First ride review of the new Lapierre Aircode DRS and 2021 range details

Lapierre presents the third generation of its Aircode aerodynamic bike with the new Lapierre Aircode DRS. It features disc braking, a new frame geometry for even greater aerodynamics, full cable integration, a lighter weight than the previous version, compatibility with extensions for triathlon, and a range of 4 models from €2,999 to €6,999. Discover the details and the first test ride of the new Aircode DRS, the most high-performance in the Aircode family.

Photo credits: Lapierre / Ugo Richard / Groupama-FDJ / Nicolas Götz / Vincent Liky

We first saw it in early 2020, in a pre-production phase in terms of carbon lay-up, in the hands of Groupama-FDJ riders at the Tour Down Under and Paris-Nice, with an initial release planned for March… but ultimately postponed by that damned Covid-19. The new Lapierre Aircode DRS truly made its public debut at the resumption of the professional season in August, and Lapierre has just unveiled the 2021 range of the third generation of Aircode this fall, “the most high-performance in the Aircode family,” the brand warns from the outset.

After 2014 and 2017, Lapierre has developed the third installment of its aero Aircode model, flanked by the DRS (Drag Reduction System) designation, drawn from Formula 1 and inspired by in-house knowledge gained from the Aerostorm DRS in terms of aerodynamics. The Aircode DRS is the result of close collaboration initiated in 2016 between the engineers of the Dijon-based company, the Groupama-FDJ team, of which the brand has been a technical partner for many seasons, and the renowned aerodynamicist Professor Bert Blocken of Eindhoven University of Technology. The Aircode DRS is also the first bike in the family with disc braking.

Validated in the wind tunnel, the Lapierre Aircode DRS was notably developed following meticulous CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies, which allow for infinite detail that the wind tunnel does not provide access to. The objective is to know precisely what is happening in a given area down to the micron. The wind tunnel primarily allows for validating the rider’s position, a handlebar, and other connections between more extended areas.

For a model primarily designed to defy time and wind, Lapierre has therefore done significant work to reduce aerodynamic drag at the front of the bike, at the head tube, fork, and down tube, to make it “a single piece”. The junction of the tubes facilitates a laminar airflow with low wind resistance for each of the tubes. Bert Blocken’s work has shown that only three parts of the frame account for nearly 70% of the bike’s aero resistance: the down tube (25%), the fork (20%), the head tube, and the bottom bracket shell (less than 10%).

Lapierre has thus sought to reduce aerodynamic drag in 10 areas of the frame between the old and new Aircode DRS. The Dijon-based company is also pleased to have succeeded in reducing aerodynamic drag by half at the top tube/seat tube junction. The new Aircode DRS is therefore more aerodynamic in headwind and at a 10° angle compared to the old Aircode SL. Lapierre claims 13% watts saved at 50 km/h, at 0° wind angle, and 5% watts saved at 50 km/h at a 10° wind angle (at 40 km/h, with a 10 km/h wind).

CFD studies also allowed for refining the smallest details, such as the integration of the fork with the front of the frame, designed as a single piece to reduce aero drag from the front to the rear of the frame. The new Aircode DRS also features a new tube shape.

The NACA (teardrop) and KAMTAIL (truncated tail) tube profiles are inspired by the Drag Reduction System aerodynamic technology and expertise acquired during the development of the Aerostorm DRS Disc time trial bike. This means that the widest part of the tubes is located towards the center to reduce depressions (and therefore turbulence) at the rear of the tube. The head tube, down tube, and seat tube are the three areas that experience the most pressure/depression.

The new Lapierre Aircode DRS benefits from new internal cable routing. It is designed exclusively for fully integrated routing of Di2 wires or mechanical/electronic shift cables and brake hoses. The frame features a specific headset with internal routing of cables and hoses in (or under) the stem and in the spacers, and through the 1.5” bearings. In this logic, the steerer tube has a specific design with internal routing in the fork crown, for complete integration of cables and wires and the Shimano junction box in the handlebar.

With these improvements in aerodynamics and integration, the Lapierre Aircode DRS features a new geometry for a more aggressive and aerodynamic position. The frame has a new Stack/Reach ratio, with the aim of achieving the best geometry for rouleurs/punchers and sprinters, but also for short and long-distance triathletes who only want one bike. The Aircode DRS is clearly a bike to be classified in the Performance and Efficiency category. The geometry is designed to be evolving and progressive for each of the six sizes (from XS to XXL) offered.

The new geometry, approved by top rouleurs and sprinters from Groupama-FDJ such as Arnaud Démare and Stefan Küng, features a seat tube that is more upright than on the old Aircode SL, for a constant seat angle from XS to M at 74°, and a constant seat angle from L to XXL at 73.5°. The top tube is 2 to 4 mm shorter, but the Reach is longer (up to 10 mm) depending on the size. The head tube height is identical, and the frame has the same short chainstays of 405 mm for a more reactive rear end.

