Presentation - advantages of cycling everyday
Long-distance cyclists the number of years of collaboration between Lapierre and equipment FDJ.fr . Will it be our clover that gives luck to this relationship between the team and us? Who knows. After all, what is it that keeps the F DJ.fr and Lapierre team together for so long? Share common values: passion, ethics, love of competition, audacity, a taste for challenges ... The list is long. A love story that is not willing to go out.
Gilles Lapierre and Marc Madiot, responsible for this association, can only welcome this "French-style" success. «13 years, which is not little, I think it deserves to be highlighted», says Gilles Lapierre. "I think this association is first of all a story of names. We are like a family, because we all know each other. Our 100% partnership is on the same wavelength, and that is noticeable when talking to the pilots and staff. " "We are always looking to improve and this is a challenge that only one can not achieve," says Marc Madiot. "With Lapierre, we are stronger, and vice versa! » It's simple, for several seasons, there is no single model of competition in the Lapierre range that has not passed through the hands of FDJ.fr Team . Xelius EFI, Aerostorm , and more recently A ircode and Pulsium . All were submitted to the verdict of the pilots, dissected by the mechanics, the coaches and the test equipment: rigidity, aerodynamics, geometry, comfort and precision. Nothing is left to chance. The young and new generation of runners of the FDJ.fr Team can attest to that. N acer Bouhanni and Arnaud Demare already have several victories of the UCI World Tour to their credit, Thibaut
Pinot, Alexandre Geniez Elissonde and Kenny were already imposed in big stages (Tour de France and Tour of Spain), Arthur Vichot or Yoann Offredo are the team leaders in the classics. Along with these young people full of enthusiasm, Francis Mourey , omnipresent leader of the French cyclocross, who has just concluded an exceptional season: 1 victory in the World Cup, two second places, one eighth place in the French championship fight, and currently In series competing of course! In summary, these runners do not face complexes with the best runners in the world. And this is not just a matter of luck. And therefore, it will continue ... :: Road Carbon Technology We have been developing and m anufacturing our paintings for almost 70 years . It was in 2003 when we embarked on the adventure of carbon trading with our famous model 0.9c, the first monocoque road frame. With its revolutionary design for the time, this painting reached the r ecord weight o f 900 g in size 52 and shone on the roads of the Tour de France.
After 10 years, based on a close collaboration between Lapierre engineers, the professional brokers of the FDJ and the best suppliers specialized in high-end materials, we constantly develop and improve the technology of our carbon models, with the aim of being lighter, efficient and reliable The success of a carbon project according to our needs is based on two criteria: a manufacturing that meets the highest quality standard and the choice of different types of fibers responding exactly to the expected characteristics in each of them. our bicycles.
:: Manufacturing The manufacture of carbon frames requires a thorough knowledge of their use. The objective: To obtain the composite frames with a perfect structure and an exceptional finish. A key element that allows us to achieve these requirements is the care in the production of the elements that intervene in the process. When the 3 D model of a new painting is completed by our engineers, the manufacture of molds is started. This is the most important moment of all carbon project investment. Several prototypes are then made to validate the use of the new mold. The quality of the mold is crucial for the final quality of a bicycle. We pay special attention. The assembly of the different layers of fibers is then completely handmade. These will form the structure of each tube. We need to know the entire manufacturing process in depth of each of our tables: For most bicycles, the front triangle consisting of the top tube, diagonal tube, steering tube and saddle tube is made once, this i s what we know as "monocoque" .
To realize the front triangle, the sheets of unidirectional carbon fibers are first cut according to the shape of the various zones of the frame. These sheets impregnated with resin (a process called "prepreg") are applied to the cores obtaining the inner shape of each tube. This step is crucial, since it determines the structure of the frame, adjusting the number of carbon layers and the orientation of the carbon fibers: a greater number of layers of prepreg will be applied in areas where high rigidity is required (in the bottom bracket for example). And there will be fewer layers in areas that have to be more flexible (saddle tube for example). Another feature, these layers are superimposed on a very precise tight interlacing to optimize the resistance of each tube. The front triangle is then inserted into the mold, which is compressed using a special press. The air chambers are inflated at high pressure inside the box, giving the shape of each tube. The assembly is then heated to cause solidification of the resin.
