Look's New G85 Cezal Gravel Bike Blends Road Precision with Mountain Bike Spirit

Look, a brand known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of cycling technology, has unveiled its latest innovation in the gravel bike segment: the G85 Cezal. This new platform aims to redefine the gravel riding experience by harmoniously blending the speed and responsiveness typically found in road bikes with the rugged capability and comfort of mountain bikes. The company emphasizes a departure from conventional design philosophies, focusing on creating a versatile machine for adventurous cyclists.

The conceptualization of the G85 Cezal was driven by several key objectives. Look sought to engineer a bicycle that not only offers exhilarating speed but also maintains a playful and agile character on varied terrains. Achieving what the company describes as 'perfect geometry' was paramount, ensuring the bike's adaptability across different riding styles and conditions. This multifaceted approach was intended to appeal to a broad spectrum of cyclists, including competitive gravel racers, all-around enthusiasts, and dedicated bikepackers, positioning the G85 Cezal as a potential single solution for diverse cycling demands.

At the core of the G85 Cezal's design is a meticulously crafted carbon fiber frame and fork, which provide a lightweight yet robust foundation. A notable feature is its generous tire clearance, accommodating widths up to 57mm (or 2.25 inches) at the front. The rear offers slightly less clearance, with a maximum of 50mm for 1x drivetrains and 45mm for 2x setups. The frame also incorporates a practical downtube storage compartment and integrates internal cable routing for a clean aesthetic and enhanced protection. Additionally, the bike features Look's proprietary 3D Wave System in its seat stays, an innovative design that reportedly increases rear-end flexibility by 15% compared to standard curved tubes, significantly enhancing rider comfort on challenging gravel surfaces.

Regarding its geometry, the G85 Cezal is optimized to balance nimble handling with stability, even when equipped with a 60mm travel suspension fork. A medium-sized frame boasts a 70-degree head tube angle, a 74-degree seat tube angle, and 425mm chainstays. While specific numbers for the wheelbase are not provided, Look highlights its intentional shortening to foster a more responsive feel. The stack height offers extensive adjustability, allowing riders to fine-tune their position from an aggressive, aerodynamic stance to a more upright and comfortable posture, thanks to a generously sized steerer tube.

For those prioritizing aerodynamics, the G85 Cezal offers a choice of two cockpit configurations. The standard setup includes Look's LS3 stem paired with Deda's Superzero Gravel bar. For an additional premium, riders can upgrade to the Look Aero Carbon stem and bar, which features a -13 degree rise and a more aerodynamic profile, ideal for competitive racing. Both options maintain full internal cable routing.

The G85 Cezal lineup comprises three distinct models, alongside a standalone frame and fork option. The entry-level model, priced at €3,490, comes equipped with a Shimano GRX 820 1x12 groupset and Fulcrum Lite GR 2WF wheels. Stepping up, a €5,730 variant features Shimano GRX Di2 electronic shifting and Fulcrum Soniq Carbon 2WF wheels. The top-tier offering, retailing at €6,490, boasts SRAM's Force XPLR 13-speed groupset, also paired with Fulcrum Soniq Carbon wheels. All models, except for the GRX 820 bike which uses Schwalbe G-Ones, are fitted with Hutchin Toureg tires. The advanced aero cockpit remains an optional upgrade, incurring an extra cost for enthusiasts seeking peak performance.

In essence, the G85 Cezal represents Look's ambition to redefine the gravel cycling landscape. By meticulously combining road bike efficiency with mountain bike resilience, this new platform offers a compelling option for cyclists seeking a single, high-performance machine capable of conquering diverse terrains and catering to a wide array of riding preferences. Its innovative features, adaptable geometry, and range of build options underscore Look's commitment to delivering a sophisticated and versatile cycling experience.