14th June 2010 Words: Ian Cleverly Photos: Roo Fowler

The Cycling Active Verdict

Chain Reaction Cycle’s BeOne Blizzard has a lot going for it. As an overall package, the aluminium frame, Shimano 105 transmission, triple chainset and Easton wheels are hard to fault. We took exception to the outrageous top tube on purely aesthetic grounds, but each to their own. The ride was firm but not overly harsh which, considering the meaty dimensions of the Blizzard’s tubes, was a pleasant surprise. But neither was it terribly exciting, thanks in no small part to its weight. The Blizzard needs to go on a diet.

No such problems for the Millook. Carbon fore and aft, aluminium in the middle and excellent components all round add up to a lightweight all-dayer that rewards time spent in the saddle. The gearing issue is common to all compact chainset bikes and a tricky one to overcome — stick it in the big ring and go faster, perhaps?
Apart from that, the Millook was a joy to ride and, at £1,200, is a very good deal.

Verenti Millhook