More aerodynamics and less heavy, aerospace technology but clean lines: the new Lapierre Aircode DRS It really is the “zero compromise” bike. The riders of the Groupama-Fdj they already used it at the last minute Tour de France.
Never so aerodynamic
The newly born one is the third generation The Lapierre Aircode DRS, the first with disc brakes. Aerodynamics are key. Research and development were conducted at the TUE (Technology University of Eindhoven) and in the wind tunnel.
The down tube accounts for about 25% of the drag, and the fork for about 20%. The head tube has a much smaller impact (about 10%). For this reason, Lapierre worked hard on the tube cross-sections and also on the seat tube. The frame and fork were designed as a single body specifically to allow air to flow.
Work has been done on theaerodynamic efficiency of the bike, that is, how much it can "escape". In fact, if you compare it with the old model, you can see that the impact surface is almost the same, while the air discharge is significantly improved, thus reducing turbulence. This is the technology DRS (Drag Reduction System).
Frame: comfort yes, performance too
The geometry of the Lapierre Aircode DRS is linked to aerodynamics. However, it is not uncomfortable or extreme: it is also appreciated by triathletes. At the base of everything is a "straightening" of the seat tube: from XS to M the angle measures 74°, while it drops to 73,5° for sizes L to XXL. This has allowed us to "shorten" the top tube, a solution also appreciated by climbers. The steering angle does not drop below 72° even in the smallest sizes (73° in the M and 74 from the L). The chainstay measures just 405 millimeters and it is easy to understand how much the Aircode DRS can be responsive and fast.
The frame is a UD SL carbon monocoque, which uses 3 or 6 types of carbon fibers depending on whether it is DRS Ultimate or DRS. The most premium version, Ultimate, is the 3% stiffer in the bottom bracket area and 10% in the head tube. However, it is also 12% more flexible and therefore more comfortable in the chainstay area. This was a specific recommendation from the Groupama-Fdj riders. Well, Lapierre has satisfied them with the right fiber selection.
A slight damage should be noted asymmetry (imperceptible) in the chain stays. Why this choice? Because the drivetrain, which requires space, is on the right side and the disc brake is on the left. And the same goes for the front: the fork also has a slightly more robust design in the stay that houses the brake caliper. Perfect balance is guaranteed.
And for weight… operation diet!
The Lapierre Aricode Drs has aero DNA, but as we said it is the “zero compromise” bike: therefore also the record weight: 975 grams in size M including alloy parts (seat clamp and screw, fork bearing seats and bottom bracket…).
Thanks to technology GLP, Gravity Logic Project (which Lapierre has taken from its MTBs) we tried to position the weight as low as possible so as to lower the centre of gravity and improve handling.
Components made in Lapierre
Lapierre proposes a brand new: the wheels on the 6.0 and 7.0 versions. The French brand has in fact created carbon wheels with modern smoothness and aerodynamic criteria: increased internal section (16 millimetres), “drop” shape and tubeless ready. The profiles mounted on the two versions of the Aircode DRS are 38 and 50 millimeters, respectively, with weights of 1.514 and 1.584 grams. The Aircode DRS can accommodate covers with cross-sections up to 28 millimeters.
Also 'handlebar stem is… homemade: It is made of 7075 aluminum and the brake and control cables pass through the lower part, which is why it is not reversible and can be found in sizes from 90 to 120 millimeters.
The handlebar is carbon, but with alloy reinforcements in the area where the stem clamps. It weighs 255 grams in the 42-centimeter width. It can also be ordered with a time-trial handlebar, the Aero Bars Ski.
Prices range from 3.059 euros for the 5.0 version (Shimano 105, 11v) to 6.999 for the 8.0 (Shimano Ultegra Di2, 11v).
