BICYCLE MTB: Look 986 MTB Pro Team

Look 986 MTB

The 986 will be available in two build kits, the SRAM XO and the SRAM X9 . A medium 986 frame weighs about 1,200 grams, and the XO complete bike is around 21 pounds.

Besides the fact that it’s a hardtail in an era of full-suspension, the most obvious departure of the 986 is its integrated seatpost. The seattube extents upward beyond the toptube/seatstay juncture, and is then cut to fit. The E-Post (the E stands for elastomer) then attaches to the frame and offers 3 centimeters of vertical adjustment with spacers. In addition to added stiffness, the elastomer bumpers are said to offer a bit of compliance and vibration dampening. The elastomer blocks come in three different durometers for varying levels of dampening. Once you measure and cut the seat mast, there’s no slamming the saddle all the way down to navigate steep, fearsome drops. But if you’re looking for a no-holds-barred XC speed machine to add to your stable of bikes, keep your eyes peeled for the new 986.

“One could argue that the carbon hardtail segment of the market is pretty small,” said Ming Tan, vice president of marketing at Look. “But we think the people who have ridden our road bikes will be interested in them.”


986 XTR:

Fork: Reba
Pedal: Look Quartz Carbon TI
Wheels: DT1540 Center Lock
Brakes: XTR Disc
Components: XTR


986 XT

Fork: Recon Race
Pedal: Look Quartz Carbon
Wheels: Miche XM70.4
Brakes: XT Disc
Components: XT


986 LX

Fork: Tora 100mm
Pedal: Look Quartz
Wheels: Miche XM70.4
Brakes: LX Disc
Components: LX


986 LX UGD

Fork: Recon 100mm
Pedal: Look Quartz
Wheels: Miche XM70.4
Brakes: LX Disc
Components: LX