After cooling the air chambers and internal mandrels are removed and removed from the mold. The same procedure is done to achieve the straps and sheaths. Once the various parts of the frame are made, they are assembled by gluing. This assembly is carried out in a template to obtain a frame conforming exactly to the predefined geometry. The entire frame is then placed in an oven to effect the hardening of the different glueings. The painting is completely polished to obtain a perfectly smooth surface. Next, it is ready to be painted and varnished. Throughout this process , the frame and the various parts are put to the test for manufacturing quality control (surface, structure, cohesion of the fibers and resin, glued, etc.), as well as their conformity according to the predefined geometry. Before the launch of serial production, the first prototypes are tested and analyzed in detail by our Dijon research department. In a
second step, other prototypes undergo strict tests of fatigue and stiffness resistance. Best b ike gear review in the bestbikeus.com Finally, many tests are carried out by our professional Lapierre pilots: the cycling team FDJ.fr for our road bikes, t he Lapierre Gravity Republic team drivers and Nicolas Vouilloz , among others, for our MTBs. Their level of demand and work puts our cadres to the limit and puts them to the test in the field to verify the real performance of each new carbon product. After this series of tests and real tests, modifications can still be made in the assembly of the carbon fibers or in the mold in order to obtain the perfect bicycle. :: Types of fibers The choice of fibers is the second key to the success of a carbon project. In fact, each type of fiber has very specific characteristics of stiffness and resistance and therefore has a use for a specific purpose. To make the choice of the most relevant fibers, we work
with the best manufacturers specialized in high quality carbon fiber. Between stiffness and resistance The types of fibers are mainly characterized by two criteria: rigidity (Young's modulus) and resistance. Young's modulus is an index that characterizes the rigidity of a material. The greater the value of the Young's modulus of a fiber, the more rigid the fiber will be. The value of the Young's modulus is measured in GPa (Giga Pascales) or in tons-force / mm², often abbreviated as "tons" in the industry. Resistance is an index that characterizes the breaking point of a material. In addition, the value of a fiber tensile strength is important, as fiber can better fit larger impacts. Therefore, the challenge of our
engineers is to determine a mixture of carbon fibers to obtain different types of frames combining rigidity and strength. :: The fibers in Lapierre
For the manufacture of our frames, we use types of fibers: - Module fibers 24 tons - Module fibers 30 tons
- Module fibers 40 tons - Module fibers 46 tons They can also be classified by the resistance value of the fiber: High Resistance (HR), Intermediate Module (IM), High Module (HM) and Very High Module (VHM). Here we detail the details of the different fibers we use, their strengths and their functions: Type of RIGIDI fiber TY
RESISTA NCE
Strengths
Function
24 ton.(H R)
++
+++++
High deformation capacity
Absorption of the greatest impacts and dissipation of vibration
30 ton(IM )
+++
++++
High strength, excellent resistance / rigidity ratio
Absorption of impacts and transmission of power
40 ton.(H M)
++++
+++
Optimal rigidity
Power transmission
46 +++++ ++ ton(VH M)
The most rigid Power fiber, used by transmission Lapierre
It is also possible to represent the position of the different types of these fibers together in the form of a Tensions diagram. :: What fibers for each bicycle? Each Lapierre frame is constructed with several types of fibers in carefully studied proportions. AIRCODE: aero competition road 24t and 30t fibers for fatigue resistance and 40t fibers for high rigidity XELIUS EFI: competition road 24t and 30t fibers for fatigue resistance and 40t and 46t fibers for extreme rigidity PULSIUM: competition resistance
24t and 30t fibers for impact resistance and 40t fibers for high rigidity SENSIUM: resistance 24t and 30t fibers for impact resistance and vibration absorption SHAPER 900 and 700: fitness 24t and 30t fibers for absorption of vibrations and comfort AEROSTORM: against clock and triathlon 30t and 40t fibers for excellent rigidity / fatigue resistance ratio CX Carbon: cyclocross 24t fibers for perfect shock and vibration absorption :: Power Box Already tested several seasons in our Xelius EFI technology, Power Box technology has become a standard in our racing bicycles. In
2015, it is integrated into our two new models, used by the cycling team of FDJ.fr: the Aircode and the Pulsium . Despite the different areas of specialization, the aerodynamics for the Aircode and the resistance for the Pulsium, the Power Box technology is applied in our models with one objective: to obtain the perfect rigidity between the steering tube, the bottom bracket and the Rear wheel axle. This ensures a total and effective transmission of pedaling power. An indispensable criterion for the bicycles of a team of the UCI World Tour. :: What is the principle of a Power Box technology?
It is based on two elements: the oversized tubes affected and the maintenance of the maximum length of the fiber. In the first place, the steering tube, the diagonal tube, the bottom bracket and the pods have a tube section much higher than the rest. This zone is intended exclusively for the transmission of power and therefore must provide maximum rigidity.