Thanks to its specific UD SL carbon construction, the use of 3 and 6 carbon fibers depending on the version, and the knowledge acquired in carbon technologies for over 10 years, Lapierre thus offers its most high-performance aerodynamic bike since the launch of the Aircode family. In terms of stiffness, the new Aircode DRS boasts 3% more at the bottom bracket, 10% at the head tube, and is 12% more flexible in the triangle for greater comfort and frame reactivity. The frame features a slightly asymmetrical rear triangle and chainstays to counteract the presence of the bottom bracket on the right side of the frame and also the disc brake on the left chainstay. The same applies to the left fork leg, which is reinforced in the caliper area.

On the scale, Lapierre announces a frame that is 80 g lighter than the previous version, for a bike that gains in performance and efficiency. Lapierre also highlights technical solutions to explain the impression of a bike that seems lighter through the choice of technical and technological solutions: such as “the new more sloping top tube, the head angle and fork offset offering a feeling of lightness in the steering and the front of the bike, the 3D Tubular design (inspired by the Xelius SL2) at the junction of the seatstays on the top tube and upstream of the seat tube, the GLP (Gravity Logic Project) concept approved on e-MTBs which consists of recentering the masses in the center of the frame and as close as possible to the bottom bracket, or the low position of the water bottle on the down tube and seat tube.”

Lapierre has established a new carbon lay-up that meets aerodynamic constraints for the development of its new Aircode DRS. The frame thus benefits from a new construction for a better internal finish to save weight in the smallest details, notably through the use of a Latex mandrel (identical to the Xelius SL2). The Aircode DRS is offered in two carbon composition versions, and note that it takes 395 carbon pieces for the UD SL Ultimate frame kit and 305 for the UD SL bikes.

Result: the Aircode DRS in size M weighs 975 g for the UD SL Ultimate frame (including clamping parts and screws) and 1,090 g for the UD SL frame (including clamping parts and screws). The fork weighs 424 g (uncut steerer). Note that the fork is identical for sizes XS to XXL, to offer the same construction and stiffness regardless of the bike size.

The Aircode DRS houses Trapdoor technology with the Di2 battery placed just above the bottom bracket inside the down tube, and it is equipped with a Lapierre Aero Carbon seatpost (0 mm setback).

To appeal to solo effort enthusiasts in their challenge against time and air resistance, the Aircode DRS offers triathlon compatibility, with the possibility of adding extensions to the Lapierre UD Carbon handlebar (supplied with versions 7.0 and 8.0).

First test ride, first impressions

To discover this new Aircode DRS, Lapierre invited us to La Roche-Guyon, northwest of the Paris region, on the banks of the Seine, for an afternoon of detailed presentation, a first contact, and a quick 55-kilometer loop on the hilly roads of southern Vexin. Naturally, our Aircode DRS 8.0 for this test, the most advanced performance version of the range, quickly found its preferred terrain on these sections alternating between flat, uphill false flats, and gentle climbs.

Rigid as desired and giving a very pleasant feeling of efficiency, the bike particularly delights when it crosses 40 km/h and beyond, without the need to push hard on the cranks to feel and enjoy the bike’s performance and benefits. The position, indeed more aggressive, lowered, and streamlined, encourages this direction and the pursuit of performance.

Coming from bikes weighing less than 7 kilos used in recent weeks, we didn’t necessarily find it “light”, but we never had a feeling of heaviness or dragging weight either. Even on climbs and uphill false flats, as Arnaud Démare demonstrated in competition on the Tour de Wallonie, the bike doesn’t falter and we manage to maintain a good cruising speed without struggling. We especially loved it when we pushed it hard, in a sprint, on accelerations, or on strong pulls, noting that it just wants to fly and seduce us when we’re looking for speed and performance. There’s no doubt it will appeal to riders who are rouleurs/sprinters/punchers, fond of fast rides and solo efforts!

Range, availability and prices

The Aircode DRS range consists of four models, ranging from €2,999 to €6,999: Aircode DRS 5.0 with Shimano 105, Aircode DRS 6.0 with Shimano Ultegra, Aircode DRS 7.0 and Aircode DRS 8.0 with Shimano Ultegra Di2, the latter only differing in wheels (DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 50 Disc for one, new Lapierre Aero wheels of 38 or 50mm for the other). The bikes are assembled with the new Lapierre Aero handlebar/stem combo. Two frame kits are also available, including a Groupama-FDJ Replica version, at €3,600. Note that the weights indicated in the technical specifications are calculated based on a size L bike and an assembly with tubed tires (from which the brand specifies that approximately 200 g can be removed for a Tubeless setup). The four Aircode DRS models should be available at retailers from the second half of October.

