Reviewer: Hannah Bussey
28-Dec-2012 | 0 Reviews
Could this aluminium-framed, Tiagra-equipped £900 offering from Lapierre punch above its weight?
The alloy 7005 frame has been teamed with an alloy/carbon fork. The tallish head tube - 180mm for a 56.5 top tube - and coming with either a compact (as ours did) or a triple chainset, also leans toward comfort.
What we did notice was that almost all the kit is Shimano. OK, so it's entry-level Tiagra, but sub-grand bikes are often a mishmash of known and unknown parts, so getting that in for the price is impressive. As is the ride.
The 9.3kg Audacio 400 CP is not exactly light, and the weight is noticeable on the climbs and pulling away from stationary starts. But get the bike rolling and it sure does move.
The small amount of flex does its job, soaking up road buzz, which alloy frames can be known for, helping with the planted feeling and finding me quite happy on it for a good few hours. In fact, this is a lovely little bike.
It's well turned out in regard to looks and componentry, and the ride is surprisingly good at such an affordable price point. Chapeau Lapierre - top marks all round.
Ritchey Road Comp
Aluminium 7005 DB with carbon forks
Shimano Tiagra
Selle Italia X1
Ritchey Logic
46, 49, 52, 55, 58cm
49cm
Ritchey Logic
Michelin Dynamic 23c
20.5lb/9.3kg
Shimano R500
www.hotlines-uk.com
Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 11spd Groupset SRP £1,899.99
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