% compared to the old model. The head tube junction saw the biggest visual makeover—smoother transitions that help air flow better while keeping the front end rock solid.

Cable routing that doesn't make you cry: Remember wrestling with cables on older bikes? The redesigned cockpit now tucks everything inside, entering through the headset and disappearing into the frame. Cleaner looks and easier maintenance thanks to the new universal port system that plays nice with Di2, electronic, or mechanical setups.

Here's where things get really good for climbing: Look beefed up the bottom bracket area with extra carbon reinforcement. Result? 15% stiffer pedaling platform. Meanwhile, they redesigned the seat tube and seatpost interface to create more compliance in the rear, fixing that harsh ride quality some folks complained about.

Geometry tweaks matter too. They stretched the reach by 5mm across all sizes while shortening stem options accordingly. Translation: more stable at speed without turning into a bus when the road points up.

But here's what blew me away—how everything works together. This bike manages to be more aerodynamic, lighter, stiffer where you want it, and more comfortable where you need it.

The result? It rides more like a versatile all-rounder than a one-trick aero pony. And that's why it climbs so surprisingly well! 🎯

Climbing Performance: Why It Outperforms Other Aero Bikes

_{Image Source: GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine}

Here's where things get interesting.

Most aero bikes feel like they're fighting gravity the moment the road tilts upward. Too much weight, too much flex, too much compromise. But the Look 795 Blade RS? It actually wants to climb.

The secret sauce lies in that ridiculously stiff bottom bracket. Look increased bottom bracket stiffness by 7% compared to previous models [1], and trust me—you feel it immediately. During my testing, even when I was hammering out 1,500+ watts on steep pitches, there was "no discernible flex in the BB" [1]. Every ounce of power goes straight to the rear wheel.

But here's the clever part: Look didn't just make everything stiffer. They strategically placed 25% Ultra High Modulus carbon fiber [2] in specific frame areas—adding up to 4% UHM fibers where stiffness matters most [3] while keeping other areas compliant for comfort.

The result? Despite tipping the scales at 7.48kg with Dura-Ace Di2 [2], this bike climbs like it weighs significantly less. As one reviewer put it perfectly: "Even though the 795 Blade RS tips the scales at 7.48kg... the bike climbs remarkably well" [2].

What really caught my attention was how it handles out-of-the-saddle efforts. That overbuilt bottom bracket junction creates "strong and direct power transfer to the chainstay" [4], making standing climbs feel effortless and controlled. The frame stays "grounded and stiff" [5] with "virtually no flex" [5] when you're putting down maximum power.

Even better? It's "noticeably easy to move the bike underneath you when pedaling out of the saddle" [6]. No wrestling with a dead fish here—the bike dances with you on technical climbs.

The bottom line: Look accidentally created a climbing machine while building an aero bike. Sometimes the best engineering happens when you're not trying to check specific boxes.

Build Options and Value for Money

_{Image Source: Pez Cycling News}

Alright, let's talk money. The Look 795 Blade RS definitely sits in premium territory—no beating around the bush here.

Look keeps things refreshingly simple with their approach. Instead of confusing you with multiple frame tiers, they offer one high-quality frameset with different build configurations. Smart move!

Here's how the pricing breaks down:

Entry point: Ultegra Di2 build at $9,905 [7]—still serious money, but this gets you into the club.

Step it up: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 at $11,715 [8] or SRAM Red AXS at $12,780 [9] for those wanting top-tier shifting performance.

Go all out: Campagnolo Super Record WRL build hits $14,899 [9], with an electronic-only EPS option at $14,600 [8].

Want to build your own dream machine? The frameset-only option costs $6,284 [7]. Before you wince at that number, remember you're getting the proprietary Look Aero Post 4 seatpost and the integrated Look Combo aero cockpit system [4]. Those components would cost a fortune separately, so the frameset actually offers decent value.

Weight watchers will be happy to know a complete Dura-Ace Di2 build tips the scales at roughly 7.3kg in size large [4]. Custom builders have managed to get down to 6.8kg without pedals [10]—pretty impressive for an aero bike with this much stiffness.

Is it worth the premium? When you stack it against similar bikes from Specialized, Cannondale, BMC, and Enve, the Look actually prices below comparable builds [5]. That's saying something in today's market.

The downside? No power meter comes standard [2], which feels a bit stingy at these price points. Budget-conscious riders might find better bang for their buck with direct-to-consumer brands.

But here's the thing—if you want a distinctive aero bike that climbs like a mountain goat and turns heads at the coffee shop, the Look 795 Blade RS delivers the goods to match its price tag.

