Tech

First Look Friday: Lapierre Xelius, Specialized Women’s Motodiva, and Oakley Radar EV

· By BikeHubCoreAdmin · 0 comments

First Look Friday is an introduction to the gear that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re featuring the Lapierre Xelius SL road bike, Specialized Women’s Motodiva shoes and Oakley’s Radar EV sunglasses.

Lapierre Xelius SL 500 CP road bike

The Xelius SL sits at the top of Lapierre’s road range alongside the Aircode SL aero frame. With a claimed frame weight of just 850g and professional rider input from the French FDJ cycling team, the Xelius is ready to fight it out with the best of them.

Lapierre Xelius SL 500 CP 1.jpg

The frame features a rather large BB86 press-fit bottom bracket, full internal routing, a heavily sculptured tapered fork with front brakes that sit tucked in to reduce drag, an integrated seatpost clamp, and unique tubing leading into the seat stays.

The top tube thins out towards the seat tube before splitting into three. While the main tube runs straight through to connect with the seat tube, the two off shoots run straight passed the seat tube into what becomes the seat stays. This was done to offer a ride that is a bit more forgiving than most race bikes on the pro circuit.

As is the norm nowadays, the frame is Di2 compatible with a “trap door” at the bottom of the bottom bracket for easy access to the battery. With the battery placed low, the height of the centre of gravity of the bike is reduced.

Specifications:

  • FrameXELIUS SL CARBON
  • ForkLAPIERRE XELIUS SL CARBON – Carbon Steerer
  • HeadsetFSA 1″1/8 1″1/4 FSA ORBIT C-33 44E + 15mm top cover
  • Bottom bracketSHIMANO KSMBB7141B PRESSFIT
  • CranksetSHIMANO 105 KFC5800CX26L 52×36 170mm (XS, S) / 172.5mm (M) / 175mm (L, XL, XXL)
  • Stem ZIPP Service Course BLACK 6° Ø: 31.8mm L: 90mm (XS, S) / 100mm (M) / 110mm (L) / 120mm (XL) / 130mm (XXL)
  • SeatpostLAPIERRE SPC-619 CARBON Ø: 27.2mm L: 350mm
  • HandlebarZIPP Service Course 80 Anatomic 40mm (XS) / 42mm (S, M, L) / 44mm (XL, XXL)
  • Front derailleurSHIMANO 105 KFD5800FL
  • Rear derailleurSHIMANO 105 KRD5800SSL 11-Speed
  • BrakesSHIMANO 105 KBR5800 / KBR5810 FRONT DIRECTMOUNT
  • ShiftersSHIMANO 105 KST5800 2×11-Speed
  • SaddleSELLE ITALIA X1 BLACK / WHITE
  • WheelsMAVIC AKSIUM
  • CassetteSHIMANO 105 KCS580011128 11-Speed 11-28T
  • TyresMICHELIN DYNAMIC SPORT 700×25
  • Claimed weight8,3 Kg
  • SizesXS,S,M,L,XL,XXL
  • Recommended PricingR45,000

Specialized Women’s Motodiva shoes

Specialized MotoDiva 3.jpg

The Specialized Women’s Motodiva is billed as an all-round trail shoe. The sole is made from a nylon composite and features SlipNot rubber tread to help with added grip when off the bike. The lacing system uses a BOA dial on the upper strap with two nylon straps lower down the shoe. For added protection, the Motodiva has a molded toe area to help absorb and deflect collisions.

Being a Specialized product, the Motodiva receives the Body Geometry ergonomic fit for women which promises to make the shoe comfortable for most feet.

Specialized MotoDiva 2.jpg
Specialized MotoDiva 1.jpg

Specifications and features:

  • Body Geometry sole construction and footbed: ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to boost power, increase efficiency, and reduce chance of injury by optimizing hip, knee, and foot alignment.
  • Women’s contoured Standard Fit last with low collar height for ankle comfort.
  • Injection-molded nylon composite sole with SlipNot rubber tread for moderate pedaling stiffness and phenomenal trail traction: Stiffness Index 6.0.
  • Single Boa S2-SV dial for easy adjustment, backed by the Boa Lifetime Guarantee.
  • Dial/lace assembly is replaceable in seconds with Snap cartridge system.
  • Hard molded toe kick for protection and durability.
  • Stitched synthetic and mesh upper with asymmetric strap closure for comfortable fit.
  • Replaceable threaded toe studs.
  • Two-bolt cleat pattern fits all major pedals.
  • Approximate weight: 335g (1/2 pair, size 39)
  • Recommend retail price: R2,599.00

Oakley Radar EV Path Prizm Road

Oakley RadarEv 1.jpg

The Oakley Radar EV is an update on the popular Radar range. The most notable change is the raised lens height which increases the upper field of view – a design feature Oakley borrowed from their Jawbreaker line up.

The model we have on test sports the Prizm lens which (having the Road specific version) is said to improve road texture, painted lines, and traffic lights while also enhancing greens and blues.

The frame on our test pair has undergone the recently announced hand sprayed Green Fade Collection treatment.

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