Lapierre unveiled its latest Xelius EFI (Efficient Frame Interactive) road racing flagship at this year's Interbike. It claims the frame is 80g lighter, 20 percent stiffer at the head tube, 10 percent stiffer at the bottom bracket and seven percent stiffer in the rear end – all of which supposedly cuts rider energy expenditure by four percent for a faster and more efficient session.
Lapierre says the key to the new Xelius's improved performance is the way designers have dissected the frame's construction. The lower half is now focused on stiffness and strength, while the upper section emphasizes rider comfort.
As a result, the dropouts, chain stays, extra-wide press-fit bottom bracket, down tube, 1 1/8in to 1 1/4in tapered head tube and forward top tube section are all formed as one oversized structure. The rest of the frame utilizes more slender shapes for a smoother feel over rough pavement.
The more efficient use of material has also decreased the combined frame and fork weight to around 1,160g (2.56lb).
Moreover, updated fittings make the new Xelius EFI compatible with nearly any drivetrain standard, with internal routing for both conventional cables and electronic wires, plus built-in battery mounts.
Battery mounts are built into the down tube on the Xelius EFI
Lapierre will offer the new Xelius EFI as a bare frameset with 'HM F40' carbon fiber, or in one of three complete bikes. The latter will be built with a slighter heavier blend of carbon.
Lapierre has also revamped its Sensium endurance road bike for 2013. The comfy carbon chassis now has a bigger elastomer damper in the seat stay wishbone that's said to deliver 25 percent better vibration attenuation than the Xelius EFI but with the same rear-end stiffness.
Other changes include press-fit bottom brackets and electronic transmission compatibility across the board.
Road bike efficiency but with a more upright position from the Sensium