There’s few cycling brands more easily recognized than the French LOOK marque, a combination of their Mondrian-inspired branding and highly innovative products. Their pédales automatiques helped Bernard Hinault win the 1985 Tour de France, followed in 1993 by their revolutionary monocoque frame — the KG 196.
Carbon fiber had been weaving its way into the bicycle industry since around 1975, with varying degrees of success. The KG 196 was the most reliable, with many specimens still on the road today. The frame also incorporated ceramic and aluminum to the frame design, not to mention a limited elastomer suspension in between the fork and frame to minimize road shock.
The infamous ONCE team and Alex Zülle rode the KG 196 during their campaigns in the early 90s, before switching their bikes to the moderately less spectacular KG 171. This particular example, in excellent original condition, is offered by the excellent Velo Ciao. Head to their website for details and purchase information.
