Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Disc CP Review

By Sébastien Jacquet – Photos: @3bikes.fr

Unveiled last June by Lapierre in the heart of the Morzine resort, you’ll quickly understand that the fourth installment of the Xelius SL series is more suited for mountainous, steep, or hilly terrain. We expect it to be playful, dynamic, and easy to handle on climbs. Riders who mostly ride on flat terrain can opt for the Aircode SL, the aero model in the Burgundy-based company’s range… In its traditional rim-brake version and the most advanced carbon combination, the Xelius SL is notably the bike of French road champion Anthony Roux and Thibaut Pinot… Definitely a puncher-climber’s bike, very playful, and the disc version is no slouch either. Let’s go!

New 2019 version

With 80 g less on the bare frame than the first-generation Xelius SL, the new Xelius SL benefits from a new manufacturing process. The frame is made of five different UD carbon fibers (from HR 24T to THM 80T fiber). In total, approximately 300 carbon parts and plies are used (200 for the main triangle in monocoque construction, 45 for the right chainstay, 54 for the left chainstay). The frame is now assembled around a latex mandrel for each part before being placed in the mold. This technique ensures Lapierre greater precision in fabric placement, perfect smoothing, and constant pressure on all parts of the frame, with the aim of also reducing waste, resin quantity, and superfluous plies inside the frame.

An advanced aerodynamic profile

Lapierre relies on its collaboration with the Groupama FDJ team and has optimized the tube profiles to enhance aerodynamics, drawing inspiration from the NACA and KAMMTAIL profiles of the Aircode SL. This is evident in the chainstays, down tube, fork, and head tube, resulting in a bike with a reinforced, streamlined profile.

Improved integration

In this regard, the new Xelius SL also features improved integration. For example, the semi-integration of the upper headset bearing cover can be noted. Similarly, the integration of the saddle clamp with a bumper, and the repositioning of the cable entries on the upper part of the top tube.

A revised fork.

The fork design and its integration into the head tube are magnificent. The arch appears slender, the lines very beautiful. The lower headset bearing is now 1 1/5″ (1/8″ at the top), offering the user more rigidity and precision, in addition to a racy, more aggressive position on the bike. The tire clearance, however, remains very limited with 28 mm tires, although it didn’t cause us any problems despite the debris and grime picked up on wet and dirty roads at this time of year.

A unique rear triangle

The Xelius SL stands out with its unique rear triangle design, featuring seatstays that connect directly to the top tube rather than the seat tube, as is traditionally the case. This design provides a good dose of flexibility for increased comfort without compromising perceived stiffness and efficiency.

12 mm thru-axle

The disc-brake version of the Xelius SL has a wheelbase and chainstays that are 5 mm longer than the rim-brake version, and accommodates calipers for two 140 mm rotors on the chainstay and fork. The wheels are secured by a 12 mm thru-axle, which stiffens the contact between the wheels and the frame.

BB86 bottom bracket standard

The BB86 bottom bracket shell standard is retained. The Di2 battery is now located within it. The Xelius SL is based on Lapierre’s proprietary Powerbox Technology, a principle that encompasses the down tube, bottom bracket shell, and chainstays into a single unit dedicated to making the bike performant. Lapierre announces “increased lateral stiffness for maximum responsiveness, and maximum transmission of pedaling power.” This is what allows us to appreciate the machine’s responsiveness and good handling during changes of pace!

Elegant equipment

The equipment is very well thought out and of high quality. The Xelius SL 700 CP Disc is equipped here with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset, in Compact 50/34 (a bit light for a racer with strong muscles or a very sporty cyclist, who could opt for a 52/36). This drivetrain’s performance, reliability, and the smooth action of its levers and derailleurs are well-established, and its price remains very reasonable. The choice of low-profile DT Swiss ER1400 Spline wheels is also judicious to ensure the bike’s versatility and add a touch of elegance. They are fitted with 28 mm Continental GP 4000 S II tires to counteract the power of the disc braking. The Fi’zi:k Antarès Evo Versus R5 saddle features a central channel, flared from nose to tail, to reduce pressure on the perineum. It sits on a Lapierre Carbon Light seatpost with a 27.2 mm diameter. The Lapierre Carbon handlebar is paired with a Zipp Service Course B1 stem. To be considered when choosing the frame size: at the head tube, the Lapierre support for the Di2 junction box is very practical, aesthetically well integrated, but it requires keeping a spacer to fit perfectly on the top of the head tube, otherwise it risks touching.

