The new 2014 Lapierre Aircode was just unveiled for French pro cycling team FDJ.fr, giving them the brand’s first aero road bike.
The aerodynamics are fairly straightforward, using Kammtail shaped down tube and a somewhat teardrop shaped seat tube. The headset stack is minimal, creating a faux integrated stem look by sinking it into the head tube a bit. The fork gets a recessed brake section with Shimano’s more aerodynamic direct-mount front brake.
The bottom bracket area uses their Power Box design to maximize power transfer. They say it’s meant to be fast and stiff and aerodynamic under all conditions. No real mention of comfort or compliance, so we’re guessing this is strictly a tour bike rather than a “classics” all-rounder…
All in all, they’re not reinventing the aero road bike concept here, just using proven tricks and tactics to reduce the frontal impact and streamline air flow. Other slippery features include a hidden rear brake under the chain stays, hidden seat post clamp and internal cable/wire routing. Depending on the model, you may or may not get an aero seat post. It’s shown below on the FDJ team bikes, but those are also showing a standard front and rear brake. Lapierre’s rep told us it will be different than what’s going to be in stores.
Look for it at dealers in July, likely in various trim levels. Full pricing and specs are not yet released. More pics and details should be out next week.