Key data:
– 3 types of carbon fiber 24T, T700, 3K for UD SL
– 6 types of carbon fiber T700, T800, 40T, 46T, 60T, 3K for UD SL Ultimate
– Construction with latex mandrel, internal cable routing, PF86 BB bottom bracket.
– DRS tube design with NACA and Kammtail tube profiles
– Trapdoor technology
– 3D Tubular design
– Specific Aircode DRS Disc aero fork
– Lapierre aluminum stem, with internal or semi-internal routing, 5.7° angle
– Weight: 1060 g to 1195 g (XS to XXL, incl. alloy parts, derailleur hanger) for UD SL Carbon construction, & 965 g to 1060 g for UD SL Ultimate.
– 28 mm tire compatible frame and fork
– 100/142 mm x12 mm aluminum thru-axle clamping
– New Performance geometry, Triathlon compatible

A new LP Thru axle and wheel clamping system
– Easy to use, lightweight, and removable lever for aero and aesthetic gains.
– Size: 100×12 mm / 142×12 mm

New LP Aero carbon wheels
For the first time in the road range, the Aircode DRS 6.0 and 7.0 models are equipped with aero carbon wheels with two rim depths: 38 and 50 mm.
– Rim: UD Carbon, U shape, 26 mm max width, 19 mm internal width (hookless and Tubeless ready compatible)
– Hubs: Aluminum, straightpull spokes, for Centerlock disc
– 21 holes front (14/7), 24 holes rear (16/8), Shimano/Sram cassette compatible, SRAM XDR freehub body (with After-sales service)
– Spokes: Pillar Aero straight pull / Section 2.2/2.0/2.1×1.3/2.0 with aluminum nipples / Lacing 2:1
– Weight: 38 mm: 1,518 g (Aircode DRS 6.0)
– 50 mm: 1,584 g (Aircode DRS 7.0)

A new LP Aero handlebar and stem set
– UD carbon construction reinforced with aluminum, compatible with Lapierre TT extensions
– Weight: 255 g (42 cm w)
– Drop 130 mm, reach 80 mm
– 2° flare
– Widths: 40, 42, 44 cm, center-to-center
– LP Aero 7075-T73 aluminum stem
– Internal cable routing, semi-internal compatible
– Weight: 254 g
– Unique 5.7° angle (non-reversible)
– Lengths 90/100/110/120 mm
– TT Aero Bars Ski
– Carbon construction
– Weight: 368 g (complete system)

Details of the Lapierre Aircode DRS 2021 range

LAPIERRE AIRCODE DRS 5.0

• Specifications:
  – Frame: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SL CARBON
  – Fork: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SL CARBON
  – Drivetrain: SHIMANO 105 R7000, 11s
  – Crankset: SHIMANO 105 FC-R7000, 50x34T 170mm(XS,S) 172.5mm(M,L), 175mm(XL,XXL)
  – Bottom Bracket: SHIMANO PRESSFIT SMBB7141B
  – Cassette: SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11s 11-30T
  – Rotors: SHIMANO SMRT70 CENTERLOCK FT:160mm / RR:140mm
  – Headset: ACROS INTEGRATED
  – Handlebar: LAPIERRE UD CARBON 40cm(XS,S) 42cm(M,L,XL) 44cm(XXL) compatible with triathlon extensions
  – Handlebar tape: LAPIERRE VEXGEL TAPE
  – Stem: LAPIERRE -7° 31.8mm 90mm(XS,S) 100mm(M) 110mm(L) 120mm(XL, XXL)
  – Seatpost: LAPIERRE AERO CARBON 0mm offset
  – Saddle: PROLOGO DIMENSION
  – Wheels: DT SWISS P1850 DB23 CENTERLOCK TUBELESS
  – Tires: SCHWALBE ONE RACEGUARD TUBELESS EASY 700X25
  – Weight: 8.88 kg (size L)
  – Price: €2,999

LAPIERRE AIRCODE DRS 6.0

• Specifications:
  – Frame: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SL CARBON
  – Fork: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SL CARBON
  – Drivetrain: SHIMANO ULTEGRA R8000, 11s
  – Crankset: SHIMANO ULTEGRA FC-R8000, 52X36T 170mm(XS,S) 172.5mm(M,L), 175mm(XL,XXL)
  – Bottom Bracket: SHIMANO PRESSFIT SMBB7141B
  – Cassette: SHIMANO 105 CS-R7000 11s 11-28T
  – Rotors: SHIMANO SMRT800 CENTERLOCK FT:160mm / RR:140mm
  – Headset: ACROS INTEGRATED
  – Handlebar: LAPIERRE UD CARBON 40cm(XS,S) 42cm(M,L,XL) 44cm(XXL) compatible with triathlon extensions
  – Handlebar tape: LAPIERRE VEXGEL TAPE
  – Stem: LAPIERRE -7° 31.8mm 90mm(XS,S) 100mm(M) 110mm(L) 120mm(XL, XXL)
  – Seatpost: LAPIERRE AERO CARBON 0mm offset
  – Saddle: PROLOGO DIMENSION
  – Wheels: LP ROAD DISC CARBON 38 CENTERLOCK
  – Tires: SCHWALBE ONE RACEGUARD TUBELESS EASY 700X25
  – Weight: 8.30 kg (size L)
  – Price: €3,999

LAPIERRE AIRCODE DRS 7.0

• Specifications:
  – Frame: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SUPERLIGHT CARBON
  – Fork: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SUPERLIGHT CARBON
  – Drivetrain: SHIMANO ULTEGRA Di2 R8050, 11s
  – Crankset: SHIMANO ULTEGRA FC-R8000, 52X36T 170mm(XS,S) 172.5mm(M,L), 175mm(XL,XXL)
  – Bottom Bracket: SHIMANO PRESSFIT SMBB7241B
  – Cassette: SHIMANO ULTEGRA CS-R7000 11s 11-28T
  – Rotors: SHIMANO SMRT800 CENTERLOCK FT:160mm / RR:140mm
  – Headset: ACROS INTEGRATED
  – Handlebar: LAPIERRE AERO UD CARBON 40cm(XS,S) 42cm(M,L,XL) 44cm(XXL) with carbon extensions
  – Handlebar tape: LAPIERRE VEXGEL TAPE
  – Stem: LAPIERRE -7° 31.8mm 90mm(XS,S) 100mm(M) 110mm(L) 120mm(XL, XXL)
  – Seatpost: LAPIERRE AERO CARBON 0mm offset
  – Saddle: PROLOGO DIMENSION T4.0 RAILS
  – Wheels: LP AERO ROAD DISC CARBON 50 CENTERLOCK
  – Tires: CONTINENTAL GP5000 TL 700×25
  – Accessories: SHIMANO INTERNAL BATTERY BT-DN110-A1 / SMBCR2 CHARGER (USB cord)
  – Weight: 8.21 kg / 8.58 kg (with TT extensions)
  – Price: €4,999

LAPIERRE AIRCODE DRS 8.0

• Specifications:
  – Frame: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SUPERLIGHT CARBON
  – Fork: NEW AIRCODE DRS DISC THRU AXLE UD SUPERLIGHT CARBON
  – Drivetrain: SHIMANO ULTEGRA Di2 R8050, 11s
  – Crankset: SHIMANO ULTEGRA FC-R8000, 52X36T 170mm(XS,S) 172.5mm(M,L), 175mm(XL,XXL)
  – Bottom Bracket: SHIMANO PRESSFIT SMBB7241B
  – Cassette: SHIMANO ULTEGRA CS-R8000 11s 11-28T
  – Rotors: SHIMANO SMRT900 CENTERLOCK FT:160mm / RR:140mm
  – Headset: ACROS INTEGRATED
  – Handlebar: LAPIERRE AERO UD CARBON 40cm(XS,S) 42cm(M,L,XL) 44cm(XXL) with carbon extensions
  – Handlebar tape: LAPIERRE VEXGEL TAPE
  – Stem: LAPIERRE -7° 31.8mm 90mm(XS,S) 100mm(M) 110mm(L) 120mm(XL, XXL)
  – Seatpost: LAPIERRE AERO CARBON 0mm offset
  – Saddle: PROLOGO DIMENSION NACK RAILS
  – Wheels: DT SWISS ARC 1100 DICUT 50 CARBON CENTERLOCK
  – Tires: CONTINENTAL GP5000 TL 700×25
  – Accessories: SHIMANO INTERNAL BATTERY BT-DN110-A1 / SMBCR2 CHARGER (USB cord)
  – Weight: 7.96 kg / 8.33 kg (with TT extensions)
  – Price: €6,999

The two available frame kits

AIRCODE DRS
– UD SL Ultimate Carbon construction, only compatible with Di2/SRAM AXS
– Weight: 975 g (size M, incl. Alloy part,)
– Components included: 0 and 20 mm offset seatpost, stem, aero carbon handlebar
– Triathlon extensions, Vexgel handlebar tape, thru-axle.
– Sizes: XS to XXL
– Price: €3,499

AIRCODE DRS Groupama-FDJ Replica
– UD SL Ultimate Carbon construction, only compatible with Di2/SRAM AXS
– Weight: 975 g (size M, incl. Alloy part,)
– Components included: 0 and 20 mm offset seatpost, stem, aero carbon handlebar
– Triathlon extensions, Vexgel handlebar tape, thru-axle.
– Sizes: XS to XXL
– Price: €3,499

Contact: cycle-lapierre.fr

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