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It took me all of two kilometres to start smiling; this was a pretty impressive bike. The muted paintjob and reasonable price of the Lapierre Tech 7 (€1600) had fooled me into thinking that it would be a capable but unspectacular ride, but this was pretty far off the mark. Indeed, at the end of the test I was reluctant to hand the machine back, with the Cycle Superstore’s John Donnelly practically having to prise it from my greedy grasp. That, needless to say, is a pretty good sign.
In terms of the first impression made a few days earlier, the most noticeable thing was the new 2005 Ultegra groupset. Boasting the same ten speed sprocket as its big brother (thus giving the rider 20 or even 30 gears, if using a triple chainring), it also bears more than a passing resemblance to the Dura Ace group, with a similar look to the hollowtech chainset and the STI levers. The groupset also features the same oversized, externally-fixed bottom bracket, saving weight and enhancing power transfer due to its greater stiffness.
New look Ultegra chainset; this is permanently bonded to the bottom bracket axle
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Left crankarm with the new fixing system
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External bearings
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A sprocket for every type of terrain...
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New Ultegra 2005 STI lever
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The Shimano WHR550 wheels also enhanced that decent first impression, fitting in well with the overall appearance. These may be 105 level but they certainly look the part, with black aero rims and bladed spokes blending well with the frame colour and shape. So too the black and silver Hutchinson Top Speed tyres, black handlebar tape and ITM bars and stem.
Carbon fork and Shimano WHR550 wheels
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The Tech 7 is a compact frame and so plenty of seatpost was on display. A Ritchey post (black!) topped off with the distinctively-shaped Fizik Pave saddle did the job and looked well. All in all, the bike felt light as it was lifted into the car; next stop the test ride.
As stated above, it took little time for that decent first impression to translate into a glowing second one. Once I’d got used to the handling of the bike, things really clicked. The bike felt predictable and comfortable, with well-balanced angles, the frame material and good contact points (Fizik Pave saddle and the newly-designed Ultegra hoods) helping things along nicely. Road vibration was mopped up well, too, helping the kilometres pass more smoothly. And the new Ultegra groupset worked like a dream.
The Fizik Pave saddle
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In terms of performance, the Tech 7 felt like a far more expensive ride. The special heat-treatment of the 7005 DB T4/T6 allows the tubes to be drawn thinner, saving weight without affecting rigidity. Indeed the Lapierre felt surprisingly stiff, responding well when climbing and moving at speed on the flat. Sometimes a comfortable bike loses out in the performance department, but this proved not to be the case; both requirements were covered very well, making this test a very satisfying experience.
To sum up, riders with bundles of cash will probably look to throw more if it around when buying something for the 2005 season. However, the rider with a budget of €1,600 will be more than pleased with their investment should they opt for the Lapierre Tech 7. Performance, comfort, predictable handling; this seems to have all bases covered. Hence the reluctance to hand it back…
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Lapierre 950/953 Tech 7 specifications:
Size: 44, 48, 52, 56 (compact frame)
Weight: 8.5 kg
Frame: Alloy 7005 DB T4/T6
Fork : Carbon with alloy steerer tube
Groupset: New Shimano Ultegra (2005 version, ten speed)
Wheelset: Shimano WHR550
Tyres: Hutchinson Top Speed, 700x23
Headset: FSA Ahead set integrated
Handlebars: ITM 330
Stem: ITM Forgelite
Tape: Cork ribbon
Saddle: Fizik Pave
Seatpost: Ritchey 2 bolts 27.2 x 350 mm
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Contact the Cycle Superstore at 01 - 4512744 for further details about the Tech 7 and/or the shop’s new crash replacement programme for 2005.
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