Maillot Vert or Polka Dots? New 2025 Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0 in review

Once known as a thoroughbred climber, the Lapierre Xelius DRS has been redeveloped from the ground up and now features the aerodynamic refinements of the Aircode DRS. We put it through the wringer to find out whether the new Xelius DRS transitioned from a climbing machine to an aero-optimised all-rounder with its Formula 1-style aerodynamic fine-tuning.

With the new Xelius DRS, Lapierre introduces their first true all-round racer, aiming to strike the perfect balance between aerodynamics and climbing performance. But why release a successor just three years after the last Xelius? The answer lies in the evolution of racing: speeds are increasing, the demand for aero performance is rising, and since Groupama-FDJ’s switch to Wilier, Lapierre is no longer supplying a Men’s WorldTour team.

Rather than developing two different bikes that focus specifically on climbing and aero, Lapierre combined the strengths of both concepts with a 3D-Tubular design in one bike: please welcome the new Xelius DRS. This evolution focuses on aerodynamics without sacrificing its lightweight build. The bike is clearly inspired by the Lapierre Aircode DRS, which is now being discontinued. With the Xelius DRS, Lapierre aims to deliver the road bike for the modern era: fast, lively, and confident. Will this help Lapierre regain a foothold in the pro peloton?

Aerodynamics meet climbing mastery: the New Lapierre Xelius DRS in detail

Originally developed as a climbing machine, the latest iteration of the Xelius aims to do more than just conquer mountains. By combining its lightweight design with aerodynamic elements from the Aircode, it promises a blend of climbing and aero performance, making it well-suited for both steep climbs and fast stages on level ground.
The Xelius DRS inherits several features from the Aircode, including the aerodynamically optimised fork crown transition. Here, the airflow is guided through a particularly smooth connection between the fork and the downtube, reducing drag and maximising efficiency at high speeds. Additionally, the new D-shaped seat post contributes to improved aerodynamics while also enhancing stability.

In purely visual terms, the new Xelius DRS might draw less attention with its stealthy paint job, but it stands out all the more thanks to its long seatstays, which Lapierre calls 3D-Tubular. The extended seatstays attach further back on the top tube, which is meant to increase flex in the frame and thus to dampen vibrations and noticeably improve comfort, especially on rough terrain. At the same time, the design aims to reduce weight by using less carbon at the intersections. The 3D-Tubular design, which has become something of a Lapierre signature, is also featured on the new Crosshill CF gravel bike.

The specs of the Lapierre Xelius DRS

Anyone choosing the Lapierre Xelius DRS has the option of nine complete bikes and three frame kits. For taller riders, there’s a new XXL frame size, offering a suitable option for riders taller than 1.95 m. Prices start at € 2,899 for the entry-level model with a cable-operated Shimano 105 groupset and go up to € 10,000 for the Xelius DRS 10.0, which comes equipped with a top-tier, electronic Shimano DURA-ACE groupset and a frame made from higher-quality UD-SLI-TEAM carbon. This high-end frame kit is priced at € 3,999.

Our test bike in size L, equipped with a complete Shimano DURA-ACE groupset, weighs a light 7.36 kg. Although the new Xelius DRS is 185 g heavier than its predecessor, it remains 300 g lighter than the Aircode. Despite this, the new Lapierre Xelius DRS is said to be more aerodynamic than the Aircode DRS. The only aspect missing, in our opinion, is a power meter, which would be a must for a true race bike.

The precise DURA-ACE drivetrain with a 52/36 chainring and an 11–36 cassette provides the necessary gearing for even the steepest climbs, staying true to the climbing DNA of the Xelius. Tires up to 32 mm wide can be mounted, offering additional comfort and grip on fast descents or cobblestones. Our test bike is equipped with 28 mm wide Continental GP5000 S tubeless tires, which perfectly complement the new all-round character of the bike.

Working with Swiss wheel specialists DT Swiss, Lapierre developed a custom wheelset, just like they did for the Crosshill CF. The standard Xelius model is equipped with the new ERC1600 wheels featuring 45 mm deep rims and a DT Swiss 350 hub. The ERC1400 wheels on the 9.0 model combine 45 mm and 35 mm deep carbon rims, which have been aerodynamically optimised by Swiss Side. According to Lapierre, these wheels, paired with the 240 hub, offer an ideal balance between stiffness and comfort, making them especially appealing for ambitious amateurs. The 22 mm internal rim width provides extra room for the tires, which enhances comfort, grip, and stability – especially compared to the narrower ARC wheels. Incidentally, in our Performance Wheelset Comparison Test, we already tested the DT Swiss ERC1100 with 45 mm deep rims.

The new carbon cockpit was specifically designed for the Xelius DRS and grows with the frame size across various cockpit sizes. Our test bike in size L features a 410 mm wide handlebar and a 110 mm long stem. The transition between the steerer tube and the stem unit has also been redesigned to improve aerodynamics. Thanks to the semi-integrated cable routing, the cockpit can be swapped without disconnecting the brake lines. The slightly flared drops are intended to improve control on fast descents and explosive sprints.

