1989 : KG 96 and the debuts of Jalabert
The KG 96 marks the turning of a technological corner: until then, LOOK frames had been made from tubes designed by TVT (the leader in tube composites at the time). With the KG96, LOOK developed its own blowing technology, created with the help of a Platilon, a flexible "pocket" inside the tubes. The carbon piece is inserted into a mould; after it is closed, the Platilon is inflated under high pressure and flattens the carbon piece against the walls of the mould. This technique enables better resistance to be gained, and the weight to be decreased, and is still used for the creation of certain pieces. Ceramic fibres were also used in the KG96 to strengthen the braid made from carbon and kevlar.
This new-generation frame had exceptional tension, rigidity and lightness for the time. It was quickly adopted by professional teams Toshiba and Once, with whom a young up-and-coming Frenchman cut his teeth: a certain Laurent Jalabert. In 1992, the rising star of French cycling was 2nd in the World Road Championships, riding the KG96. It was the beginning of a long collaboration between the Champion and the Nevers brand, a collaboration which goes on today.