Discover the compelling story of Look Bike Company, a brand that stands as a beacon of innovation and technological advancement in the cycling world. Originating in Nevers, France, in 1951, LOOK initially carved its niche in crafting ball bladders, frames, and components for high-performance racing bicycles. The company’s path took an inspiring turn when its founder, Jean Beyl, a passionate skier, channeled a personal skiing accident into a quest for enhanced ski safety. This led to his groundbreaking invention of the “anti-fracture” plated ski binding, a revolutionary step in ski technology that serendipitously paved the way for future innovations in cycling technology under the LOOK bike company name.
The year 1983 marked a pivotal moment for LOOK bike company as it came under the Bernard Tapie Sport group. This transition injected a fresh dynamic into the brand, highlighted by the recruitment of cycling icon Bernard Hinault and the adoption of a striking new visual identity inspired by the modernist artwork of Piet Mondrian. This vibrant era heralded the arrival of the PP65, the first automatic pedal designed for cycling. Drawing inspiration from ski binding mechanisms, the PP65 offered cyclists an unprecedented level of security and performance. Bernard Hinault rigorously tested these pioneering pedals during the 1985 Tour de France. In a dramatic turn of events, despite a significant crash, Hinault attributed the PP65 pedals to preventing more serious injuries, and remarkably, he went on to clinch victory in the race that year, further cementing the reputation of LOOK bike company for innovation.
LOOK bike company continued its relentless pursuit of carbon technology, launching the KG 86 in 1986. This groundbreaking model was the first carbon frame to incorporate Kevlar, enhancing both stiffness and handling. This technological leap played a vital role in Greg LeMond’s triumph at the Tour de France in the same year, showcasing the performance benefits of LOOK bike company engineering. The spirit of innovation propelled the company into the 1990s, marked by the development of the KG 196, the first monobloc carbon frame, and the introduction of adjustable pedals such as the PP286 and PP76. These advancements underscored LOOK bike company‘s dedication to rider comfort and optimized performance.
Throughout its distinguished history, LOOK bike company has been intrinsically linked with numerous professional victories and technological milestones, solidifying its position as a leader in cycling innovation. Bikes from LOOK bike company were instrumental in Luc Leblanc’s World Championship win in 1994. The brand also proudly supported Laurent Jalabert in his numerous classic wins and grand tour jersey achievements. In the specialized discipline of track cycling, LOOK bike company‘s KG296 PKV carbon frames contributed to an impressive haul of six medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, demonstrating the breadth of LOOK bike company‘s technological prowess across different cycling disciplines.
As the new millennium dawned, LOOK bike company introduced the KEO pedal series, featuring revolutionary models like the KEO 2 MAX and KEO BLADE. These pedals further cemented the brand’s reputation for cutting-edge design and performance-oriented technology. LOOK bike company‘s commitment to innovation was officially recognized with the prestigious INPI Trophy for Innovation, awarded not just once, but twice. Further exemplifying their innovative spirit, LOOK bike company developed the 695 Aerolight and 795 Aerolight bikes, integrating state-of-the-art aerodynamics and carbon fiber technology. These models garnered industry accolades, including the Eurobike Award and the IF Design Award, reinforcing LOOK bike company‘s status as a design and engineering leader.
In more recent years, LOOK bike company has continued to push the boundaries of cycling technology with the unveiling of the 796 Monoblade. This model represents a significant leap in time trial and triathlon bike design, characterized by extreme integration and advanced aerodynamics. Embracing the evolving landscape of cycling, LOOK bike company ventured into the electric bike market in 2019, collaborating with Fazua to launch its first electric-assist bike. This move seamlessly blended LOOK bike company‘s performance heritage with modern e-bike technology, demonstrating their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Today, LOOK Bike Company remains at the forefront of the cycling industry, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation. By seamlessly merging its rich tradition with a forward-looking perspective, LOOK bike company continues to pioneer advancements. From their revolutionary automatic pedals to crafting some of the most aerodynamically advanced bikes available, LOOK bike company is dedicated to enhancing the performance and overall experience for cyclists across all levels, maintaining its legacy as a true innovator in the world of cycling.
