the mind. Out-of-the-saddle efforts are
greeted with lively acceleration, and
although not as stiff as some carbon
frames on the market, the Xelius
sprinted straight and power put to
the pedals was efficiently delivered
to the rear wheel. The Xelius 400
feels like a hybrid of a classic steel
frame combined with modern carbon.
The frame is light and stiff, yet lively
with enough vertical compliance
to smooth out most road surfaces.
Driving through corners, the Xelius
400 tracked straight and offered no
unwanted surprises.
The Xelius 400 is equipped with a
complete Ultegra group combined
with an Easton EA90 stem, Easton
EA70 Ergo handlebar, EA70 seat
post and white Mavic Ksyrium
Equipe wheels. A fi:z’ik Pave Cx
Mg completes the setup. All told,
the Lapierre Xelius 400 tipped the
scales at 16. 5 pounds, without pedals.
Lapierre did a good job outfitting
the Xelius 400—leaving us with no
complains about any of the parts.
The rider’s compartment on the
Xelius 400 feels like a classic
European road racer with a long and
low setup. The 73-degree head tube
angle gives the Xelius 400 a stable
and predicable feel, while the long
57-centimeter arcing top tube allows
the rider to stretch out for long days in
the saddle. The 73-degree seat tube is
a common angle and makes finding
ones proper saddle position easy.
As the gradient increases, the Xelius
400 comes in to its own. The lively
feel of the bottom bracket, combined
with the stiff and predictable front
end, give the Xelius a light and
quick feel when tackling climbs. It
ascended best out of the saddle, with
the rider quickly turning over the
pedals. By standing out of the saddle
the rider takes advantage of the
frame’s snappy feel and the sensation
of constant acceleration propels and
motivates the rider to push the pace.
In-saddle efforts are best tackled