Dynamic

This is one of the great strengths of this Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Disc. Although it weighs about 350/400g more than the traditional rim-brake version, the bike maintains a beautiful dynamism and is very pleasant on changes of pace on climbs and false flats. Without giving the impression of having to work hard to “make it bend.” Shifting from a seated to an out-of-the-saddle position is easy, and the bike seems to provide a return of energy when you stand on the pedals. To give you an idea, you’d almost feel like Thibaut Pinot on the Mur de Sormano and the final of the 2018 Tour of Lombardy… Lively, incisive, almost easy in constant changes of pace and position. In sprints, accelerations, or uphill restarts, this Lapierre Xelius SL 700 CP Disc seduces us. And if you prefer to ride at a steady pace, the bike maintains the rhythm well and doesn’t give the sensation of tiring out. At 7.5 kg in size M, the bike appears light and easy to handle.

When riding out of the saddle, however, we did notice some usual parasitic noises related to disc braking, coming from the front. It’s difficult to describe, as the annoyance isn’t continuous. From time to time, after hitting a significant bump in the road, or due to the numerous bits of dirt picked up this season, we hear this slight, unpleasant rubbing that almost reminds us of a butcher’s slicer running empty… without the order and the tasting! A cyclist who isn’t in a hurry will have no problem giving the brakes a light tap or a quick spray to eliminate the noise. But it’s a different story for a racer who needs to stay focused and concentrated on their effort, their race… The same goes for changing a wheel in case of a puncture, where the thru-axle, while increasing stiffness, requires a few turns of a wrench to be released. Unthinkable in competition, isn’t it?

“You’d almost feel like Thibaut Pinot on the Mur de Sormano and the final of the 2018 Tour of Lombardy.”

Great comfort

This is the second major attractive feature of this Lapierre Xelius SL 700 CP Disc. It is an extremely comfortable bike, absolutely not restrictive. The ride feels smooth, and the bike never gives the sensation of being harsh, even at low speeds. At the rear, the 27.2mm seat tube and unique design promise a relaxed body. And despite the good perceived stiffness at the front, the same applies to this part. The setup here with 28mm Continental GP 4000 S II tires to counteract disc braking and enhance grip further improves and accentuates this parameter. Ideal for riding almost relaxed, with complete peace of mind!

Maneuverability, stability, safety

The Xelius SL offers great riding comfort, also in terms of bike maneuverability. The front is very stiff, the steering precise and fine. It allows for tight turns, with the impression that you’ll never lose grip with these 28 mm tires (with this width, however, you lose a little efficiency, in descents for example, with a tire that has a wider contact patch). The Lapierre Xelius SL 700 CP Disc reassures with its stability and provides great confidence in curves, descents, and tight turns. You don’t hesitate to lean into the turns… And the disc braking also brings its share of comfort to the ride: reliable, responsive, powerful, it’s a great asset and is appealing on the very greasy roads of the winter break and early season.

The Xelius SL 2019 range

The Xelius SL range is built around six models, including the Xelius SL 700 CP Disc tested here (€4,499, 7.5 kg in size M). The 2019 Lapierre catalog also includes: the Xelius SL 700 CP equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Mavic Ksyrium Pro Carbon SL wheels (€4,999, 7.2 kg). The Xelius SL 700 CP Groupama FDJ, with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and DT Swiss PR 1400 DiCut Oxic 21 (€4,199 / 7.2 kg). The Xelius SL 600 Disc MC, with Shimano Ultegra and Mavic Askium Disc (€2,999 / 8.5 kg). The Xelius SL 600 MC with Shimano Ultegra and DT Swiss P 1800 Spline 23 wheels (€2,799 / 7.7 kg). The Xelius SL 500 MC with Shimano 105 and Mavic Askium (€1,999 / 8.1 kg).

Conclusion

Dynamic and playful as desired, even at the end of a ride when your legs are burning, with extra comfort and fine, very secure handling, this Xelius SL 700 CP Disc is a great success and seduces with its complete road behavior. The bike offers a perfect combination of performance, comfort, and safety. Comfort in riding, handling, and a burst of speed for those who want to shake it up… While it is presented as a climber’s bike on paper and in its technical details, in use, we find that this bike falls into the category of machines suitable for all profiles, all levels, and almost all terrains. The sportive cyclist will be seduced by a bike that provides flexibility and great versatility. The racer will, of course, have to change the Compact 50/34 gearing, but will find pleasure in sprinting, attacking, or restarting. They can also opt for the most advanced carbon combination version of the Xelius SL from Lapierre, the Ultimate, which is even stiffer and lighter (850g vs 940g), available as a rim-brake frameset only for €2,199. With geometry and colors that will surely make you stand out in the peloton!

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