Then we maximize the length of the fiber between the head tube and the bottom bracket. These fibers, unidirectional carbon, must be parallel and be in the maximum possible length for a better fit. By combining these two methods, all your power is transmitted to the rear wheel. You will not lose a watt, for that! :: Aero Technology To build ever faster bicycles, we have used all our know-how and our knowledge of aerodynamics to offer cutting-edge technology and we have put it at the service of speed. The development of our aerodynamic frames (Aerostorm and then Aircode) was carried out in collaboration with ACE (Aero Concept Engineering), specialized in aerodynamic optimization. All advanced technologies have been at the service of the design of our bicycles: numerical calculations in fluid mechanics (or CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics ), aerodynamic wind tunnel tests, nothing is the result of chance. Created by two engineers of the Formula 1, the company ACE accumulates more than 30 years of experience in aerodynamics. . It is not by chance that your data center and fan are based in Magny-Cours (France), near the
legendary Formula 1 circuit. During all these years, the ACE company has demonstrated its experience in the service of many manufacturers in the that speed is a fundamental element of the development of their products. This knowledge, previously reserved for Formula 1 or aeronautics, is now accessible to all thanks to the teamFDJ.fr and Lapierre . The aerodynamic study of a Lapierre frame has several key steps in its process: The complete bicycle and the pilot are modeled in 3D using special software. The frame is then "sectioned" in different areas (steering tube, tie rods, vertical saddle tube, etc.). A global work objective is marked, and it is tested in the whole table: This is to reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient and work until finding the value established in the specifications of the material. In this way the design of the frame is defined knowing that a power gain in watts is obtained. Then the numerical calculation phase begins : the air flow around the bicycle and the corridor is simulated by computer. There are
several types of simulations executed under different conditions: no wind, face wind, crosswind. All at different speeds, in order to be effective in any situation. Then, the o ptimization phase begins : After all the calculations have been carried out, and depending on the results, the design of each part of the table is reworked step by step. The objective is to design the frame so that the air friction is as low as possible while always maintaining the required rigidity. It seeks to interrupt as little as possible the flow of air around the whole set, bicycle + pilot when they move to limit the formation of turbulence. For this, tube profiles are optimized to the maximum. Not only all the areas should be considered independently of the others, but also their impact on the rest of the group should be taken into account. For example, incorrect orientation of the air flow once the fork is passed can create an adverse turbulence in the diagonal tube. This stage of optimization is continued until the initial objective, the reduction of the resistance, is achieved. In the case of the
Aerostorm project, the initial objective was achieved after 3 months of calculations. Once the optimization finishes, a battery of tests is made in the wind tunnel to verify and validate the aerodynamic performance of the bicycle. Thanks to this optimization by numerical simulation and the testing process in the wind tunnel, it is no longer necessary to develop many "intermediate" prototypes on a project. Now we expand the limits known to date. You too! :: Bikes developed with Aero technology: Aerostorm: Profile Kamm Tail in the upper tube and vertical seat tube (profiled in the cutting of the trailing edge of the air) à The best rigidity / weight / aerodynamics ratio à Better behavior in lateral wind conditions (No whirlwind created by the classic trailing edge)
- New aerodynamic profile of the fork with brake integrated in it Integrated power Aerodynamic seat Integrated seat clamp Aircode: Profile Kamm Tail on top tube and vertical saddle tube New optimized fork Semi-integrated power Integrated seat clamp Pulsium technology
At the launch of the Pulsium project, the goal set for the engineers was simple: create a bicycle built for difficult terrain, capable of absorbing vibrations, more than any other model. After a year of development, it has been successfully overcome with this new carbon frame challenge. Its geometry and the unique design of its tubes define a very tolerant frame for physics. It offers incredible vertical flexibility while maintaining its lateral stiffness, absolutely essential in a road bike destined for the UCI World Tour.
Thanks to its new t echnology SAT (Shock Absorption Technology), one of our most important innovations this year, as well as its new specific construction of carbon fibers and resistant geometry, the Pulsium is a frame designed to absorb shock and take care of the pilot. Thanks to an elastomer ring, the new construction of the frame with a special carbon laminate and the resistance of its geometry, the new frame of the Pulsium will find no rival in paved terrains, preserving the physical effort of the cyclist. And added, the technology Lapierre Power Box (lower part of the box for power). A system already proven in the Xelius EFI frame that guarantees rigidity to the frame and therefore maximum power in any sprint. The Pulsium range consists of 3 series models, plus 2 models in the Ultimate program. All are equipped with components 100% dedicated to performance: Shimano 11-speed compact transmission, Shimano brakes, Mavic or Shimano wheels, Zipp seatpost, Fizik saddle ... :: Absorption technology:
Damping technology à absorption of the deformation distributing the bending between the seat tube and the upper tube Seat tube from 27.2 to 27% more effective in absorbing deformation compared to the previous Sensium Curved and tuned braces: behavior like a crossbow- types of personal training services in mountain bike kit- Fork with optimized frontal rigidity and increased lower diameter (50mm versus 43mm for better maneuverability): performance similar to braces Upper tube curved facilitated deformation by traction and compression deformation and the absorption of the fork Set of redesigned carbon fibers: specific assembly depending on each tube, all the fibers used have a Young's modulus of 40 tons or less, use of differentiated fibers (Young's modulus 24 and 30 tons) for a better resistance to impacts and better absorption of vibrations à greater capacity of the tubes to flex and lower risk of breakage
:: Power technology: Integration of Power Box technology: steering tube, diagonal tube, bottom bracket and oversized braces (lateral stiffness equal to the Xelius EFI), and maximized fiber length à Maximum power of pedaling transmission :: Other technologies: With a geometry adapted to the resistance (6 sizes): braces longer than the Sensium for stability, shock absorption and the passage of wheels; and 5mm higher head tube compared to the Sensium for a more comfortable riding position Modular rear brake with adapter à compatible both with short diameter and with long diameter allowing in the case of long diameter to mount a tire of maximum 700x32c. Integrated seat tube clamp Cable routing is done inside the upper tube to reduce noise in uneven terrain