With this new release, Lapierre is returning to the roots of the Pulsium: in 2014, it was developed specifically for the demands of the spring classics, especially of course the cobblestone races Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders. High riding comfort has therefore been at the top of the specification from the very beginning. With the subsequent updates, the geometry was also designed with long-distance and beginners in mind, and the riding position became increasingly upright. The fourth generation Pulsium is now set to be significantly sportier and more race-orientated again, as well as being lighter and getting an aerodynamic update. However, mounting points for luggage and mudguards as well as generous tyre clearance also make everyday cyclists and off-road fans sit up and take notice. The bike is therefore aimed at a broad audience looking for a versatile, comfortable and affordable road bike without making any major sporting compromises.
Facts & figures about the Lapierre Pulsium
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.3 to 8.8 kilos
- Frame weight: 992 grammes
- Fork weight: 380 grams (UD SLI Team/UD SLI)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 579/389 millimetres/1.48 (size L)
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Prices: 2599 to 5699 Euro
Lapierre's unmistakable trademark can also be found on the new Pulsium: it adopts the design with the seat stays connected to the top tube. The French company has now dispensed with an additional elastomer, which was intended to further improve the suspension comfort of the previous Pulsium. Instead, the tube node with a kink in the seat stays before the connection to the top tube and with a targeted fibre layup should be better trimmed for comfort. According to the manufacturer, the new model should offer 5 to 7 per cent better suspension than its predecessor. The new construction also makes the frame lighter. Despite the use of a "second-class" carbon quality - an even lighter quality is only used for the top models of the Xelius SL and Aircode race bikes - the frame weight should remain under one kilogramme. For size M, Lapierre specifies a weight of 992 grams, but without paint.
Aerodynamics have also been considered, although the tuning here is rather cautious. Aero profiles on the fork and head tube are now almost standard in the design of modern racing bikes. Lapierre claims a five per cent improvement in aerodynamics compared to its predecessor, although no data is available. Depending on speed, the bike is said to save four to five seconds over ten kilometres.
Lapierre Pulsium: Geometry for the competition
With its revised geometry, the Lapierre Pulsium has positioned itself at the sporty end of the marathon segment. Across all sizes (except XS), the head tube is now a full two centimetres shorter, while the frame length has increased by a few millimetres. In the medium sizes, the stack-to-reach ratio, i.e. the ratio of handlebar height to seat length, is just under 1.5. Most endurance bikes are well above this, the Lapierre is most comparable to the geometries of moderate competition racing bikes. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable gap to the Xelius race bike, which is even more aggressive. An additional, sixth size is also new: the XXL format is aimed at riders taller than 1.95 metres.
The Pulsium's maximum tyre clearance is mentioned in passing in the presentation. At 38 millimetres, this is unusually large, meaning that the bike is poaching on the terrain of typical all-road models or even some gravel bikes. Even mudguards are still possible with the maximum dimensions. You have to look for this combination on the market for a long time - especially if you want such a sporty geometry.
Preference: electronic shifting
In terms of equipment, the focus is on electronic shifting groupsets, with six of the seven variants equipped with wireless shifting from Shimano or Sram. The entry-level model for 2599 euros has a mechanical Shimano 105 2x12 drivetrain. It is also the only one with an affordable own-brand wheelset, all specs with electric shifting roll on DT Swiss wheels. However, only the top model 8.0 for 5699 euros comes with aerodynamic carbon rims (DT Swiss ERC 1600) and a one-piece carbon handlebar set. All others come with 30 millimetre high aluminium rims. Depending on the equipment, the bike weighs between 8.3 and 8.8 kilograms; Lapierre does not specify a weight for the cheapest 5.0 model.
Equipment and prices of the Lapierre Pulsium
Lapierre Pulsium 8.0
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC 1600 Spline 45 mm (Carbon)
- Tyres: Continental Grandprix 5000 S TR (32 mm)
- Frame/fork: Carbon UD SL
- Weight: 8.3 kilos
- Price: 5699 Euro
Lapierre Pulsium 7.0
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 8150 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E1600 Spline 30 mm (aluminium)
- Tyres: Schwalbe One Performance (32 mm)
- Frame/fork: Carbon UD SL
- Weight: 8.5 kilos
- Price: 4399 Euro
Lapierre Pulsium 6.0 AXS
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival Etap AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Rival (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E1600 Spline 30 mm (aluminium)
- Tyres: Schwalbe One Performance (32 mm)
- Frame/fork: Carbon UD SL
- Weight: 8.6 kilos
- Price: 3899 Euro
Lapierre Pulsium 6.0
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 7150 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E1600 Spline 30 mm (aluminium)
- Tyres: Schwalbe One Performance (32 mm)
- Frame/fork: Carbon UD SL
- Weight: 8.5 kilos
- Price: 4399 Euro
Lapierre Pulsium 5.0
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 7100 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm)
- Impellers: Lapierre Road Alloy Disc (aluminium)
- Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport (32 mm)
- Frame/fork: Carbon UD SL
- Weight: n.a.
- Price: 2599 Euro
Jens Klötzer
Editor
