Look mountain bikes are known for their cutting edge designs and wild carbon frames, but they’re not that known for being affordable. In order to offer something at a slightly more attainable price point, Look was showing off the new 977 and 979 carbon hard tails at Sea Otter. We know that a $3k+ hard tail isn’t exactly most riders’ definition of affordable, but when you can pick up the entire bike for nearly the same price as just the frame from their 987/989, you start to see what Look means by “pricepoint”…
As with their other mountain bikes, the naming structure refers to the fact that the new bike is available in 27.5 or 29″ wheels, with the last number in 977/979 pertaining to wheel size. Both frames utilize a High Modulus carbon fiber “Monobloc” frame with their DCSC seat stays for vibration damping, but make do with a standard seat post and stem to bring the price down as well as make the bike easier to travel with. The big giveaway in the frame design is the kink in the seat tube added for rear tire clearance on the 29er.
Under all the Sea Otter dust, details include a PF 89.5 bottom bracket, 142 x 12mm thru axle, post mount disc tabs inside the rear triangle…
…and internal cable routing with Shimano Sideswing front derailleur and Di2 compatibility. However, hydraulic lines are kept external along the downtube for easier maintenance and set up.
Similar to what a few other manufacturers are doing with wheel sizing, Look will only offer the 977 in Small and Medium, while the 979 will be only offered in Medium and Large. Designed around 100mm travel forks, the 977 has a head angle of 70.6º while the 979 is a bit steeper at 71.3º, and chainstays lengths are set at 430/438mm. Offered in a complete build with SRAM’s GX 1 drivetrain and Roam 30 wheels, complete bikes will be available for $3199.
