L
LapierreAircode
01
Origin
Aero road bike — Lapierre's all-out speed/sprint platform. The flatland complement to the climbing-focused Xelius. Ridden by Groupama-FDJ sprinters (Démare era). Race-bred with disc brakes, full internal routing, NACA-derived tubing.
02
Specifications
- Frame
- UD carbon monocoque, ~900 g (size L). Third-gen DRS layup with truncated NACA aerofoil tube profiles; seatstays bypass the seat tube and merge into the top tube to free the upper seat tube for vertical flex (claimed +12% rear compliance, 13% faster in the wind tunnel vs the previous Aircode SL).
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×11 (22-speed) on the flagship DRS 8.0 — 52/36 crank, 11-28 cassette. Lower builds: Ultegra mechanical (DRS 6.0), 105 (DRS 5.0).
- Brakes
- Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc, flat-mount; Dura-Ace rotors 160 mm front / 140 mm rear (DRS 8.0).
- Wheels
- DT Swiss ARC 1100 DB 50 mm carbon clinchers/tubeless, ~1,472 g/pair (DRS 8.0).
03
The verdict
+Strengths
- Genuinely fast aero platform — wind-tunnel-validated tubing and deep DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels make it competitive with pro-level superbikes.
- Crisp, responsive race handling with a sharp steering edge, yet stays composed rather than twitchy.
- Stiff, efficient pedalling — the frame and drivetrain transfer power with little flex loss.
- Solves classic aero-bike pain points: only ~7.7–7.9 kg and a claimed 12% gain in rear compliance.
- Versatile cockpit — twin fittings on the aero bar accept clip-on extensions, turning it into a part-time TT machine.
- Premium spec for the money on the 8.0 (Ultegra Di2 + carbon wheels) plus distinctive looks.
−Weaknesses
- Aggressive, forward, near-TT riding position is hard to sustain unless you're very flexible — not for riders who can't touch their toes.
- Stock zero-offset seatpost only; no setback option at launch limits fit for traditional 'roadie' positions.
- Stock 25 mm tyres feel harsh on rough roads — reviewers wanted the 28 mm option for real-world surfaces.
- Aero-first design means it's heavier than dedicated lightweight climbing bikes (e.g. the stablemate Xelius).
- Proprietary integrated cockpit/seatpost reduce fit flexibility and complicate maintenance.
04
Who it’s for
Flatland racer, crit/sprint specialist, rolling-terrain rider who prioritises sustained speed over climbing grams.
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