Competition road bike on test: The Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0

Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0 - French charm

The elegantly designed Lapierre Aircode enters the comparison with a handicap from the outset: instead of the version shown, the French company would have liked to have sent the Aircode DRS 6.0, which we already tested in 2021, back into the comparison. At a price of € 4299, it would have fitted well into the budget; equipped with mechanical Ultegra and carbon rims, it is 600 grams lighter and slightly faster (TOUR 5/2021, grade 2.3).

However, as the bike is currently not available, the DRS 5.0, which costs 3599 euros, has to compete. With aluminium wheels and mechanical 105 gears from Shimano, it is very functional and solidly built, but inevitably loses points when it comes to competition ambitions. The only average aero result of the frame drags the score down further - the gap to the best at race speed is a significant 30 watts.

On the positive side: With better aerodynamic wheels, the Lapierre would make a significant leap forward.

On the other hand, the bike works flawlessly as it is; it impresses with unshakeable smoothness, rolls on fast tyres, brakes and shifts to the point. The high-quality aluminium rims from DT Swiss are only slightly heavier than simple carbon models, but promise a long life.

A pleasantly shaped carbon handlebar and the comfortable saddle round off the package; however, the complicated integrated gear cables don't really fit in with the character of the robust, unpretentious racing bike. If you want to equip the Aircode with a high-end attitude, Lapierre offers great value for money: the bike is available with Shimano's current Ultegra Di2 for 5999 euros; and the top model DRS 9.0 with Shimano's Dura-Ace Di2 and high-class DT Swiss rims is a comparatively favourable offer for 8099 euros.

Facts & measurements of the Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0

• Price3599 Euro
• Weight: 8,9 Kilo
• Aerodynamics: 232 Watt

• Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1,335/510/79 grams
• Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL
• Seat/top tube/head tube 493/550/144 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR*** 553/385 millimetres/1.43
• Wheelbase/caster 985/50 millimetre

Equipment

• Shimano drivetrain/gear system 105 (2x11, 50/34, 11-30 t.)
• Brakes Shimano 105 (160/140 millimetres)
• Wheels/tyres (weights)**** DT Swiss P 1850/Schwalbe One 25 millimetres (front/rear: 1441/1879 grams)

Strengths: solidly equipped, long warranty, fair price

Weaknessescomparatively heavy frame, moderate aerodynamics

>> The Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0 gets an overall score of 2.6 in the TOUR test of competition bikes

Also in the test:

>> Benotti Fuoco Aero
>> Cervélo Soloist 105
>> Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race
>> Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap
>> Giant Propel Advanced 1
>> Merida Reacto Rival Edition
>> Ridley Noah Disc 105
>> Rose XLite 04 105
>> Storck Aerfast.4 Comp Disc Ultegra

The test results in detail

*Weighed weights.

**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube

STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.

****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.