765 Optimum
The Look 765 Optimum is a dedicated endurance road platform redesigned from the ground up for the 2023 model year. Moving away from aggressive race postures, Look explicitly shaped this generation to prioritize long-distance comfort and straight-line stability over quick agility. The chassis is built around a threaded T47 bottom bracket and features Look's 3D Wave rear triangle, which uses flattened and scalloped tube profiles to increase compliance on rough pavement.
Practicality is a clear focus for the platform. The frame clears 700x34mm tires and includes recessed mounts for mudguards, making it a capable companion for varied weather and deteriorating backroads. A semi-integrated routing system keeps cables hidden while allowing riders to remove the handlebar and stem without disconnecting hydraulic hoses. It is a bike built for cyclists who want a reliable, smooth-riding machine for high-mileage days rather than explosive sprint finishes.
| Stack | 606mm |
| Reach | 389mm |
| Top tube | 562.4mm |
| Headtube length | 195.3mm |
| Standover height | 814mm |
| Seat tube length | 535mm |
Fit and geometry
The 765 Optimum utilizes a progressive geometry concept that pairs a relaxed front end with a relatively steep seat tube. Across all five sizes, the head tube angle sits at a slack 70.8 degrees, while the seat tube angle remains fixed at 74.0 degrees. This combination places the rider in an upright, efficient pedaling position over the bottom bracket while pushing the front wheel further out. The result is a highly stable steering feel that resists being deflected by potholes or crosswinds, though it requires more deliberate input to navigate tight corners.
Stack and reach figures reflect a classic endurance posture, ranging from 534mm and 358mm on the XS to 630mm and 399mm on the XL. This setup keeps the rider's weight comfortably distributed to reduce lower back and neck fatigue on extended rides. The 415mm chainstays provide enough length to accommodate 34mm tires and mudguards while contributing to the bike's steady, predictable tracking on fast descents.
Builds
The 765 Optimum lineup spans three builds, all utilizing Shimano 12-speed drivetrains and the same core carbon frameset. The entry point is the Shimano 105 mechanical build, which pairs a standard 105 R7100 groupset with an RS520 crankset and basic Shimano RS171 alloy wheels. This model uses an alloy Look seatpost and Hutchinson Challenger tube-type tires, keeping the price accessible while delivering reliable shifting.
Stepping up to the mid-tier 105 Di2 model introduces electronic shifting and upgrades the seatpost to Look's LS1 Carbon Super Light model, which helps maximize the frame's rear-end compliance. It retains the heavy Shimano RS171 alloy wheels but moves to tubeless-ready Hutchinson Fusion 5 tires.
The flagship Ultegra Di2 build represents a significant jump in both performance and price. It features a full Ultegra Di2 groupset and swaps the alloy hoops for Look's R 38 D carbon tubeless wheels. This wheel upgrade materially reduces rotational weight, addressing the sluggish acceleration noted on heavier builds, while the carbon rims and 30mm tubeless tires further refine the bike's premium ride quality. All builds feature compact 11-34T cassettes to support seated climbing.
Reviews
Reviewers consistently characterize the Look 765 Optimum as a highly stable, smooth-riding machine that excels at maintaining momentum over long distances. The frame's vibration damping is a standout trait, with testers noting it easily "glides over rough surfaces" (Cyclonline) and effectively mutes road chatter. Rather than feeling like a demanding race bike, it behaves more like a "GT car" (YouTube) that allows riders to cruise comfortably for hours.
This emphasis on composure comes with a deliberate tradeoff in handling dynamics. The steering is predictable but not particularly sharp. Testers observe that the bike "definitely understeers" (YouTube) and requires a slower entry speed into tight corners. However, this same geometry makes it a "stable locomotive on rails" (Cyclonline) on fast descents and in heavy crosswinds, where it remains steadfast and secure.
When the road points uphill, the 765 Optimum is efficient but not explosive. Reviewers agree that the frame is stiff enough around the bottom bracket to transfer power cleanly during seated efforts, but it lacks the snappy acceleration needed for steep, out-of-the-saddle attacks. Ultimately, testers view these traits as a smart compromise, resulting in a highly capable platform for riders who value steady pacing and fatigue reduction over aggressive climbing speed.
