Neo-retro --> 2000 55cm Look KG281 HM Carbon with matching Look HSC 2 forks // Shimano 105 5800 // Thomson Finishing Kit // Mavic CXP Pro

Hi all,

I managed to pick up a complete Look KG281 in France from its original owner (who upgraded to a brand new 765 HM) and since I had a (brand new) spare Shimano 105 5800 groupset in my parts box, I thought I would jump on the neo-retro bandwagon.

The bike was originally kitted out with a Shimano Tiagra 3x9 speed groupset and Mavic wheels, the original owner has taken very good care of it over the last past 16 years.
He sent me a photo of him climbing Mont Ventoux with it.

I stripped the bike back in January and put the frameset on my french wall of unused bikes.
Here is what it currently looks like:

This will be amazing, the condition of the frame is incredible considering it's age and that it's been ridden!

Oof!!

I was almost entirely up to speed on the project just from reading the title.

OT: Frame looks good! Always nice to see another LOOK.

This is gonna be good, dibs frame if u ever sell :)

I don't like to tease too much...

I will start building up this weekend.

Here are the parts:

Is there a crack/split where the down tube meets the head tube lug?

Oh Vince: dat saddle...

I had a couple of those carbon HM tube and alloy lugs - always stress marks at those points due to the material change.

Teeth will stay intact!

Saddle matches the bar tape ;-)

It is coming along nicely.
Loads of decent parts in the spares box

Thomson X2 stem, Zipp SS bars, Thomson top cap.

25mm Thomson seatpost with Ti hardware

And the complete bike as it stands:

I just need to cable it, install the chain, bar tape & saddle and we're ready to roll.

This thing is aching for 50mm carbon wheels

All chained & cabled up!

Just need bar tape and gear adjustment

Lovely. Nothing too flashy but just a real nice looking bike.

Thank you!

Simple project really.

The bike is now complete and ready to hang on my wall of unused bikes in France.

Bar tape fitted (Cinelli Gel), bottle cage mounted, gears adjusted.

Very classy. Im glad this didnt get yellow tape and saddle

Thank you.

I feel like I am building less ugly bikes these days...

Properly awesome!

This is ace! Similar feel as my Moser. Good job

Looks great, very un-Vince-like.

Pls move the cage to DT tho or get a second one thx

C'est bon!

Thanks all!

I have a second cage but didn't have bolts for it.

Will sort it out next time I am in France

pour l'amour de France.

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Nice. Yellow brake pads too, except - aren't they usually for carbon rims?