First ride review: Riding the Look G85 Cezal gravel bike to see if there's a place for an all-rounder in today’s gravel world

Look has introduced the G85 Cezal, a new gravel bike designed as a versatile all-rounder capable of handling everything from competitive racing to gravel adventures and light bikepacking. The bike’s geometry features a 70-degree head tube angle and 50mm trail in a size M frame, aiming to balance stable handling with agility. With a carbon frame weighing approximately 1,090 grams and innovative 3D Wave seat stays for increased compliance, the G85 Cezal supports wide tyres up to 57mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, enabling a mullet tyre setup that caters to varied terrain demands. The G85 Cezal incorporates a range of modern gravel bike features, including a UDH rear hanger, T47 bottom bracket, multiple mounting points, and compatibility with 650B wheels and wireless dropper posts. While it lacks aerodynamic frame elements common in dedicated gravel race bikes, it offers two cockpit options, including an aero one-piece bar and stem for riders seeking enhanced speed. Notably, the frame geometry is suspension-adjusted and can accommodate a suspension fork with up to 60mm travel, exceeding the typical 40mm travel found on most gravel forks, signalling a potential trend toward greater suspension use in gravel cycling. The bike has already seen competitive success, with privateer rider Russell Finsterwald winning the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona on the G85 Cezal. Finsterwald praised the bike’s handling, particularly in technical singletrack sections, and is experimenting with tyre widths and suspension setups to optimise performance across different race conditions. His endorsement underscores the G85 Cezal’s capability to perform in demanding race scenarios despite its all-rounder design. Pricing for the G85 Cezal ranges from €3,490 for the entry-level mechanical version to €6,490 for the top-tier SRAM Force XPLR AXS build, with a frameset-only option available at €2,490. The bike’s components and thoughtful design choices, such as in-frame storage engineered to avoid play and a well-considered geometry, position it as a compelling choice for riders seeking a single gravel bike that can adapt to diverse riding styles. Initial test rides in Tuscany highlighted the bike’s stable handling on fast descents and its overall versatility, suggesting it could fill a niche between specialised gravel race and adventure bikes.