Dilecta Grammont Review: Class with Accessibility

French-Style Carbon Elegance

As Dilecta’s first monocoque carbon model, the Grammont perfectly embodies the French brand’s philosophy, catering to recreational cyclists and competitors seeking performance and elegance. Alive, accessible and meticulously finished, the Dilecta Grammont stands out in today’s cycling landscape, particularly for its excellent value for money. Here’s our review of a bike that’s appealing in more ways than one. By Guillaume Judas – Photos: © Vincent Lyky

Founded in 1913 in the small town of Le Blanc, the French brand Dilecta has made its mark on the history of competitive cycling with 36 seasons at the top, five yellow jerseys, 14 stage victories at the Tour de France, and seven triumphs at the legendary Tour of Flanders. Relaunched in 2021 by Éric Vanhaverbeke, the new incarnation of Dilecta carries on this legacy with a touch of modernity.

Dilecta first returned to the road with handcrafted steel and aluminum frames (the Le Blanc and Forçat models), designed for road and gravel riding. Since 2024 the brand has reached a new milestone with the Grammont, its first monocoque carbon road bike and the flagship of a “Performance” line set to evolve in the coming years. This bike, while different in design, remains true to the handling characteristics of the early models and to its target audience: cycling connoisseurs—those who prioritize pleasure, freedom, and the thrill of the ride, with a touch of class and distinction.

Much lighter than the brand’s steel or aluminum frames, the Dilecta Grammont moves into a new category without betraying its origins. It’s a true tour de force.

A Name Steeped in History

The Grammont draws its name from two iconic landmarks: the legendary wall of the Tour of Flanders, where Dilecta triumphed seven times, and Avenue de Grammont in Tours, the finish line for Paris-Tours, which the Dilecta-Wolber team won twice (in 1938 and 1951). Near this avenue, the brand’s historic workshop had been crafting custom frames since 1937. This name pays tribute to the champions and to Dilecta’s artisanal craftsmanship.

Monocoque carbon is not a French specialty today. Dilecta makes no secret of the fact that the Grammont is manufactured by a renowned Asian subcontractor, according to precise specifications defined by the brand.

With modern, clean lines and fully integrated cables, the T700/T800 carbon fiber frame weighs just 830 g in size XS, while offering comfort, strength, durability, and a certain degree of flexibility. Stepping up to higher-modulus T1000/T1100 fibres would have shaved a few dozen grams and delivered stiffer handling, akin to the World Tour machines, but at the cost of a higher price and a potential departure from the brand’s philosophy.

Design and Customization

The Grammont immediately captivates with its refined aesthetics. Its slightly tapered tubes and sleek design give it an identity that blends tradition and modernity. The paintwork, done in France, is flawless, featuring a Dilecta logo on the fork and a signature red trim on the top tube. Through the online configurator, six main colours are available: Dilecta yellow and blue, black, pearlescent white, red, and cosmic purple metallic. The Flamme Rouge program unlocks two- or three-tone schemes (fork and chainstays) for an extra €300, adding a dash of exclusivity. The frame kit comes in five sizes, from XS to XL, with classic geometry that prioritizes a balance between stability and maneuverability. Compatible with tyres up to 30 mm, the Grammont offers an even more comfortable ride, ideal for venturing onto the cobblestones of the Flanders hills. Fitted here with 28 mm Hutchinson Black Bird tubeless tires, it effectively filters out vibrations while remaining precise during weight shifts.

The D-shaped seatpost passively absorbs vibrations—a proven solution, much like Dilecta’s technical choices for this Grammont, which are perfectly in tune with current trends. The frame kit can be complemented by an integrated Dilecta carbon cockpit (available in seven width/length combinations), featuring a flared design that promotes an aerodynamic position with elbows resting on the top of the handlebars.

A Build for Every Budget

The Dilecta Grammont is available as a frame kit starting at €2,490 (€2,850 with the cockpit) and in several complete bike configurations starting at €3,990, featuring Shimano groupsets (105, 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2) or SRAM (Force, Red) groupsets, and Mavic, Fulcrum, or Corima wheelsets.