The Geometry of the Lapierre Xelius DRS

The Lapierre Xelius DRS maintains the same geometry as its predecessor, the Xelius SL, even though the new aero features of the Aircode DRS have clearly influenced the design. The sharper tube shapes are intended to reduce drag and strike a balance between lightness, stiffness, and aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the distinctive 3D-Tubular seatstays aim to blend comfort with aerodynamic performance.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top Tube	520 mm	531 mm	547 mm	568 mm	587 mm	605 mm
Seat Tube	440 mm	458 mm	489 mm	518 mm	547 mm	577 mm
Head Tube	105 mm	120 mm	140 mm	160 mm	180 mm	200 mm
Head Angle	72°	72°	73°	73°	74°	74°
Seat Angle	74°	74°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstay	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm
BB Drop	-67 mm	-67 mm	-67 mm	-67 mm	-67 mm	-67 mm
Wheelbase	969 mm	981 mm	989 mm	1005 mm	1014 mm	1032 mm
Reach	376 mm	383 mm	393 mm	403 mm	415 mm	428 mm
Stack	501 mm	516 mm	538 mm	557 mm	580 mm	599 mm

Compared to the Aircode, the geometry of the Xelius DRS is more agile and direct, without exactly copying the purely aggressive orientation of the Aircode. The progressive head angle, ranging from 72° to 74°, gives the bike a sprightly and responsive nature, especially on climbs. With a sporty stack-to-reach ratio of 1.38, it maintains a compact and controllable position, enabling rapid descents. The short wheelbase, combined with the short chainstays, ensures agility and quick acceleration, while the steep seat angle provides powerful climbing capability. On flat terrain, however, it offers a bit less stability.

Enough power for the Champs-Élysées? The Lapierre Xelius DRS in our practical test

The feeling at the foot of the first climb: you clip in and pedal hard – the Lapierre Xelius DRS immediately shows what it’s built for. Within the first few meters, the bike reveals its climbing qualities, and as soon as you stand on the pedals on steeper sections, you feel how well it handles. It responds quickly to steering inputs and gains speed effortlessly with each powerful pedal stroke. The sporty, stretched geometry puts you in a low position without feeling like a dedicated aero bike. But it’s clear: it demands power. Without enough pressure on the pedals, the Xelius loses a bit of dynamism, but with enough effort, it shines on climbs.

Reaching the top, you catch your breath before diving into the descent. This is where the Xelius DRS shows its agility. It carves smoothly into turns and instills confidence right away. The precise steering and agile handling let you direct the bike exactly where you want it. It remains stable, but at very high speeds, it tends to feel a bit nervous. While it always gives the feeling of being in control, beginners may find the handling a bit too direct, but for experienced riders, it’s just right.

Finally, the sprint to the finish. Here, the stiff and aerodynamic side of the Xelius DRS comes into play: you get low, push hard on the pedals, and the bike surges forward. The sporty geometry allows for efficient power transfer. However, at this moment, you notice that the new wheels, while comfortable, lack some stiffness. It feels like a bit of power is being lost – a stiffer wheelset could perfect the new all-rounder concept. Yet the wheels offer comfort in return, balancing the stiffness of the frame somewhat.

The frame and fork are in a class of their own: stiff, firm, and very direct. Rider input is immediately and accurately translated into steering motions, providing an extremely precise riding feel. At the same time, the stiff frame means that most of the vibration damping comes from the tires and wheels. The rather stiff cockpit doesn’t add much to the comfort, and you can feel the semi-integrated brake cables under your fingers when gripping the tops of the bars. Wrapping the handlebar tape further towards the center of the bars solves this issue with minimal effort.

In the end, the question remains: Is the Xelius DRS a pure climber or a versatile all-rounder? The answer: It stays true to its roots but has become a real multi-talent thanks to the aero updates. It’s right at home on winding mountain roads and punchy climbs. In flat, fast races or sprints, slightly stiffer wheels would add that final bit of snap it’s currently missing. As an all-rounder, the Xelius DRS offers an impressive balance of agility, climbing, and aero performance.

Tuning tip: Stiffer and deeper-section wheels for a more direct response and improved aerodynamics.

Who is the Lapierre Xelius DRS for?

The new Lapierre Xelius DRS is aimed at ambitious riders who thrive in races with plenty of elevation gain and technical corners. As an all-rounder with climbing roots, it excels in hilly and mountainous terrain but can also keep up at high speeds on flat terrain – provided you have the power to back it up.

Riders who push this bike hard will be rewarded with precision and speed. However, comfort and compliance have been sacrificed in some areas in favor of precise handling, making the very agile handling a bit more challenging for beginners. For experienced riders, the Xelius DRS is not only a strong choice for climbing – it also excels in performance and positioning on challenging courses.

The Lapierre Xelius DRS 9.0 also had the chance to prove itself in our big 2025 race bike comparison test. If you’re searching for the fastest road bike of the year, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to not miss the upcoming comparison test!

Conclusion on the Lapierre Xelius DRS

The Lapierre Xelius DRS is a nimble all-rounder with sporty handling and impressive climbing capabilities. The frame excels with its stiff and direct power transfer, ensuring quick acceleration. However, despite precise steering and good stability in corners, comfort suffers due to the stiffness. With stiffer, more aerodynamic wheels, the overall concept could be improved – albeit at the expense of comfort. For ambitious riders, the Xelius offers plenty of potential, especially on challenging courses.

More information at lapierrebikes.com.

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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter