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2015 Lapierre Sensium 200 Review

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2015 Lapierre Sensium 200 Review

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Old 10-09-15, 02:34 PM
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2015 Lapierre Sensium 200 Review

Thought I'd write this up as my way of saying thanks for the help I received when I was researching and asking questions here. Hopefully someone on that boat will find this useful. The bike I'm reviewing is a 2015 Lapierre Sensium 200 Review

Components
• Shimano 105 FD-5800 Front Derailleur
• Shimano 105 RD-5800 Rear Derailleur
• Shimano 105 FC-5800 11 speed compact crank, 50/34
• Shimano 105 CS-5800 11 speed cassette, 11-28
• Shimano 105 ST-5800 “brifters”?
• Shimano 105 BR-5800 dual pivot caliper brakes
• Shimano SM-BB71-41B Pressfit Bottom Bracket
• Shimano RS010 wheels
• Michelin Dynamic Sport tires
• Ritchey Logic Comp Curve aluminum handle bar
• Ritchey 100mm 4-axis stem
• Ritchey seatpost
• Selle Italia X1 seat

First Impressions
First glance at the bike and I thought “this looks cool!” The colour scheme consisted of primary colours. Black, white and red and was done just right in my opinion. The bike has a full Shimano 105 and Ritchey parts while other bikes in the price range were a mix of a bunch of stuff. I saw it at a local shop which is known to carry only the higher end brands such as Time, LOOK, Merckx, BMC, De Rosa and the likes. Therefore, I figured this Lapierre should be at least decently good. I got sticker shocked as it was listed for $2500 CAD. This was the cheapest of their Lapierre bikes. One model was $7000 CAD. I admired the bikes and promptly moved over to the more cost effective Scotts and OPUS models.

I dropped by another shop who happened to have the same bike but for $600 less. Owner said he’s doing a promotion with Accell (who owns Lapierre) to get this brand of bikes on the roads and get the name out. I promptly took it out for a spin. Initial test ride was quite impressive. I was comparing this bike to the likes of Giant Defy Advanced 2, Defy 1, Felt Z85 and Z5, Specialized Allez Comp, Cannondale CAAD10 5, Cervelo R2 as they are within my price range more or less. Some of which I rode before, and some after the Sensium 200. Now, you’re thinking none of these bikes are in the same category! Geometry and componentry aren’t comparable. That’s because I wanted to feel the difference between them and decide after which to go with.

Luckily, after comparing frame geometry, the Sensium 200 seems to fall in between a more relaxed endurance geometry frame and a tighter or more agile ‘race’ geometry. Unlike with the other bikes, the shop that carried the Sensium 200 didn’t allow for a proper test ride. I could not go on the road as it was a dangerous stretch so I was basically riding laps around their parking lot. I felt at that point it was a bit of a gamble. I also didn’t like that they didn’t wrap the bar tape till the bike was sold and the tires were only pumped to about 70PSI (judged by feel). This gives an inaccurate impression of the bikes ride quality.
I went back and forth between it, the Felt Z85/Z5 and the Giant Defy Advanced 2. It came down to the Sensium 200 and the Felt Z85. The Felt’s components were the “mix of a bunch of stuff” and then Felt’s own stuff (stems, bars, etc..). It costed $50 more but rode also just as well. Problem was, the shop would have to order one in and I also wasn’t too big on the color scheme. So back to the shop I went and snatched the Sensium 200

First Ride Day
So first day, I took the bike home and did my own little PDI right away. Lapierre puts their bikes together in France and apparently, they have a few master mechanics that do this and sign off on the bikes before they get shipped. Regardless, I wanted to double check. I only found the brake pads needed a little adjusting for toe in and some clicking on the bottom bracket (which I still need to get looked at) and the front derailleur a minor adjustment for trim.

The first ride was just around the block after pumping the tires to proper levels and with the bar tape. Smiles all over my face! Next was to do a 50km loop of the local hills. I picked up my pedals, cleats and shoes. The pedals/cleats are a variant of Time’s Espresso but lighter and metal plates. No big deal. I fell clipped in at my first stop light. Good, get that out of the way (haha). The hilly ride was awesome. With only my buddy’s bike and my own single speed to compare with, I’d say I got a very nice bike for me.

Final Impressions
I’ve had the bike for about a month now and have taken it out for rides pretty much everywhere. From shorter flat sprints, against 40km/hr wind gusts, interval climbs up and down hills. I even did my first metric century with it last week in a total time of 4 hours 20 minutes! Since ownership, I’ve ridden the bike 353.6 km and 3.3km climbing so I thought now should be a good time to write about it.
I did find the top tube is a tad long. It measures at 54.7cm which, for my torso and arm length, is a bit long. According to my own measurements, I should be riding 54cm. The shop switched the stem to a 90mm version.

I got bike envy and decided to drop the ALu bar (pun!) and get a carbon bar. One shop had the Ritchey WCS Logic on sale for $160 (was $400) so I snatched it up. For me, riding the same route, I noticed a bit more vibration dampening. Nice and smooth. So I got the WCS carbon seatpost to match also.

Final Final Impressions
I wrote this mini review a couple months ago with the intention of posting it earlier but alas, I got preoccupied riding! I thought I’d follow as I recently hit 1000 km on the bike. Since ownership, I’ve now done two metric centuries and quite a bit of 50km rides with decent climbs. In total, I have 1054 km and 12.4km of climbing (elevation gained). The bike’s been great so far. The tires seem to have gone a bit more out of round. The wheel itself is still 99% true though. The stock saddle has gone. It’s simply not wide enough for me and I needed something with a cutout to keep my manhood from numbing. I’ve also had to completely redo the way the cable was routed to the FD in order for the trim shift to work properly (get rid of FD chain rub)

I did notice three others in the city with the same bike which is a nice sign. One of them is in my neighbourhood so I will need to find him and talk shop.

If you’re searching for info on this bike or considering one and have any questions, feel free to ask! I’d be happy to provide input

Other bikes tested
Giant Defy 1, Allez Comp and CAAD10: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post17855655
Giant defy advanced 2, Felt Z5 and Z85: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post17887172
Cervelo R2: I didn’t bother with this bike. The geometry was really aggressive. I couldn’t see myself riding it for 30 minutes let alone 100kms.
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Old 10-09-15, 02:34 PM
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Old 10-09-15, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by truflip
















Hot.

Great deal, and nice looking bike. I can't keep reading reviews of bikes with 5800 because it makes me want to drop $350 and replace the 5700 I have now. Ugh, jealous.
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Old 10-09-15, 03:08 PM
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You had sticker shock at the original bike price but then you went out and immediately upgrade to carbon bars?? haha

Nice bike, enjoy it! Hadn't heard of the brand until last year when my LBS started selling them. Now I've seen a few on the road.
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Old 10-09-15, 03:19 PM
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I think lapierre males some of the most beautiful bikes on the road. Too bad there aren't any shops near me.
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Old 10-09-15, 04:30 PM
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Nice looking bike. Upgrade the wheels and tires next.
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Old 10-09-15, 05:58 PM
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That's a beautiful bike - congrats! Enjoy in good health!
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Old 10-09-15, 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan333SP
Hot.

Great deal, and nice looking bike. I can't keep reading reviews of bikes with 5800 because it makes me want to drop $350 and replace the 5700 I have now. Ugh, jealous.
If you do a combination of eBay+EU retailers online you could get a Ultegra Shifters-105 rest for $500

Nice bike. I think you could've gone a size smaller looking at your seatpost and stem length.
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Old 10-09-15, 07:47 PM
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beautiful bike...
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Old 10-09-15, 10:28 PM
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Why? The full 6800 group would be like $60 more.
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Old 10-10-15, 08:54 AM
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@Dan333SP thanks! sorry to see youre in that situation but if it helps, i think you should upgrade haha
@rms13 yea i know right. The shop was clearing out some stock and i couldnt say no. I sold the old parts so the damage wasnt as bad. damn mod bugs
@inspclouseau Agreed! I hope more shops in my area will carry the brand. Lots of mountain/trail riders here and they make some great bikes too
@dtrain thanks! next spring are wheel/tire upgrade for sure.
@thin_concrete thank you! right back at you
@KantoBoy you are probably right. this size is the largest I'd ever ride. it's fine though. I dont feel small on it
@bigdo13 i think so too. thanks!
@dtrain gonna guess that was in response to kantoboy's suggestion
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Old 10-10-15, 11:12 AM
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Beautiful bike!!!! The color combinations are perfect
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Old 10-10-15, 08:47 PM
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Beautiful bike, well written review! Enjoy it, I'm very pleased with my Sensium.
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Old 10-12-15, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Solidjake
Beautiful bike!!!! The color combinations are perfect
Thanks!
Originally Posted by decosse
Beautiful bike, well written review! Enjoy it, I'm very pleased with my Sensium.
Thanks! Do you have the 200 as well?
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Old 10-12-15, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by truflip
Thanks!

Thanks! Do you have the 200 as well?
No, my budget would only allow me the 100. But I can't complain. One thing nice about the Sensium is that it's totally upgradable. Other than mine having a Tiagra 4600 10 speed groupset and the paint job, the 100 and 200 are identical. I made an equipment list from yours, and as you can see... I agree with your riding assessment as well. Mine came with a Ritchey 110 stem (it's a 55 frame) and we dropped it to a Ritchey 100, just as you dropped yours. Mine will be put back up eventually. I also changed the seat to a Specialized Oura. My backside couldn't handle the Selle . The bike gets a lot of compliments and respect out on the road, despite the climbing-impaired rider (grin)
  • Shimano Tiagra FD-4600 Front Derailleur
  • Shimano Tiagra RD-4600 10-speed Rear Derailleur
  • Shimano Tiagra FC-4650 10-speed compact crank, 50/34
  • Shimano Tiagra CS-4600 10 speed cassette, 12-28
  • Shimano Tiagra ST-4600 2X10 “brifters”?
  • Shimano Tiagra BR-4600 dual pivot caliper brakes
  • Shimano SM-BB71-41B Pressfit Bottom Bracket
  • Shimano RS010 wheels
  • Michelin Dynamic Sport tires
  • Ritchey Logic Comp Curve aluminum handle bar
  • Ritchey 110mm 4-axis stem
  • Ritchey seatpost
  • Selle Italia X1 seat

Last edited by decosse; 10-14-15 at 11:22 AM.
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Old 10-20-15, 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by decosse
No, my budget would only allow me the 100. But I can't complain. One thing nice about the Sensium is that it's totally upgradable....
Totally man. They are nice frames it seems.

funny, I ended up with a specialized saddle (toupe) also. I went through 4-5 others. Saddles are such a PITA to find. happy riding out there!
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Old 10-20-15, 06:44 PM
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It is a nice bike. I really like their design. What is that blue thing around your seat post?
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Old 10-20-15, 07:05 PM
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Nice color scheme. It's too bad though that it's so difficult to make out the brand
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Old 10-20-15, 08:32 PM
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That's a beautiful bike.
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Old 10-22-15, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Shuffleman
It is a nice bike. I really like their design. What is that blue thing around your seat post?
Just a microfiber towel so the clamp doesnt mark the flossy finish of the seatpost. probably overkill as clamp has rubber coat lol
Originally Posted by Sy Reene
Nice color scheme. It's too bad though that it's so difficult to make out the brand
Yea it is. I actually saw the same bike on the road and I did probably a triple take before realized its same as mine
Originally Posted by PepeM
That's a beautiful bike.
thanks!
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Old 05-13-16, 08:39 PM
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Thanks for the review!


I've been riding a Trek hybrid 7.5FX since '07, and logged a good 6,000-10,000 miles on it. For one or more reasons, it appears to possibly be slowing down so absent willingness and plenty of expendable income to spend on a bike fit, I finally test rode my first road bike since 2007 to both get a feel for what might fit me and consider the bike to buy it. Few shops closest to me have my size range in stock.

It's funny that the one bike I test rode today is a Felt Z85 and there is also a deal on a 2015 Sensium 200 that's been available for a little while that I'm considering. Based on Lapierre's sizing charts, I am more likely than not, a bit too small for it. I appears to me that Lapierre does not seem to include stand over height in their frame geometry chart for the Sensium, which seems a bit odd.

Do you know your height and inseam?
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Old 05-13-16, 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by DTownDave22
Thanks for the review!


I've been riding a Trek hybrid 7.5FX since '07, and logged a good 6,000-10,000 miles on it. For one or more reasons, it appears to possibly be slowing down so absent willingness and plenty of expendable income to spend on a bike fit, I finally test rode my first road bike since 2007 to both get a feel for what might fit me and consider the bike to buy it. Few shops closest to me have my size range in stock.

It's funny that the one bike I test rode today is a Felt Z85 and there is also a deal on a 2015 Sensium 200 that's been available for a little while that I'm considering. Based on Lapierre's sizing charts, I am more likely than not, a bit too small for it. I appears to me that Lapierre does not seem to include stand over height in their frame geometry chart for the Sensium, which seems a bit odd.

Do you know your height and inseam?
No one uses stand over height anymore. It is totally irrelevant with a compact geometry, sloping top tube frame.
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Old 05-17-16, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DTownDave22
Thanks for the review!


I've been riding a Trek hybrid 7.5FX since '07, and logged a good 6,000-10,000 miles on it. For one or more reasons, it appears to possibly be slowing down so absent willingness and plenty of expendable income to spend on a bike fit, I finally test rode my first road bike since 2007 to both get a feel for what might fit me and consider the bike to buy it. Few shops closest to me have my size range in stock.

It's funny that the one bike I test rode today is a Felt Z85 and there is also a deal on a 2015 Sensium 200 that's been available for a little while that I'm considering. Based on Lapierre's sizing charts, I am more likely than not, a bit too small for it. I appears to me that Lapierre does not seem to include stand over height in their frame geometry chart for the Sensium, which seems a bit odd.

Do you know your height and inseam?
my pleasure! Sorry for late response. I responded to your PM.
Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
No one uses stand over height anymore. It is totally irrelevant with a compact geometry, sloping top tube frame.
This. It's reach or top tube length that matters more now.

the 52cm has 54.7cm top tube but my own measurements recently indicated closer to 54cm. Best to test ride the bike and see how it feels.
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Old 05-17-16, 01:12 PM
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why the long rear brake cable housing
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Old 05-17-16, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by SSRI
why the long rear brake cable housing
+1, this is a very easy fix, and will smoothen your braking greatly.
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