For all the talk of aerodynamic gains and wind tunnel-approved insight, it’s impossible to escape the fact that the biggest determinant of a bike’s wind-cheating abilities is the rider perched atop its saddle.
When looking at the complete system of rider and bike, the former accounts for roughly three quarters of all drag, so even if armed with the most streamlined steed ever produced, any revolutionary gains found by a brand’s R&D department during computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analysis could be negated by the blunt object powering the thing.
Iconic French brand Look understood this, which is why, when formulating its update to the 795 platform – the 795 Blade RS 3 – it kept the end user in mind, ensuring that they can hold the most aerodynamic position possible and minimising the whole system’s CdA as a result.
Fit-first formula
It managed this by designing a system that has more than 350 fit combinations, each optimised to work as a complete bike with no need for any aftermarket alterations that could have a negative impact on aerodynamics.
The frame is at the heart of proceedings. Each is available in six dedicated sizes and geometries that have each been refined and engineered to create the same ride-feel across the fleet – and not just a shrunk or scaled version of another size.
The cockpit is where the bulk of the adaptability can be found. Ergonomically refined to be at home tucked and on the hoods in the breakaway, stiff in the drops for sprinting, and open on the tops for climbing, the new Aero Carbon RS3 bars are also available in three widths (380mm, 400mm, 420mm) that can be paired with seven different stem lengths (80mm-140mm) and 0-50mm of headset spacers to truly dial in the bike’s frontend. The new Aeropost 5 is also available with a 27mm offset or without one, allowing you to tailor your fit even further.
The result is a custom-like fit from a production bike that leaves the rider with an all-day on-bike position that allows them to max-out the whole system’s aerodynamic capabilities.
Real-world refinement
These capabilities have been improved for the third generation. While marginal, Look has found a 15 watt saving from the 795 Blade RS released in 2023, and puts the improvements down to optimising the frame’s every tube section.
Its big focus though was on designing a bike that can perform in real-world conditions. Rather than honing in its results with a standalone bike and at a 0° yaw angle, it developed a system that was consistent in testing across a variety of angles and with a rider – arguing that ‘the wind never blows at zero degrees and the peloton never rides in a vacuum’.
Despite also having the lightweight 785 Huez in its stable, weight has also been part of the conversation, and Look managed to shave 160g from the 795 Blade RS 3’s frame and fork from its predecessor while still managing to increase stiffness at the bottom bracket and head tube for improved power transfer. Elsewhere, compliance is at the forefront of the lay up’s configuration with patented flexible seatstays and increased flex of the fork dampening harsh sections of road. Combined with 34mm tyre clearance front and back, and the 795 Blade RS 3 is an aerodynamically optimised bike that has the comfort of an endurance platform.
A winning start
Available as a complete bike from 6.9kg, the limited edition Iconic Prisme Replica of the configuration raced by Team Cofidis (Campagnolo Super Record groupset and Bora WTO 60 Ultra Team wheels) weighs in at 7.1kg.
The bike has already delivered on the WorldTour stage too; Alex Aranburu piloting a pre-launch prototype to stage victories at the Itzulia Basque County and Baloise Belgium Tour already in 2026.
For all the details and pricing, visit Look Cycle.
