Lapierre Shaper 700 (2014)

Solid component choices on this mid-range flat bar

Pros

- Good Selection of Components
- Excellent Wheel set
- Quality Shifting and Braking

Cons

- Poor grip with tires
- Non Quick Release Seatpost
- Cheap Grips on Handlebars

Review

What to do when you know you want a bike, but you're just not sure where to start... Well it's your lucky day, because the team at Lapierre have recently put together this nippy little flat bar road bike. They said you'd like it, and we can only agree. Not only will you be happy with the ride, but you'll also be happy with life because we all know life is better when you ride a bike. A Lapierre bike to be precise!

The Lapierre Shaper 700 is the perfect 'go to' bike, for top end quality and entry level pricing. After closer inspection, we found the bike to have an excellent assortment of components from quite a variety of brands. Instead of blanketing the bike in one brand, it's sometimes nice to see a company go to the trouble of hand-selecting each component to ensure the bike meets their mark!

The core of this bike features a carbon fibre frame and fork, which is the secret ingredient to offering a smooth ride and an equally responsive acceleration and response. But don't be misled, this machine may be comfortable, but that doesn't mean it can't perform!

Shimano have taken care of all shifting and braking duties, with Shimano 105 and Tiagra mixed together to form the groupset. The reliability of these levels of Shimano components is world renowned, meaning your new bike will be rolling for miles and miles.

The French wheel company, Mavic have offered up their brilliant Mavic Aksium wheelset - the same wheels you'd find on a mid range road bike! They may be a bit heavy for racing but not bad for a flat bar ride, huh? A super slick set of Michelin Dynamic tires wrap around the French wheels, and while not our favorite they are appropriate for most road riding duties.

But what about all the other important bits? A full assortment of Ritchey components holds the cockpit together, from seatpost to handlebars to the stem - it's all Ritchey, and all quality.

Last but definitely not least, the throne upon which you sit! You'll be happy to know that Selle Italia will be looking after your derriere while you ride. Now there's no excuse to not get out for a spin in the mornings.