Our test bike, equipped with a SRAM Force AXS groupset, Corima R45 wheelset, and a Dilecta cockpit, retails for €6,590 and weighs 7.5 kg in size S. That price-to-weight ratio is competitive, comparable to the best offerings on the market, such as those from Origine or Canyon.

A bike that puts a smile on your face

From the very first few revolutions of the wheels, the Grammont impresses with how easily it picks up speed. Its balanced geometry and responsive frame offer immediate responsiveness, which is particularly appreciated during sprints and accelerations. The bike responds vigorously when you stand up on the pedals, regardless of the gear you’re in.

Less rigid than a World Tour bike, the Grammont turns this trait to its advantage in most situations, especially at more moderate speeds or with the power levels accessible to most riders. It stays laterally stable enough not to lose composure during pace changes caused by terrain or traffic. Unlike some bikes that are too specialized or designed for elite athletes, it doesn’t hinder pedaling when energy or strength runs low.

On long, straight stretches into the wind, its stability and the ease of handling the Corima R45 wheelset are pleasantly surprising. These wheels, with their 45-mm U-shaped profile and integrated spoke heads, effectively absorb road irregularities and seem relatively unaffected by crosswinds.

On climbs, the Grammont proves to be agile and efficient. Its reasonable weight and handling—which is more responsive than stiff—make it easy to ride out of the saddle, where it delivers a slight burst of power with each oscillation of the bike. Equipped with a 10-36-tooth cassette, it allows you to tackle almost any challenge, although shifting between gears can sometimes feel abrupt due to gaps in the range. Even on steep gradients, the Corima wheels stay neutral and never hold you back, despite their profile.

Comfort and Versatility

On descents, the Grammont excels thanks to its stability and low sensitivity to crosswinds. The remarkably precise steering allows you to attack corners on the inside line with confidence. The frame’s responsiveness facilitates quick course corrections, a key advantage for avoiding obstacles or loose gravel.

Despite its performance-oriented design, the Grammont doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The D-shaped seatpost effectively absorbs vibrations, and its compatibility with 30 mm tires enhances this quality on rough roads. On fast-paced yet demanding routes, the bike remains enjoyable, even after several hours in the saddle. This versatility makes it an ideal companion for cyclosportives, intense training sessions, or long-distance rides.

Affordable Performance

The Dilecta Grammont is a well-designed bike. While it doesn’t match the extreme performance of a top-of-the-line model in terms of weight or stiffness, it perfectly meets its designers’ expectations. Dynamic, comfortable, safe, and accessible, it comes at a reasonable price. Beyond its elegant finish, it appeals to a broad audience for whom riding enjoyment takes precedence over raw statistics. By combining the brand’s glorious heritage with a modern carbon design, the Grammont stands out as a unique road bike—both versatile and elegant. It’s a real favorite of ours.

The DILECTA GRAMMONT at a glance…

Pros: responsiveness, versatility, comfort, elegant design, value for money Cons: €300 extra cost for customization, in-store availability needs improvement

Frame: HM UD monocoque carbon with T700/T800 finish – Fork: monocoque carbon – Handlebar and stem: Dilecta carbon – Brakes: Sram Force 160/160 mm – Front derailleur: Sram Force AXS 12-speed – Rear derailleur: SRAM Force 12-speed – Shift levers: SRAM Force 12-speed – Cassette: SRAM Force 12-speed 10-36 – Chain: SRAM Force 12-speed – Crankset: SRAM Force 12-speed 48-35 – Wheelset: Corima 45R – Tires: Hutchinson Blackbird Tubeless 700×28 – Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost – Seatpost: Grammont SP – Weight: 7.5 kg in size S without pedals – Number of sizes: 5 – Price: €6,590 (frame kit at €2,490, with cockpit at €2,850) – Several build options available – Finish: 2- and 3-color (Flamme Rouge program: €300) – Contact: dilectacycles.com