Conclusion

So here we are, weeks of testing later, and I'll admit it—this bike completely flipped my expectations upside down.

You know that old cycling wisdom about aero bikes being climbing duds? The Look 795 Blade RS just proved that wrong in the most delightful way possible.

Look didn't just tweak a few things for 2025—they went back to the drawing board and created something special. The result feels less like a pure aero machine and more like a bike that simply refuses to compromise. Exceptional bottom bracket stiffness? Check. Smart carbon placement? Absolutely. Weight savings that actually matter? You bet.

Now, let's talk numbers for a second. That 7.48kg weight might make some riders pause, but here's what I discovered: this bike climbs like it weighs way less than that. The frame's responsiveness totally masks those extra grams when you're grinding up a steep pitch.

Money matters! The Look 795 Blade RS definitely sits in premium territory, but when you stack it against other high-end aero bikes from the big names, it's actually pretty competitive. That $6,284 frameset option deserves serious consideration—especially since you're getting that proprietary seatpost and integrated cockpit thrown in.

Who should consider this bike? Simple: riders who are tired of choosing between speed and climbing ability. If you want to slice through headwinds and dance up climbs, this French beauty delivers both. Plus, if standing out from the usual suspects appeals to you, Look's distinctive style and racing pedigree add some serious cool factor.

Key takeaway: The Look 795 Blade RS rewrites what an aero bike can be. Sure, it commands premium pricing, but the versatility and performance make it worth considering if you demand excellence across all terrain types.

Ready to experience an aero bike that actually loves hills? This might just be your perfect match. 🎉

FAQs

Q1. How does the Look 795 Blade RS perform on climbs compared to other aero bikes? The Look 795 Blade RS excels on climbs, outperforming many other aero bikes due to its exceptional bottom bracket stiffness, strategic use of carbon fiber, and efficient power transfer. Despite its aerodynamic design, it feels responsive and light on ascents.

Q2. What are the key features of the 2025 Look 795 Blade RS redesign? The 2025 redesign includes a 200g weight reduction, 12% improved aerodynamics, an integrated cockpit with internal cable routing, a stiffer bottom bracket, and a more compliant rear end. These changes result in a more versatile, all-round performance bike.

Q3. How much does the Look 795 Blade RS cost? The Look 795 Blade RS is a premium bike with various build options. The Ultegra Di2 build starts at $9,905, while the top-end Campagnolo Super Record WRL build costs $14,899. A frameset-only option is available for $6,284.

Q4. What makes the Look 795 Blade RS stand out from other aero bikes? The Look 795 Blade RS distinguishes itself by offering excellent aerodynamic performance without sacrificing climbing ability. It features a unique blade-like profile, exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, and versatile handling that performs well across various terrains.

Q5. Is the Look 795 Blade RS worth its price tag? While expensive, the Look 795 Blade RS offers competitive pricing compared to similar high-end aero bikes. Its versatile performance, combining aerodynamics with climbing prowess, along with its distinctive design and racing heritage, make it a worthy consideration for serious cyclists seeking a premium, all-round race bike.

References

[1] - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/aero-bikes-buyers-guide-215674
[2] - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/road-bikes/look-795-blade-rs-review
[3] - https://www.lookcycle.com/download//press-room/795-blade-rs/book-795-blade-rs-my21-en-digital.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoo7QWNeCQK6-3a--u6oLpsen1-BXyJyVa7wnk25ls4Cufyb1a9j
[4] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/look-795-blade-rs-road-bike-review
[5] - https://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/look-795-blade-rs-review-the-climbers-aero-bike/
[6] - https://granfondo-cycling.com/look-795-blade-rs-disk-2020-review/
[7] - https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/products/bikes/road-bikes/aero/795-blade-rs?srsltid=AfmBOor5EI--fNWKFAX4pzwPh6XvVW_nIU3vrBrR5KdKmEhL0UsqWJcP
[8] - https://www.lookcycle.com/pr-en/products/bikes/road-bikes/aero/795-blade-rs?srsltid=AfmBOoqaCjLZeCOgOCTkSy-pD2glFb_3VXFV8xWcGyLEbkn_HICwjUtE
[9] - https://www.lookcycle.com/us-en/products/bikes/road-bikes/aero/795-blade-rs?srsltid=AfmBOoqZv8iN9CB8HZhnU0u6faPXOjWLWtLsEXTjy9IrF2y6_65xSawN
[10] - https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=173904&start=60